For patients and healthcare workers, telemedicine is a game-changer. This is especially true now that the world is facing a major crisis - the coronavirus pandemic. At this time, when everyone has to do their part in preventing the spread of COVID-19, telemedicine is one of the best solutions for encouraging people to stay home. Now, if some things about telemedicine aren't quite clear to you, keep on reading. Here, we'll discuss the basics, with a special focus on the benefits of telemedicine.
First Things First: What Is Telemedicine?
"Healing from a distance"
is how the World Health Organization (WHO) defines telemedicine. It's quite different from the traditional way of receiving treatment or medical advice from a health practitioner because you don't need to go to your doctor's clinic. With telemedicine services, you can consult with your doctor in the comfort of your home. Aside from primary care, other medical specialties also benefit from telemedicine solutions. These include mental health, radiology, dermatology, and so on.
The Benefits of Telemedicine
While telemedicine cannot replace the traditional delivery of care, it plays a huge role in easing the burden of healthcare systems, especially during COVID-19. Even without the coronavirus pandemic though, there are telemedicine benefits worth talking about. Here are 5 of them.
1. It Makes Healthcare More Accessible
Not having to travel far just to see your healthcare provider is one of the advantages of telemedicine. This is quite beneficial for patients who live in rural areas, as well as those who cannot leave their homes without taking time off of work or arranging childcare.
2. It Reduces Healthcare Costs
One research
suggests that telemedicine users spend less time in the hospital. Combined with the costs of travel, childcare (or elderly care), these all add up to lower healthcare costs for you.
3. It Helps People Improve Their Long-Term Health
If distance and financial concerns keep you from seeing a doctor, you'd be glad to know that there are telemedicine providers who make their services affordable. This makes it easier for anyone to practice preventive care and to stay engaged in their health care.
4. It Makes Getting a Second Opinion Faster
For doctors who need to get another specialist's opinion on a patient's case, telemedicine software can make the whole process faster. In some cases, where a patient's condition is critical, this telemedicine advantage can be life-saving.
5. It Helps Slow the Spread of Infection
This applies to the situation now, but even before COVID-19, there's always that risk of picking up an infection when you go to the doctor's office. If you're immunocompromised, for example, it's better for you to stay home than be around other people who might be contagious.
Stay Home, Stay Safe, and Give Telemedicine a Try
Now that you know some of the benefits of telemedicine, you've got nothing to lose by getting in touch with telemedicine providers. If you have concerns about your mental health, don't hesitate to check out our services.
We offer telepsychiatry, transition care management, and other mental health services.