Telehealth uses telecommunication technologies such as videoconferencing, chat, and mobile applications to provide healthcare assessment and delivery. It may be used in addition to routine patient care (such as conducting evaluations or follow-up visits) or instead of routine patient care (remote diagnosis). Telehealth’s capability for timeliness in delivering patient care can potentially decrease medical errors and improve outcomes at lower costs. The use of telehealth for clinical diagnosis is growing in prevalence, particularly in rural areas where there are shortages of physicians. Telehealth has been used to deliver preventive services such as childhood vaccinations, prenatal care, cancer screenings, lifestyle counseling, among others. But what are the benefits of telehealth Rockville? Read on to learn more.
1. Convenience
The convenience of telehealth is its main benefit. Patients can receive medical care without taking time off work, traveling far, or even going outside, depending on the technology used. Studies have shown that people who use telehealth services are more likely to notice an improvement in their general health than those who do not use telehealth. This convenience is a significant benefit for older populations who may be less mobile and live in rural areas.
2. Better Outcomes
Another benefit of telehealth is its potential to improve outcomes. For people who use telehealth, the risk of hospitalization after an emergency room visit or a procedure may be lower than those who do not use telehealth services. Telehealth also allows patients, particularly those in remote areas, to access medical assistance 24-hours a day, seven days a week. This makes it easier for patients to get assistance when they need care.
3. Ease of Use
Telehealth services are usually user-friendly. Most of the time, they are accessed through computers or mobile devices. These are more likely to be used by people over traditional healthcare access channels such as the telephone.
4. Lower Costs
Telehealth is less expensive than conventional medical care. This is mainly due to its convenience and accessibility, which lower costs for patients. Telemedicine has been found to help individual patients and payers, and even healthcare systems. And with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, we can expect to see an increase in the use of telehealth services as they become more affordable and accessible.
5. More Effective Chronic Disease Management
Telehealth is more effective in managing chronic disease than the conventional face-to-face approach. This is due to its convenience, accessibility, and affordability. Some studies show that telehealth services are more likely to keep patients adherent to recommended treatment plans and reduce emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
6. Infectious Disease Control
Telehealth also can help control infectious diseases. By using telehealth, healthcare providers can monitor patients on antiviral medications that treat influenza. This allows for better patient outcomes, fewer missed days of work and school, reduced absenteeism, among others.
In summary, telehealth is an excellent option for patients who want to receive medical care without traveling or going out of their homes. This allows the patient to focus on their health and well-being while still receiving medical attention.
