Telehealth is a relatively new and growing way to provide care to patients of rural areas or those too ill to travel to a clinic. Many patients have preferred virtual communication with their healthcare providers in recent times regardless of their physical location or health status. A study by Software Advice reports that 75% of responders are interested in trying telemedicine. Thanks to the advent of smartphones, several apps enable healthcare providers and patients to communicate online. This includes exchanging photos, video calls, and text messages. Through this form of healthcare, patients can access their healthcare providers anytime, from anywhere. It is extremely beneficial for people who live in rural areas. For example, pregnant women or the elderly can use telemedicine without traveling for hours in an emergency. Telehealth is saving the healthcare industry millions of dollars every year. It allows healthcare providers to care for more patients and prevent additional healthcare costs down the road. Telehealth can also bring extra funds to a clinic while boosting patients’ confidence and improving their sense of security. There are three ways to deliver telehealth:

• Synchronous: real-time communication between the doctor and patient via telephone or computer
• Asynchronous communication: when data, images, or messages are captured for later sharing with the doctor
• Remote patient monitoring: this involves measuring weight, blood pressure, and other parameters and sending them to a health care professional

There are many advantages of telehealth for both patients and healthcare providers. In this article, we examine some of the notable ones.

1. Comfort and Convenience

Among the most valuable benefits of telehealth is the comfort it brings. With telehealth, you can communicate with your provider from the comfort of your home and receive medical care when you need it. It only requires a smart device, such as a smartphone or computer, and an internet connection. This eliminates transportation costs, risks, and hassle associated with face-to-face visits. Additionally, telehealth is a great way to fit healthcare appointments into your daily schedule if you have busy.

2. Less Waiting Time

Visits to the doctor’s office can sometimes be frustrating because of the wait. However, with telehealth, you no longer have to worry about this. Since your physician can present you with your diagnosis through videoconferencing, you can get medical care without waiting to see the doctor in person.

3. Reduces the Chance of Contracting Diseases

Health care-acquired infections (HAIs), also called nosocomial infections, happen when patients receive medical or surgical treatment. HAIs can occur in any care setting, including hospitals, ambulatory clinics, and long-term care facilities, and surgical centers. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that in American hospitals alone, HAIs are responsible for 99,000 deaths yearly and 1.7 million infections each year. A nosocomial infection can affect any hospitalized patient. Children, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems are at an increased risk of disease than others. Several factors, including the use of indwelling catheters, failure to wash hands by healthcare personnel, and the overuse of antibiotics, contribute to the risk of infection. With telehealth, you don’t have to worry about contracting an infection because your physician can check your health remotely. Telehealth also allows you to obtain a second opinion about your diagnosis.

4. Accessibility for More Patients

In cases where patients can’t visit a doctor or live in rural areas, telehealth offers a great alternative. Even if your primary care doctor is located in a different city, you can consult via telehealth. You can receive frequent video visits from your physician too.

5. Improves clinical workflows and increases practice efficiency

Telehealth can enhance clinical workflows. Physicians can use patient data to make more informed medical decisions by prioritizing care delivery, triaging each case, and improving communication. Telehealth is one of the best-performing features of some of our nation’s best-performing practices, according to the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA). Telehealth tools can help improve patient satisfaction scores and overall practice performance.

6. Improves Quality of Care

Telehealth has the potential to ensure patients are more involved in their care and increase their independence. Health outcomes improve when patients gain more interest in their well-being and actively participate in their care management.

7. Increases Revenue for Healthcare Practices

Besides reducing overhead costs per visit, telehealth is more time-efficient for patients and providers alike. Physicians can bill for uncompensated phone calls while extending their office hours to capture more billable time with telehealth. Telehealth reduces no-shows and ensures efficiency. Telehealth also presents a competitive advantage, offering innovative ways to attract and retain patients.

Outlook

In 2021, telehealth has seen continued growth due to increased uptake, favorable consumer perceptions, and tangible investment. Recent analysis shows telehealth use has increased 38X from the pre-COVID-19 period. Telehealth is an emerging component of the healthcare industry, and the expectation is that telehealth will continue to revolutionize healthcare delivery in the coming years. If you are ready to embrace telehealth, Ascent Care Partners can help. Our telehealth programs ensure quality care and satisfaction without interrupting your schedule. Contact us today to learn more about our services and receive safe virtual care.