In the year 2020, we can do nearly everything through the use of technology. For starters, we’re able to look up information with a simple search, go shopping, and have easy access to healthcare from anywhere via our cell phones and laptops. As COVID-19 rages on, it’s a good idea to know just how telehealth technology can improve patient and physician experience during this time. To provide high-quality care for those with chronic diseases and improve the quality of care for remote patients, telehealth is the answer.
From the use of mobile apps to virtual checkups with your physician, the term “telehealth” encompasses a wide variety of services and information. At a basic level, telehealth includes remote doctor’s appointments, health monitoring, and education from a distance.
The avid use of telehealth has grown aggressively since the late 1990s. In fact, the number of telecommunication technology visits has significantly increased from just over 7,000 in 2004 to nearly 108,000 in 2013. Analysts now expect general medical care visits to top 200 million this year. According to the CDC, telehealth is a promising public health tool for a few reasons. It has a potentially significant impact on medically underserved populations through increased access to healthcare and it increases prevalence as a recognized standard of care. Additionally, it has a large influence on the provider-patient relationship and has the potential to save billions of dollars in healthcare expenditures.
While there are many benefits to accessing telehealth, we list just a few of the reasons you should familiarize yourself with it below.
3 Reasons Why Patients Want Telehealth in Their Daily Life?
● Convenience – In today’s day and age, most people have their phones on them at all times, making telehealth an easy and convenient option. Patients are already using telehealth in some way. From meditating to start your day to checking your eyeglasses prescription consumers are able to check on their mental and physical health from the comfort of their home.
● Cost – Telehealth can save you and patients money. According to Regence, patients save $100 on average per virtual emergency room or doctor’s visit! These savings take both healthcare and travel costs into account and add up significantly over time.
● Emergency Situations – Telehealth is extremely useful in emergency situations. For those who live in rural areas, simply getting to the emergency room is a feat. If you add in the average wait time and time spent being treated, you’re looking at hours that could have been saved through telehealth. Using telehealth in emergency situations also saves patients up to $882 on average.
These are just a few of the ways telehealth is present in our daily lives. Learn more about how you can benefit from telehealth with One Touch Telehealth today or listen to our collection of podcasts with executives making waves in healthcare.