Despite the rise in popularity during the COVID pandemic, telehealth remains a relatively new offering from the healthcare industry. Combining advanced communications technologies with the expertise of real healthcare providers, telehealth provides patients with convenience, speed and low-cost in accessing basic health services.
Still, many patients have questions and concerns about telehealth that need to be answered before they are willing to make their first appointment with an online doctor. Today, we will address many if not all of those questions and concerns right here:
What Is Telehealth?
Telehealth is the use of advanced digital communications technologies in the practice of healthcare. Most commonly, telehealth refers to digital services that allow patients to communicate with an online doctor through video, voice, or text chat from the comfort of their homes, but telehealth actually has many valuable applications that could radically improve the effectiveness of healthcare.
For example, remote monitoring devices collect patient data and automatically send that data back to healthcare providers for analysis, so providers now have access to accurate information in real time and can make alterations to treatment plans to ensure better patient outcomes.
Additionally, telehealth could facilitate communication among healthcare providers, so patients can gain access to a knowledgeable team of providers in their pursuit of health.
What Do You Need for Telehealth?
Patients interested in taking advantage of telehealth solutions need the ability to connect to the internet from their homes.
Their internet connection must be fast enough to stream video without interruptions, which means a download speed of at least 25 megabytes and an upload speed of at least 3 megabytes.
Patients also need devices that allow for video or audio communication, like a laptop, tablet or smartphone, though these can be borrowed from loved ones if the need arises.
Can You Use Telehealth If You Are Not Good With Tech?
In truth, the populations that most benefit from telehealth solutions tend to overlap with the populations least likely to have advanced tech knowledge and skill.
Fortunately, telehealth is not difficult to use. Telehealth services usually have straightforward instructions to help patients connect with providers, and most remote monitoring tools require little to no interaction from patients, who need only live their lives as usual.
Still, patients uncomfortable with technology can ask for clear instructions from telehealth providers or lean on loved ones with more tech-savvy to help them acquire the healthcare they need.
Is Telehealth Secure?
Patient data is among the most sensitive data in the world, and many patients are hesitant to utilize telehealth services in fear that their data will become vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Unfortunately, all digital data is vulnerable to some extent, but most telehealth services invest heavily in cybersecurity measures to protect patients and providers from leaks.
Users can investigate a company’s cybersecurity policies before using their telehealth services if security is of prime importance.
What Conditions Can Be Treated Through Telehealth?
Physical health often requires physical tests and physical treatments, so not all health conditions can be rectified through a single telehealth appointment. Fortunately, patients can gain fast and convenient access to a number of vital services, including:
– Prescription management
– Lab test results reviews
– Simple urgent care, like cold and flu
– Simple recurring conditions, like UTIs
– Basic physical therapy
– Referrals and follow-ups
Can You Use Your Regular Provider With Telehealth?
Patients who prefer to receive care from a provider they know and trust should ask their provider about telehealth opportunities.
Through the pandemic, many healthcare providers invested in telehealth services to remain connected to their patients, so it is likely that a beloved provider has telehealth available for their patients.
Does Insurance Cover Telehealth Visits?
Because providers can practice through telehealth without the need for extensive and expensive offices, telehealth services tend to be more cost-effective than traditional medical care.
As a result, insurance providers much prefer when patients utilize telehealth over typical in-office visits. Many providers will cover most if not all the costs of telehealth, though individual patients should review their unique policies to verify before making any telehealth appointments.
The more patients come to rely on telehealth solutions, the sooner they will realize how revolutionary it can be in delivering healthcare in a fast, convenient and low-cost way.
Any other questions about telehealth can be directed to telehealth customer service teams or to healthcare providers offering telehealth services.
Read Also
- Partial dentures: comfort, aesthetics
Understanding Partial Dentures: Types and materials Think of partial dentures as custom-tailored clothing for your mouth—each style and substance plays its distinct role. There are three principal varieties: Material choice profoundly influences both feel and looks. If you’re researching options, exploring Partial dentures can unlock insight into materials and styles designed not just to restore,… Read more: Partial dentures: comfort, aesthetics - How Family Physicians Bridge Preventive Health and Tailored TreatmentWhy Your Future Health Starts with Today’s Choices Picture this: a mother balancing work deadlines, school drop-offs, and grocery runs. In the chaos of her schedule, her annual check-up gets pushed. Months later, what started as a silent issue evolves into something much more serious—and costly. These scenarios play out every day, with deferred care… Read more: How Family Physicians Bridge Preventive Health and Tailored Treatment
- Fresh Perspectives on St George Dental Care StrategiesOpening Context: Modern Demands on Oral Health Advances in technology, changes in diets, and evolving aesthetics have transformed expectations for oral health care. Patients seek faster solutions, long-lasting treatments, and processes that fit seamlessly into busy lifestyles. Beyond basic cleanings, there is a growing desire for preventive, personalized care that prioritizes comfort and precision. A… Read more: Fresh Perspectives on St George Dental Care Strategies
- Collective Medical Support: How Health Sharing Communities Transform Healthcare AccessA New Approach to Covering Medical Bills Healthcare costs continue to burden households, with rising premiums and unexpected bills creating uncertainty for many. In facing these challenges, some opt for an alternative model: health-sharing communities. Instead of traditional insurance, members contribute monthly to a collective pool that helps pay for medical expenses. A recent report… Read more: Collective Medical Support: How Health Sharing Communities Transform Healthcare Access
- Why comprehensive health insurance with maternity is beneficial in the UAEWelcoming a child is a significant milestone in any family’s journey. As exciting as this chapter is, it also brings with it a fair share of responsibilities—especially when it comes to planning for healthcare costs. Health insurance is now mandatory in the UAE, but as with any type of insurance, the smallest requirement might not… Read more: Why comprehensive health insurance with maternity is beneficial in the UAE
- Modern Approaches to Adolescent Mental Health Treatment for Lasting RecoveryWith increasing numbers of teens experiencing emotional and behavioral health concerns, adolescent mental health treatment has become more essential than ever. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma and mood instability are on the rise, and effective support must evolve with these growing needs. Today’s treatment models blend evidence-based therapy with flexible access and holistic care, giving… Read more: Modern Approaches to Adolescent Mental Health Treatment for Lasting Recovery
