When you think about it, the popularity of telehealth is not surprising at all. After all, the rapid development of technology, especially in the last 2 decades, was bound to affect the medical field as well. The basis of telemedicine is not unheard of, and you can trace its roots back to the 50s and 60s. However, things are much different now when the internet is available to the wider public.
If you’re still on the fence when it comes to this approach to healthcare, you are not the only one. Still, more and more people are beginning to understand the benefits of telemedicine. These are some of the most important things you should know when it comes to telehealth.
When You Can Schedule a Televisit?
Having a meeting with your doctor online is very convenient, and you can talk to them just like you’re in their office. Some studies have actually shown that people are more open and cooperative when they’re discussing their health remotely. These types of appointments can be made for different reasons.
From colds, coughs, sore throat, and pink eye to follow-up visits and medication refills, you can all do a simple video call and discuss everything that’s been causing you difficulties with your health.
Although it might sound strange to some, 83% of the patients’ issues can get resolved in the first televisit. This way of communicating with your doctor can be very efficient, especially in urgent situations. You don’t have to go anywhere, simply log into your computer or mobile, and you will know what you have to do to improve your health.
Believe it or not, but more than half of the patients that walk into a doctor’s office or emergency room don’t have to be there. They would have gotten the same instructions via video call. This means a lot to people who are working in hospitals will have more for those who really need their help.
Is Telehealth Covered by Insurance?
If you are already insured, you should check with your provider. More times than not, these types of services that are being provided directly by a hospital or a doctor will be included in your medical plan. However, you need to know that you might need to pay an additional charge. In the case that your insurance doesn’t cover televisits, you can always schedule an appointment on your own and pay for it.
Finding Telehealth Provider
There are multiple benefits to telehealth, so it comes as no surprise that more and more people are interested in this kind of service. As experts from myhealth1st.com.au state, you will be able to get easier access to healthcare when you need it the most and reduce the stress that is present when you try to book an appointment with your doctor. Telemedicine is an intelligent and innovative way to deal with health issues in the 21st century.
First of all, make sure you check with your doctor if they implement this method into their practice. If the answer is yes, they will also be able to explain to you how to book an appointment. Also, given the fact that they know your general condition, they will be able to tell you whether this is a good option for you.
Your insurance can help you in this process as well. Make sure you check their site or give them a call to find out about your options. They might redirect you towards doctors or companies which mainly operate through apps and web-based portals.
The Advantages of Telehealth
As we already mentioned, using this type of medical service comes with numerous benefits. One of them is that you will not get sick or get someone else sick while in the doctor’s waiting room. Also, you will be able to save a significant amount of time. There is no need to take time off work during the day so you can visit your physician.
You don’t have to think about getting to their office, which makes it much more convenient than the standard appointments. The possibility to talk to your doctor from the comfort of your home or via mobile phone while on the go is something patients will appreciate.
The world is moving forward, and it seems that the service of telehealth is here to stay. Those who have a busy schedule or live in a remote location and far away from their doctor will definitely find this type of healthcare very convenient.
