Virtual Vitality: Your Ultimate Guide to Telehealth Visits

Technology has given us social media, handheld computers, and video games, but it has given us something much more important: instant access to medical care. Thanks to telehealth, you can check in with your doctor from anywhere in the world. Here, we’ll guide you through the world of telehealth and how to make the most of these services.

Telehealth: What Is It?

Telehealth is the provision of medical services through computers, phones, and other communication devices. Also referred to as telemedicine, it streamlines the process of providing telehealth appointments and allows patients to get the care they need.

Common Telehealth Services

The most useful and common telehealth services include:

• Patient portals. Most providers offer online portals, which allow patients to access health records, set new appointments, request reminders, ask for prescription refills, and send secure messages.
• Online doctor’s appointments. Thanks to secure videoconferencing, telehealth allows doctors and patients to meet virtually and face-to-face. Telehealth is ideal for patients with limited mobility and those who live far away from their doctor’s office.

Read on to learn more about virtual doctor appointments.

What Happens During a Virtual Office Visit?

Online doctor appointments are effective for conditions that don’t require in-person examinations, including:

• Mental health therapy and counseling
• Dermatology
• Allergies
• Common illnesses like colds and pinkeye

Before setting a telehealth appointment, be sure your insurance company covers these services. Then, call the office or use your provider’s online portal to schedule the visit. You’ll need access to a phone, tablet, or computer with videoconferencing capabilities, along with a quiet, well-lit environment.

Virtual doctor’s appointments are much like regular ones, in that you’ll discuss your history and symptoms, and you may receive a prescription. If additional evaluation is needed, the doctor may ask for an in-person visit.

Storing and Forwarding

Asynchronous telemedicine, also known as storing and forwarding, is used to send sensitive information between doctors and patients. For instance, a primary care physician may send your X-ray images to a specialist for diagnostic assistance. Here, telehealth allows patients to get high-quality care when they need it.

Remote Monitoring

Telehealth tech also allows doctors to monitor patients’ health remotely, whether they’re managing chronic conditions or have been sent home from the hospital. Remote monitoring may involve:

• The use of medical devices that measure and transmit information such as blood pressure and heart rate.
• Wearables that record and send information on respiratory rate and sleep patterns.
• Monitors that detect changes in activity level.

Remote monitoring devices are often used for disabled and elderly patients who want to remain at home but need frequent health assessments.

Mobile Health Services

Mobile health helps patients track their health as time passes. Up to 40% of American adults use at least one mobile health app to manage chronic conditions or pursue their fitness goals. Some mobile health applications, however, offer extensive medical networks where doctors are available 24 hours per day, seven days a week.

Telehealth Limitations

While telehealth offers many advantages, it’s not a direct replacement for in-person medical care. For instance, many conditions require physical exams, and some patients feel more comfortable meeting their doctors face-to-face. Finally, not all insurance companies cover telehealth services.

Our Take on Telehealth

Telehealth services can support traditional medical care and provide additional options for those who lack access to doctors and pharmacies. Ask your primary care physician and insurance company for help finding the right telehealth services for you.

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