In our fast-paced, digitally connected world, convenience is everything, even when it comes to health care. Not long ago, you may have thought telehealth was a long way off, but it’s become a popular choice for folks seeking accessible, timely, and cost-effective medical care.
At MS Family Medicine Health Care, PC, in Mineola, New York, we see the value of telehealth for our patients. Our medical director, Dr. Michele Reed, wants to share the advantages and how it might benefit you.
Telehealth is an umbrella term for all remote health care services. It involves the use of digital information and telecommunication technology to provide a number of virtual activities, such as:
Telehealth and telemedicine are terms often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same. Telemedicine is a form of telehealth that refers to remote visits with your medical provider. Instead of coming to our office, we meet by video or phone while you stay at home.
Telehealth includes telemedicine, plus all other remote medical services like those mentioned above. Calling us for prescription refills that we electronically transmit to the pharmacy is a type of telemedicine.
Remote health care has been available for decades, but it became more accepted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Though we continue to provide in-office care, we still offer telehealth because of the many benefits it offers.
While skipping the drive and time spent in the waiting area is a perk, telehealth offers more than just convenience. It’s a powerful tool that enhances access to health care, improves engagement with patients and providers, and streamlines processes that may save you money.
Here are some of the key benefits of telehealth:
Lack of transportation, living far away, and limited mobility are some of the barriers that make it harder for some folks to see their doctor.
Telehealth removes these barriers with remote appointments, monitoring, and electronic prescriptions that we can arrange to have delivered directly to you. These advantages make it easier for the most vulnerable individuals to receive the care they need.
Getting to your doctor’s office can be challenging if you work long hours or have to take care of young children or aging parents. You may need to take time off work or hire a babysitter.
Telehealth cuts out the commute, saving you time and money. It may also offer more flexible appointment times that make it easier to work around your schedule, seeing your doctor when your child is napping or mom is at the senior center.
Digital information and telecommunication make it easier to stay in touch with us in between office visits. We can do virtual follow-ups and remote routine check-ins to monitor your health and make timely adjustments to treatment plans.
Telehealth also makes it easier to share health information with other providers, so we’re all on the same page.
With tools like remote patient monitoring and regular virtual follow-ups, we closely monitor and manage chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. This proactive approach reduces your risk of complications and visits to the emergency room.
Many people transitioned to telehealth appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic to avoid unnecessary exposure to the virus. But this benefit goes beyond COVID, reducing exposure to other germs like those that cause the common cold and flu.
Virtual visits may prevent you from catching a contagious illness while sitting in the waiting room for your annual wellness exam.
The many benefits of telehealth may work for you. However, it’s not right for everyone. Telehealth may not benefit folks who find technology challenging or don’t have the tools needed to conduct virtual appointments, like older adults without smartphones or internet.
Telehealth makes health care more convenient and accessible to many. Our telehealth services include same-day virtual sick visits and electronic prescription refills. We also offer telephone services to answer routine questions. We provide telehealth for existing and new patients.
Call our office today or request a telehealth appointment online to get the expert medical care you need.
