Explaining Telehealth

During these unprecedented times, many people are choosing to not go to the doctor out of fear of coming in contact with the novel coronavirus, however, thanks to Telehealth, you can now see many providers from the comfort of your own home. Telehealth, according to HealthIT.gov, is the use of telecommunications to support long-distance clinical health care. Don’t put off healthcare until the pandemic is over, here’s how Telehealth could help you. 

Explaining Telehealth

We all know just how prevalent the internet is in our world. In fact, you probably aren’t reading this article without having access to the internet. Now more than ever, the internet has become an important tool in the world of medicine. 

When COVID-19 hit, and people were told to quarantine and stay home, many began to cancel doctor’s visits or avoid reaching out for the fear of contracting the illness if they went into the doctor’s office. This is where Telehealth has transformed the world of medicine in recent months. Nowadays, this has become one of the most common ways patients are seeing their health professionals. 

Telehealth Examples 

Mayo Clinic defines Telehealth as the use of digital information and communication to access healthcare services. For example, they explain, Telehealth services can include the following:

• Make health care accessible to people who live in rural or isolated communities
• Make services more readily available or convenient for people with limited mobility, time or transportation options
• Provide access to medical specialists
• Improve communication and coordination of care among members of a health care team and a patient
• Provide support for self-management of health care

And now, during this global health pandemic, Telehealth has proven to be a way for patients to still seek medical care without having to compromise their health by traveling to see a doctor in person. 

The Perks 

Internet-based services also come with many benefits to traditional healthcare. While you can’t always see a doctor via Telehealth for all of your problems, they can be seen for many ailments and issues. The perks, Mayo Clinic explains, include being able to: 

• Have access to a patient portal. This serves as an alternative to email, where you can communicate with your doctors and nurses via a secure portal. Here, you can request prescription refills, view test results, schedule appointments and more. 
• Make your appointment virtual. Just like how you might have a business call over video conference, you can have a doctor’s appointment the same way. These visits can help you continue to have ongoing care from your provider when you’re not comfortable with an in-person visit during COVID-19. However, these visits are only for minor illnesses, much like you’d receive at your common walk-in clinic. These are NOT intended for emergency use. 
• Be remote monitored. This means your doctors and their teams can monitor your health remotely. They can use web-based or mobile apps to upload information from devices that can wireless transmit information, like blood pressure, blood glucose, lung function, and more. 
• Have multiple opinions. One of the greatest benefits of web-based services is that doctors can easily communicate with one another to get input when they have questions about your diagnosis or treatments. 
• Get easy access to your health records. An electronic personal health record system is a collection of information about your health that you maintain. You can access this information at any time from your phone or computer, meaning you can easily give information in case of an emergency.

The Drawbacks 

Telehealth is NOT a replacement for emergency medical care, which means it has its limitations. Using these services are convenient, but that doesn’t mean you can use them forever and for every problem. If you think you have an emergency, like shortness of breath, chest pain, or something similar, you should call 911. 

Call Interventional Pain Associates

At Interventional Pain Associates, we can use Telehealth services for pain management. If you’re suffering from pain, come learn how compassionate, holistic health care could help you virtually. Call us now to learn more: (512)-795-7575.