Understanding the Benefits of Telehealth
Telehealth is not a new concept, and rather, one that has existed for many decades. In recent months, however, it has become extremely prevalent and is being used more than it ever was in the past. The reason for this being, of course, the global pandemic that is still wreaking havoc throughout the world. Telehealth is, for the time being, one of the only ways we can see our doctors for non-urgent matters. There are different types of telehealth appointments, from video to telephone, and they all have their benefits.
In this article, we will hope to tell you what the benefits of telehealth are so that if you are faced with a telehealth appointment, you know how to get the most out of it. There is a strong chance that, for the foreseeable future, all doctor appointments will be telehealth appointments, so if you are not familiar with them, it’s time to get familiar.
What Are Telehealth Appointments?
Telehealth allows a doctor to reach and consult a patient anywhere that there is an internet connection or a phone signal. They are very straightforward and simple, and in your appointment, your doctor will ask you the same questions that they would if you were in the surgery. For more serious matters, you will be required to go into the surgery physically, however. Telehealth appointments can be video-based so that you can show your doctor any wounds, injuries, or marks that you are concerned about and want to bring to their attention.
How Are Telehealth Appointments Booked?
Usually, a telehealth appointment would be booked online. However, according to the telehealth experts of myhealth1st.com.au, you can now book them online. Your doctor’s surgery should notify you of which way they want you to book an appointment online. Telehealth appointments are very flexible and convenient, so even if you cannot get online, you can likely still book one over the phone. However, because of the lockdown, you may not be able to physically attend your surgery to get an appointment, so do try to phone first.
The Benefits of Telehealth
Safety
Firstly, the most obvious benefit of telehealth appointments is safety. Being that there is a killer virus sweeping through the world, staying safe is crucial. As you will not have to go into your doctor’s surgery physically, you will be far safer and will be less likely to contract a virus or an infection. Safety is the first thing you should think about at the moment, and if it means booking a telehealth appointment, then you absolutely should. Doctors’ surgeries are likely to be teeming with viruses and infections, so avoiding them while still getting proper medical care is absolutely essential.
Convenience
For those of us who have to physically attend our doctor’s surgery first thing in the morning to get an appointment, there is nothing more convenient than having a doctor see you over the phone. Instead of waking up at the crack of dawn and trekking to the doctor’s surgery, you can now have your appointments digitally at your convenience. Telehealth appointments have revolutionized the way that doctor appointments take place and it is fair to say that we can expect to have a lot more of them, even after the virus has faded into obscurity and a vaccine is found.
Time Conservative
This is more of a benefit for the doctors than the patients themselves, but as it improves the doctor’s efficiency, it is still a benefit for the patients. If your doctor is able to save time, he will be able to treat you more effectively and efficiently and give you longer time slots. Saving your doctor time is something you should be very enthusiastic about. It is something that can only be achieved through telehealth appointments, which is why so many in our healthcare industry are so passionate and enthusiastic about it.
Low Cost
Telehealth appointments, if you have to pay for medical care, are a lot less expensive than more traditional appointments. It is because of this that many people are choosing telehealth appointments over physical appointments even when they have the option for a physical appointment. Telehealth appointments are significantly less expensive because they are a simple video call and the doctor does not need to see you physically. You can have your prescriptions emailed to you and you can go ahead and pick them up straight away, therefore saving yourself time, money, and ensuring that you are safe.
With the help of this page, you now know about the many benefits of telehealth appointments, as well as what they are. Telehealth appointments are a part of the so-called ‘new normal’, so it is best you get used to them now, for they are certainly going to be here to stay!
