What Is Telehealth?

Have you heard the old adage, “Life is not about the destination—it's about the journey”?

That may be true for many things in life, like traveling, buying a home, and raising children, but it’s not always true when it comes to your health.

For example, the actual journey to your doctor’s office can sometimes be the worst part of the process. You just want your symptoms to go away so you can get back to living your life!

If only there was a way to get to the destination of better health without the journey to the doctor’s office… There is! It’s called telehealth.

Telehealth Explained

Telehealth, which is also called telemedicine, involves providing and receiving health care services through the use of smart phones, tablets, and computers. Just as the telephone revolutionized the way we communicate, telehealth is doing the same for our health.

Through the magic of a smartphone, patients are able to interact with medical professionals from anywhere in the world wherever they are, whether that’s a bedroom, a living room, the office, or even a pharmacy parking lot. This makes appointments much more convenient for both patients and medical personnel. It means patients don’t have to travel to and from the doctor’s office, and doctors can reduce overhead costs, passing the savings on to patients.

It’s less expensive too. You can get treated for illnesses like the cold or the flu, you can get new prescriptions, like birth control pills, and you can get existing prescriptions refilled for less money (and time) than it would cost if you had to go into the doctor’s office.

Telehealth offers:

• Immediate, around-the-clock access to physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers that otherwise would not be available in many communities

• The ability to perform remote monitoring without requiring patients to leave their homes

• Less expensive and more convenient care options for patients

Fast Facts About Telehealth

• As of 2017, more than 76% of U.S. hospitals had implemented remote patient monitoring capabilities.

• Today, 35 states and the District of Columbia enforce laws which require health insurance coverage to include telehealth options.

• Telehealth saves money. A standard doctor’s office visit costs almost $150, while the average telemedicine visit costs less than $80. That’s in addition to the cost savings associated with traveling to and from the doctor’s office.

• More than 80% of respondents in one survey say patients have better access to care with telehealth services.

• Over 90% of patients in one study said virtual visits make it easy to get the care they need.

How to Schedule a Telehealth Visit

Unlike traditional doctor appointments that have to be scheduled in advance, you can start a telehealth visit as soon as it’s convenient for you.

All you have to do is tell us your reason for a visit and answer a few questions. In minutes, you will be connected with a licensed medical provider who can diagnose your symptoms, provide you with a prescription, and answer your health questions.

With technology’s rapid evolution, the healthcare industry has changed as well—and for the better. Telemedicine has made the journey to a healthy destination quicker, easier, and less expensive for everyone.

Learn more about our telehealth services.