6 Ways Telehealth is Changing Healthcare Today
Telehealth is changing the landscape of healthcare as we know it. By providing a way for patients to be treated remotely, telehealth is saving lives and reducing costs. Telehealth has become a permanent part of the healthcare experience and now that it is expected that providers have some sort of telehealth service. Telehealth is making an impact on the healthcare industry in six ways
1. Telehealth has been shown to be successful in reducing patient visits. Studies found that telehealth was able to reduce patient visits by 30%. This is a significant finding as it shows that telehealth can be used to effectively treat patients without them having to come into the office or hospital. This is especially beneficial for patients who live in rural areas or who have difficulty getting to their appointments. Immunocompromised people also benefit by reducing contact with other patients.
2. Telehealth has also been shown to reduce costs. One study found that telehealth saved $30 per patient visit. This is a significant savings for both the patient and the doctor. Telehealth can be utilized for pre-screening of patients, reduced follow up visits, and nurse triage.
3. Improved monitoring is another key benefit of telehealth. With telehealth, patients can be monitored more closely and on a more frequent basis. This allows for early detection of problems and potential complications. Additionally, telehealth provides doctors with real-time data that can be used to make treatment decisions. Monitoring can be provided by video conferencing, medical devices such as blood sugar monitors, or even simple phone-based questionnaires. This is beneficial for those with limited mobility or transportation issues who have a chronic medical condition.
4. Faster response times are another advantage of telehealth. With telehealth, patients can get the care they need more quickly. Patients do not need to wait for an appointment. This is especially beneficial in emergency situations. Being able to quickly triage and escalate a situation can be life-saving. Many providers have after-hours nurse triage hotlines, providing immediate access to a medical professional.
5. Improved senior care is an area where telehealth is making a big difference. Telehealth allows them to receive the care they need without having to leave their home. This includes services to provide prescription refills, appointment scheduling and reminders, and follow up nurse calls. Senior citizens are often homebound and have difficulty getting to their doctor appointments. Telehealth can be used to monitor seniors for changes in their health status and to provide education on self-care.
6. Expanding telehealth has also improved pediatric care. Pediatricians often have difficulty seeing all of their patients in a timely manner. Telehealth can help to bridge the gap by allowing for more frequent visits and easier access to care via video and voice. Bumps and bruises incurred after business hours can be triaged at home, preempting an emergency room visit. Additionally, telehealth can be used to monitor children for developmental delays and to provide education on proper nutrition and exercise.
Telehealth is changing healthcare for the better, from reducing patient visits to improving pediatric and senior care. Do you agree? What are some of the ways that you have seen telehealth change healthcare? Do you use telehealth services? We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
