With technological advancements, telehealth has become an essential part of modern healthcare, offering patients a convenient and efficient way to access medical services.
In this article, we’ll explore answers to the questions:
- What Is Telehealth?
- How Does Telemedicine Work?
- What Is a Telehealth Appointment?
- What Are the Benefits of Telehealth?
We also provide examples of telemedicine, to help patients better understand this treatment modality and its advantages.
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth is a mode of healthcare delivery that is unlike typical face-to-face consultations, telehealth involves using technology to provide healthcare services remotely. Patients can easily connect with medical professionals from the comfort of their homes through video call, apps, and digital communication platforms.
“Telemedicine” is often used interchangeably with “telehealth.” Telehealth is a broader term encompassing the use of technology to deliver healthcare services remotely. Meanwhile, telemedicine is a subset of telehealth specifically focused on clinical care.
While telehealth and telemedicine are modern terms, the treatment modality they describe has been in use since the invention of the telegraph and the telephone. However, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for remote healthcare solutions, which significantly increased telehealth’s popularity.
What Is a Telehealth Appointment?
A telehealth appointment is a virtual meeting with a healthcare provider using digital technology. It allows patients to consult doctors, nurses, or specialists without visiting a medical facility.
During telehealth appointments, patients can discuss their symptoms, receive medical advice, and even fill prescriptions. Telehealth appointments are particularly beneficial for those with mobility issues or busy schedules and residents of remote areas.
How Does Telehealth Work?
Understanding how telehealth works can help patients make the most of this service. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up and attending a telehealth appointment:
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Scheduling an Appointment Online
Patients can book appointments through their healthcare provider’s website or app. They may need to provide information about their symptoms and medical history.
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Receiving a Link or Phone Number
Once the appointment is scheduled, patients receive a link or phone number to access the session. This information is typically sent via email or text message.
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Using a Device to Connect
Patients can join the appointment using a smartphone, tablet, or computer with an internet connection. The device should have video and audio capabilities to facilitate communication with the healthcare provider.
Key Components Involved in Telehealth Sessions
A reliable internet connection, a computer or smartphone, audio/video tools like earphones, and privacy measures are essential for a successful telehealth session. Patients should ensure their devices are charged and connected to the internet before the appointment. Ideally, they should have the telehealth appointment in a quiet room to avoid interruptions and potential privacy concerns.
During the telehealth appointment, healthcare providers interact with patients using secure video calling and messaging apps. They may also share medical documents and images to provide comprehensive care.
What Is Telehealth Used For? Examples of Telemedicine
- Primary Care: Patients can have routine check-ups and follow-up visits through telemedicine with their primary care providers. This approach ensures continuity of care and allows patients to discuss health concerns.
- Specialist Consultations: Telemedicine enables patients to access the services of medical specialists, such as dermatologists, cardiologists, and endocrinologists. This is particularly useful for patients in rural areas without large hospitals or specialized treatment centers capable of treating or managing their conditions.
- Mental Health Services: Therapy sessions can be conducted via video calls. This approach helps reduce stigma and alleviates anxiety, as it removes the need to physically visit the office of a psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist.
- Chronic Disease Management: Telemedicine allows patients with chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension to receive regular monitoring and consultations.
What Is Telehealth Used for in Urgent Care?
Telehealth is also transforming urgent care by providing quick access to medical advice for non-life-threatening conditions. Here’s how telehealth is utilized for urgent care needs:
- Triage and Assessment: Healthcare providers can assess patients’ symptoms and determine whether they need to be seen in person.. This process helps prioritize care and reduce unnecessary hospital visits.
- Common Urgent Care Issues: Telehealth can address minor injuries, infections, and other urgent care concerns. Providers can guide patients on home care measures or prescribe medication if needed.
By offering remote consultations, telehealth reduces the burden on emergency rooms and ensures patients receive timely, quality care. This approach also minimizes the risk of exposure to contagious illnesses in crowded waiting rooms.
Risks of Telehealth
While telehealth has been extensively used by national and regional healthcare groups, Urgent Care Clinic of Lincoln is selective in its use of telehealth due to inherent dangers that many people may not consider. Our clinic has treated patients who were “victims” of telehealth, where providers attempted physical exams that cannot be properly conducted over a camera. We have seen patients with perforated eardrums due to poor telehealth exams, and we’ve had two patients with perforated appendixes and sepsis after receiving a “good faith exam” from another telehealth provider—exams that should never have been done. Telehealth is not suitable for every condition, and while we understand a patient’s desire to save money, an improper telehealth exam can be risky and unsafe. Therefore, Urgent Care Clinic of Lincoln adheres to the highest standards in determining when a telehealth visit is appropriate.
The Benefits of Telehealth
A Stanford Medicine and Rock Health survey found that over 80% of U.S. patients have used telemedicine at least once. Here are just some of the many reasons why telemedicine is now a widely accepted and preferred way to access healthcare for many.
- Convenience and Accessibility: Patients can receive medical care from anywhere, eliminating the need to travel to a healthcare facility.
- Reduced Travel Time and Costs: Telehealth appointments save time and money by eliminating transportation expenses and reducing waiting times.
- Increased Access to Specialists: Patients in rural or underserved areas can access specialists without traveling long distances.
- Safety During Infectious Disease Outbreaks: Telehealth helps protect patients and others by reducing exposure to contagious illnesses.
- Improved Communication and Coordination: Telehealth enhances communication among healthcare team members and patients, ensuring coordinated care.
- Self-Management of Healthcare: Patients can receive guidance and support for managing their health conditions, empowering them to take control of their health.
Privacy and Security in Telehealth
Contrary to common misconceptions, telehealth is not inherently less secure than in-person care. Privacy and security are paramount in telehealth to protect patient data and ensure confidentiality.
Here are some critical aspects of telehealth privacy and security:
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA): Telehealth providers must comply with HIPAA regulations. They are legally required to ensure patient information is handled securely and confidentially.
- Technologies and Practices: Telehealth platforms use technologies, such as encryption and secure data transmission, to protect patient information. Additionally, providers must obtain informed patient consent before sharing any medical data.
Patients can also help ensure the privacy and security of their information. For instance, it is essential to verify the legitimacy of telehealth platforms and providers before using them.
Access Quality, Timely Care From Home Through Telehealth
Telehealth is revolutionizing healthcare by providing patients with a convenient, accessible, and often more affordable way to access crucial medical services. By understanding how telehealth works and its benefits, patients can feel more confident about incorporating it into their lives.
Explore telehealth services available at Urgent Care of Lincoln, a trusted telemedicine and urgent care solutions provider. We treat non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses, including:
- Allergies
- Cough/Strep Throat
- Cold/Flu
- Follow Up Telehealth visits for wounds, lacerations, and fractures to determine if there are after care concerns which need to be addressed.
Our telehealth services can be accessed securely via our website. Before you schedule an appointment, we recommend calling (402) 488-4321 so we can determine whether telehealth would be a good fit for your concerns.