Key Takeaways
- One of the successful implementations of telehealth services is seen in virtual consultation.
- The remote monitoring feature of telehealth ensures access to healthcare in remote and rural communities.
- Virtual consultation with your online doctor also enhances your personalized care.
Telehealth services have truly revolutionized the contemporary healthcare landscape.
Imagine a diabetic patient living in a suburb receiving a real-time virtual consultation from a
top cardiologist based in a metropolitan city.
This was unimaginable decades ago. But now, with the advent of telehealth services,
healthcare has become more accessible.
In addition to improved medical care, it is estimated that telehealth services can save the
United States more than $4 billion annually. Technology can greatly reduce transportation
and travel costs and lower operational and facility expenditures.
What is Virtual Consultation?
Virtual consultation can be simply described as a real-time consultation between a doctor
and a patient. The concept of an online consultation rose to prominence when it was
observed that virtual care not only reduced the transmission of COVID during the pandemic,
but also improved access to medical services.
A rise in virtual consultations was observed during the pandemic, with a swift shift from
face-to-face primary care to virtual primary care. Approximately 65% of primary care
consultations in the United States shifted to virtual care around the time COVID was at its
peak.
What is Telemedicine?
Telemedicine is the use of telecommunication technology to provide patients with better
access to healthcare while reducing medical expenses. It has been successfully applied in
rural areas where physician access has been limited for decades. The rise of telemedicine
has eliminated travel expenses, which often affect low-income individuals.
To learn more about telehealth services, let’s go through their benefits in depth!
Unlocking the Benefits of Telehealth Services
Telehealth services have various benefits if employed well in your medical practice. Here are
a few benefits of virtual care, but the advantages go beyond this list!
Remote Monitoring in Telehealth Services
Remote monitoring eliminates geographic barriers, allowing patients to connect with online doctors regardless of their locations. This is extremely beneficial for individuals who live in suburbs or remote areas where easy access to medical facilities is not available. Remote patient monitoring ensures better patient care by continuously evaluating the patient’s healthcare status. For this, healthcare professionals monitor the patients virtually or review the images shared through online patient portals. Telehealth services are made possible through newer technology, such as mobile phone applications. Mobile health apps allow patients to communicate directly with their healthcare providers, log symptoms, and get routine prescriptions. Many healthcare apps remind patients to take their medications and access healthcare information.
Reduced Healthcare Costs
The rise of telemedicine in healthcare has greatly reduced the cost of travel, transportation, hospital stays, and other medical expenditures in emergency ward rooms. It also optimizes resources and reduces operational costs for doctors. In-person consultations can be expensive, in addition to travel expenses. Some doctors and therapists charge a high fee only for an hour, even for patients with health insurance. Telemedicine, on the other hand, charges less than in-person visits. The rise of telemedicine in the healthcare sector also reduces the financial burden of hospitals and other medical centers. For instance, chronic diseases account for 75% of medical expenses in the US healthcare system. The expenditure can be significantly reduced if patients are monitored at home and online doctors are provided expeditious access.
-
Early Detection and Intervention
Detecting disease in its initial stages makes it possible to treat it before the condition worsens. Telemedicine is pivotal in making early detection more accessible, accurate, and efficient. The path followed by telemedicine for early diagnosis is as follows;
- Patient access to telemedicine
- Virtual consultation with your online doctor
- Timely diagnosis
- Intervention
- Improved health monitoring
- Proactive healthcare management
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in early diagnosis enhances early disease detection. The rise of telemedicine platforms has also provided huge impetus for AI-powered tools to improve the efficiency of telehealth. AI can help healthcare providers make more informed decisions, leading to accurate diagnoses.
Personalized care
With all its benefits, the rise of telemedicine also ensures personalized care for its patients through virtual care. By using an individualistic approach, healthcare providers can deliver better care that is specific to the needs of a patient. Would you ever want to wait in a queue with several other patients? That’s what happens when you visit a physician in person, compromising personalized care. By seeking virtual care for personalized treatment, you get a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, preferences, and circumstances. By integrating robust technology in virtual care, some platforms offer telemedicine services that foster open communication between online doctors and patients. Such environments enhance trust and comfort, providing effective personalized care.
Patient-Centred Future of Telemedicine
The healthcare industry is most likely to experience a great digital revolution in the coming years. Technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), IoT, and 5G will continue to enhance data transmission speed, a key factor in robust virtual care.
Studies reveal that virtual consultations are as effective as face-to-face care and have a potentially positive impact on the efficiency and timeliness of care. By adopting this digital shift, healthcare providers will ensure patients receive timely, effective, personalized care!
FAQ
What is virtual consultation?
Virtual consultation, also known as a telehealth appointment, refers to an online doctor appointment conducted remotely using technological devices such as phones and laptops.
What are the benefits of telehealth?
The primary benefits of telehealth include remote monitoring, lower medical expenses, early diagnosis, and personalized care plans.
What is telemedicine?
Telemedicine refers to the provision of remote medical services by your healthcare provider, who will ensure effective patient care.
