What is Telehealth?
Telehealth, or telemedicine, is an online method through which individuals can receive medical services via access to the internet and technology. Various types of video chat programs can be used to talk directly with one’s doctor such as Zoom, Skype, or Apple FaceTime. Telehealth has provided a way for physicians to connect with their patients through remote services which could include various types of specialized care. The goals of telehealth include making healthcare more accessible and available, to improve the communication between healthcare providers and patients, and to improve an individual’s self-management in regards to their health and healthcare.
The rise of Telehealth during the pandemic
Telehealth was being used since before the COVID-19 pandemic hit; however, the pandemic shut down various establishments with in-person contact to reduce the spread of the virus, along with this there was an increase in the usage of telehealth services. Policy changes that occured with the outbreak of COVID-19 included changes in increasing the accessibility to healthcare that patients would need and decreasing the barriers in healthcare. An increase in telehealth services was also due to limit the demand of healthcare facilities and centers in order to conserve and aid in the shortage of limited personal protective equipment (PPE). The usage of telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a way to keep healthcare workers safe and to continue to provide the quality healthcare to patients from the safety of their home.
Benefits of Telehealth
While the presence of COVID-19 is still present today it is important that individuals continue to stay safe. Here are some benefits for using telehealth:
- Online patient portal: Via an online website or an app on a smartphone a patient can have access to their medical records, history and summaries of past doctor’s appointments, test results, schedule appointments, request a refill on a prescription, and communicate with their physicians and nurses.
- Virtual appointments: Via an online video chat program a doctor or nurse can provide check-ups and prescribe medications to their patients from the safety of their homes or offices. This also ensures that the patient is receiving healthcare services wherever they are located. Virtual appointments can also reduce the time spent on traveling to a doctor’s office.
- Remote monitoring: Doctors can monitor their patient’s vital signs and overall health through mobile apps and devices. Wearable devices can be used to measure and record vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, blood glucose, and sleeping patterns.
Find more information about access to Telehealth for seniors here.
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By: Anissa Pizano
Senior Care Advising Intern at WellPath Partners
Health Science Student at California State University Long Beach
