How Telehealth is Changing How We Think of Healthcare

As technology has advanced and our world has changed, we have begun utilizing technology in ways that we didn’t have before. Over the past decade, there have been immense technological advancements in regard to telehealth solutions.

What is Telehealth?

Telehealth is a way to receive care from a primary care provider or other medical professional virtually. Typically done online on a computer, cell phone or other electronic device, telehealth allows you to obtain care without having an in-person office visit.

Why Has Telehealth Recently Become More Common?

The world has changed drastically since the Covid pandemic in early 2020. During the pandemic, healthcare providers were inundated with patients, so to ensure quality care, the utilization of telehealth rose drastically. Telehealth has been a new way to communicate with a provider from the safety of your home. During the global pandemic, many individuals found it safer to utilize telehealth instead of going to a provider in person. Now, telehealth is still on the rise, for convenience more than necessity.

What Types of Appointments Can I Utilize Telehealth For? 

While telehealth cannot always be used to replace in person medical attention, it can be used to replace a variety of healthcare related appointments. Below are a few examples of appointments that you can have utilizing telehealth.

• Discussions with your provider about chronic illnesses.
• Discussions with your provider about a diagnosis and treatment of an illness.
• Discussions with your provider about lab results.
• Discussions with your provider about medication refills.
• Mental health services.
• Substance abuse services.
• Child’s developmental services.
• Routine check-ups or follow up appointments.

What Are the Advantages of Telehealth?   

• The convenience of care.
• Saves time, as there is no necessary travel for the appointment.
• May be a cheaper alternative as some insurances charge less for telehealth visits as opposed to in person visits.
• Reduces unnecessary doctor’s office or ER visits.
• Improves access to care for those who live in remote areas.
• Improves access to care for those who may have language barriers
• Can lead to improved quality of care due to remote tracking and monitoring issues as they arise.

What Are the Disadvantages of Telehealth?

• Some illnesses and diseases can only be diagnosed in person.
• There have been security concerns due to the increasing cyber-attacks on telemedicine systems.
• You may not know the provider that is helping you, so they may be unfamiliar with your medical history which can affect the level of care they provide.
• Many people have limited access to adequate technology needed for a virtual visit.

Should I Use Telehealth?

Telehealth can be a great substitution for a variety of healthcare related appointments. If you are interested in learning more about telehealth options or think that you would like to utilize telehealth, contact your primary care provider for guidance on your individual situation.

Health Insurance Quotes

Telehealth can be a great tool when it comes to maintaining your health in a convenient manner. Having the right health insurance coverage in place to take advantage of the savings associated with telehealth is important. Cross Insurance can help you explore your options when it comes to individual or group health insurance. To find out more, contact your local Cross Insurance today.

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This article is for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon or used for any particular purpose. Cross Insurance shall not be held responsible in any way for, and specifically disclaims any liability arising out of or in any way connected to, reliance on or use of any of the information contained in this article. The information contained or referenced in this article is not intended to constitute and should not be considered legal, insurance, accounting or other professional advice, nor shall it serve as a substitute for the recipient obtaining such advice. The views expressed in this article are that of its author and do not necessarily represent the views of Cross Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Cross Insurance”) or Cross Insurance’s management or shareholders.