Benefits of Telehealth Services

“It’s time to move from reactive sick-care to proactive healthcare by default” – Koen Kas, Healthcare futurist

Healthcare, like many other professions, has been transformed by the introduction of new technologies. Modern telehealth now allows physicians to see patients through videoconference and monitor their progress via smartphones and other devices. This has allowed patients, especially those who live in regions lacking healthcare resources, to receive non-emergency medical consultation and monitoring while avoiding long trips to the doctor’s office.

From primary to specialized care, wherever there is the internet, telehealth is an option! Are you thinking about adding this technology to your facility or practice? If so, here are five benefits and advantages of using telehealth services to address your healthcare needs.

Reaching more patients

One of the most significant benefits of telemedicine is that it makes healthcare more accessible to patients who live in rural or isolated communities. The ability to host consistent, face-to-face appointments is extremely important for the treatment of acute conditions – minimizing unnecessary ER visits, helping patients avoid excessive travel, and cutting down on waiting periods.

Improving practice workflow and efficiency

Improved workflow efficiency not only reduces costs, it enhances the overall quality of patient care. Telehealth can help practices better organize complex data and communicate with patients more effectively. This has the added impact of improving patient satisfaction scores, and potentially earning you referrals and increased revenue.

Helping with the shortage of specialists

As is well documented, the United States is experiencing an increasing shortage of medical professionals. In some cases, patients have to wait for months to get an appointment with a specialist! Telehealth services can help reduce the wait, allowing patients to consult with medical specialists more quickly.

Doctors can also utilize virtual technology to provide better care for their patients. For example, virtual consultation allows primary care doctors to get input from specialists when they have questions about a diagnosis or treatment. Virtual consultations like these may prevent unnecessary specialist referrals – another way to reduce waiting periods and eliminate unnecessary travel.

Reducing patient no-shows

From unexpected travel, to work obligations, and family emergencies, there are many reasons a patient may skip out on a medical appointment. Excessive patient no shows can impact annual revenues and overall quality of care. Telehealth can help reduce appointment no-shows and improve the overall efficiency of a practice.

Improving patient engagement and self-care

Engaging patients through telehealth services helps them stay on top of their health. Through daily monitoring of health metrics, patients can learn how to proactively take care of themselves between clinician visits.

Various apps and devices can encourage healthy lifestyle choices, and curb obesity rates and tobacco use. Not only can they help remind patients to stay on top of their health, but they can also allow them to reach you more easily with questions and request follow-up appointments. These so-called RPM (Remote Patient Monitoring) tools are becoming particularly important in the management of chronic diseases.

Conclusion: Benefits of telehealth services

At the end of the day, the options are diverse, but the story is simple – hospital and practices want to provide the best possible care for their patients. Telehealth services provide regular monitoring and communication with your patients, improving their overall quality of care.