Telehealth, also called telemedicine, describes a healthcare provider using digital communication technology to deliver medical care, health information, monitoring, etc., to the patient from a distance. It can also be referred to as virtual care.
A typical telehealth visit can occur via video calls, phone calls, text messages or emails. Telehealth providers usually offer technology-based virtual platforms, allowing their patients to schedule appointments online and review meeting notes.
Telehealth has existed for decades, but it wasn’t until the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 that it came to the public’s attention. Today, it is the fastest-growing sector of health care, offering many benefits to those who use it.
What Care is Available Through Telehealth?
Depending on the telehealth provider, there are various types of care available to you. Most offer primary care for general health needs and urgent care conditions. You can also get your prescriptions for medicine via telehealth or telepharmacy.
Other services include remote treatment and support for chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. You can receive counseling via telehealth, be that nutrition or mental health. Likewise, many telemedicine providers will discuss lab tests or X-ray results with you.
The Types of Telehealth Service
The National Library of Medicine categorizes telehealth services into three types: synchronous telehealth, asynchronous telehealth, and remote monitoring.
- Synchronous Telehealth: The delivery of health information in real-time between a patient and provider. An example is a facilitated virtual visit (FVV), where a patient at a clinic or accessible site receives support from a telefacilitator (like a nurse) who uses diagnostic equipment (e.g., stethoscope, thermometer) to collect data and send it to the distant provider.
- Asynchronous Telehealth: In this method, also known as the “store-and-forward” method, a provider collects the patient’s data, such as medical history, images, or pathology reports, and sends it to a specialist for evaluation and treatment recommendations, with no real-time interaction.
- Remote Monitoring: The continuous tracking of a patient’s health status over time without in-person visits, typically through mobile apps or devices that allow for monitoring of tests, images, or even live video.
The Benefits of Telehealth
Telehealth has many benefits and is especially valuable for those, whether because of geographical barriers or physical disabilities, who cannot as easily travel for physical visits.
- Health: The remote nature of telehealth services prevents you and others from getting sick by minimizing close contact with others.
- Convenience: You can receive telehealth services from anywhere: your home, work or even your car. This convenience saves time, meaning you might not have to take significant time off of work or stress about finding someone to watch your children. Likewise, leading telehealth providers have incredible availability, meaning you can see a specialist faster.
- Greater Accessibility: Telehealth gives those living in rural or remote communities access to a broader selection of healthcare providers, including those far away. Telecommunication technology also eliminates geographical, physical, and socioeconomic barriers, allowing more people to receive care.
- Privacy: Many individuals are hesitant to receive mental health treatment out of fear of embarrassment or shame. However, with mental health telehealth services, also called telemental, visits are totally confidential. This increased anonymity empowers more people to take that first step in getting help.
Check out Antidote’s Telehealth Services
Antidote Health is a leading virtual-first payvider that provides affordable and accessible health insurance and one-time or subscription based telehealth services. From treating everyday aches and pains to managing chronic conditions, Antidote’s licensed clinicians are available.
