Do you wish you had the opportunity to see a doctor more often? Do you live far from available clinics or doctor’s offices?
Telehealth is a new type of technology that can make it easier to connect with health care providers. Different types of telehealth technology may allow you to send medical information to a doctor, discuss a health concern, or meet with far-away specialists without needing to step foot outside of your home.
While telehealth is a new idea for many, it is quickly becoming more popular as both patients and doctors recognize its benefits.
Many telehealth platforms aim to bring together doctors and patients. This type of telehealth, called telemedicine, involves receiving medical care remotely through the phone or an internet connection.
Telemedicine often involves meeting with your doctor through a video call on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. On this call, your doctor can ask about your health and take a look at any visible symptoms. You can get your medical questions answered and speak to the provider about any concerns you have.
If you use a telemedicine service, you may also be able to connect with your health care team over the phone or by sending messages or pictures through a website or smartphone app.
Telemedicine may include things like:
The term “telehealth” may also refer to other health-related tools. Some types of telehealth change the way that doctors practice medicine. For example, a doctor in one location could perform surgery on a patient in another location using robotic tools.
Telehealth also helps doctors learn and communicate with each other. For example, your doctor may use telehealth tools to consult with a specialist or receive additional training.
Tools such as video chats allow you to talk with a doctor from your own home rather than needing to drive to a clinic or hospital. This may be helpful if you:
Telehealth services help you access higher-quality care from your home. You may be able to communicate with your doctor more, which could help you feel confident that you are getting the care you need. Telehealth may also allow you to get in touch with a doctor outside of typical office hours.
Telehealth also tends to be cheaper than meeting with a provider face-to-face.
Some conditions may not be able to be diagnosed over a video call. If you use telehealth services, you may sometimes still need to go into a clinic or provider’s office for a visit or tests.
Telehealth also usually requires that you have a good internet connection and a device that can handle video calls. There is always a risk that you could lose your connection or experience lag times when using video-based technology.
Many people find telehealth and telemedicine tools to be very helpful. To give telehealth a try, talk to your doctor about whether they provide these services or look into telemedicine platforms that provide comprehensive services through one website or app.