Today, consumers expect and demand convenience with everything they do. From streaming television shows while on the go to ordering groceries without going to the grocery store. However, some people have still not realized that being seen by a doctor can be that simple, as well.
The use of telehealth, also called virtual visits, makes it possible to receive the healthcare services needed. While it is possible to get more information here, reading more below will help ensure the healthcare services needed are sought. Also, the information below will help ensure that using telehealth services is easy and effective.
What Is Telehealth?
While it may seem futuristic, telehealth is not new or innovative. When the telephone was invented, so was the idea of telehealth. In fact, there was an article published in 1879 that talked about the use of the telephone to help reduce any unneeded home or office visits.
As technology has continued to develop, the push to offer more services remotely has grown. Today, telehealth is growing -; quickly -; in popularity. It especially surged after the COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020.
Services Offered by Telehealth
According to modern virtual health providers, almost any type of service can be offered this way. While this is true, there are some types of visits that are amenable to the telehealth model that has been established. The visits are best for those that do not require a physical exam or any type of in-office diagnostic testing. This includes things like behavioral health, any follow-up visits for certain chronic conditions, and new patient visits where history can offer sufficient information to create a diagnosis and a plan for treatment.
Specific services offered by telemedicine include some of the following things.
Follow Up Appointments
Urgent care and primary care, where a provider follows up for a prior visitor who wants to check in with the patient to determine if more direct care is needed, is ideal. If any medications are needed, the doctor prescribing can send prescriptions to the pharmacy directly.
Education and Counseling
Services that require any type of education or counseling are ideal for telehealth, too. This includes things like diabetes management and prenatal care.
Medication Management
For people who are dealing with any type of chronic condition that requires the use of prescription medication, regular check-ins are necessary. This includes conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Behavioral Health Services
Counseling and mental health services are typically all talk based. As a result, minimal hands-on care is needed from the care provider. This means that the services are properly suited for being delivered remotely.
Health Screening
In the existing crisis, the necessity of virtual doctor’s visits is growing significantly. In fact, there are many doctors who are now offering remote screenings for COVID-19. They can also check in with people who are quarantining and who have mild symptoms to determine if any additional care is required.
Finding the Right Virtual Health Care Provider
When it comes to virtual healthcare services, there are several factors to consider. Take some time to find a good service provider to get the quality care that is needed. In the long run, this will pay off and help ensure a person gets the quality care they needed, remotely.