Benefits of Telehealth

The continuous advancements in technology that are being reflected in every sphere of modern day life can also be observed in the field of healthcare. Telehealth refers to the delivery of healthcare services to remote patients via a secure electronic platform. In recent years, the industry of telehealth has risen exponentially and during the first quarter of 2020, it was reported by the CDC that telehealth visits grew by 50%. Although these numbers were likely a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the presence and application of telehealth services are predicted to continue increasing. 

Telehealth provides healthcare physicians with a secure space where they can connect with their patients and deliver care, advice, treatment, monitoring and education. The benefits of telemedicine are far-reaching, and facilitate the removal of various barriers that have prevented individuals from seeking healthcare in the past. The implementation of telehealth for healthcare businesses can look different depending on the size of your practice and the services you deliver. Regardless of these factors, if you want to remain competitive in the healthcare industry and improve your patient care, it is time for your practice to implement telehealth.

We understand that the incorporation of new technology into your healthcare practice can seem daunting, but the advantages that will arise out of telehealth undoubtedly make this process worthwhile. To consolidate your understanding of how telehealth can improve your healthcare practice, we have collated 10 of the most significant benefits for both doctors and patients:

• Accessibility: One of the biggest barriers to receiving healthcare that telehealth removes is accessibility. Whilst this was especially noted during the COVID-19 pandemic, it also translates to everyday life. With telehealth, healthcare can be accessed by patients who live remotely or who are outside of the normal care delivery systems. 
• Patient engagement: The widespread movement to client-based care has led healthcare practices to adopt new ways of engaging with their patients. Telehealth allows physicians to foster a deeper relationship with their patients and encourages them to play a larger role in managing their own health. Patients who have chronic illnesses can be remotely monitored, and taught different strategies to manage self-care in between appointments. 
• Reduces overhead costs: Implementing telehealth into your healthcare practice can save you significant amounts of money that are usually spent on overhead costs. The ability to streamline certain tasks allows you to cut down on administrative staff, and spend less on facilities.
• Physicians can see more patients: We know that physicians in almost all healthcare fields are currently in demand, and it can be difficult finding the time to see every patient in need. Telehealth appointments are typically shorter, and there are no check-in or check-out processes. Continuity of care can also be improved, as physicians can see patients who live further away more frequently. 
• No-shows: Most healthcare practices are constantly trying to find a way to cut down on no-shows and last-minute cancellations. They lead to a loss in revenue, and can also disrupt the entire schedule of a working day. Telehealth appointments are far more accessible to patients, and with features like automated appointment reminders, you are guaranteed to reduce the number of no-shows at your clinic.
• Optimize workflow: Telehealth can help your practice optimize its workflow and improve efficiency. The technology can be customized to prioritize different appointments, and the accuracy and storage of clinical notes allow for greater medical decision-making. 
• Advanced business model: The healthcare industry is highly competitive, and finding new ways to cater to patient needs in your business model can be exhausting. Telehealth provides an alternative way to focus on client-based care, and with greater accessibility, communication, and efficiency, you can create a better healthcare model for your patients.
• Reduces patient costs: Not only does telehealth reduce overhead costs for your business, but it also eliminates certain patient costs, including travel costs, taking time off work, parking and childcare. Patients who have limited access to healthcare providers might resort to going to emergency departments or hospitals to receive non-urgent care, which usually has significant costs attached. Telehealth allows all patients to have equal access to healthcare and reduces the accumulation of costs associated with physically attending an appointment.
• Patient satisfaction: Improving patient satisfaction is an important yet difficult aspect of operating a healthcare practice. Research suggests that more and more patients are seeking telemedicine services and that there is a positive correlation between telehealth and patient satisfaction. This is understandable, as telehealth reduces patient costs, gives them greater accessibility, and allows them to play a more involved role in managing their own care. 

Improves quality healthcare: The technology of telehealth facilitates the improvement of quality healthcare. This is particularly evident in rural areas, where individuals can regularly receive quality treatment. Telehealth also allows clinical notes and medical records to be streamlined, leading to better communication and consistent treatment outcomes.

The world around us is constantly changing, and figuring out how healthcare can be successfully adapted to account for these changes has become an important topic. The advancements in telehealth and the increase in practices incorporating telehealth indicate that this model of healthcare might be the solution to revolutionizing healthcare delivery. With telehealth, remote living will no longer be a barrier to receiving any form of care or treatment. Patients are encouraged to play a larger role in the management of their self-care, and individuals who live with chronic illnesses can more successfully monitor their health. The issue of consumer demand is addressed by physicians having more time on their hands, and appointment scheduling being more effective. All of the advanced features of telehealth allow healthcare practices to treat more patients than a regular delivery of services models would typically allow. Ultimately, telehealth promotes a broader, more accessible platform for patients and physicians to connect, facilitating stronger healthcare solutions for anyone, anywhere.

It is clear from the research that telehealth will be the healthcare of the future. The vast benefits that it has for both physicians and patients are indisputable, and embracing these features will allow you to improve the overall delivery of healthcare services. The next step in moving to telehealth involves finding a platform that is right for your business. Carepatron is a HIPAA-compliant software that is integrated with numerous features all designed to optimize your healthcare practice. The platform includes appointment scheduling software, medical billing and coding, clinical documentation formats, storage, and a patient portal designed to give clients constant access to necessary information. With Carepatron, you will be able to proactively embrace the future of telehealth and focus on delivering high-quality healthcare solutions to all of your patients. 

Further Reading: 

• Managing your health in the age of Wi-Fi
• Virtual Doctor's Visits: The Promises of Telemedicine

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