Medical providers first started using telehealth about 60 years ago. Of course, it didn’t truly get off the ground until fairly recently. As recently as 20 years ago, only a handful of providers and patients were taking advantage of this alternative to in-person visits. Then, when the pandemic took hold, more people began to realize the potential of telemedicine. At this point, it has become more effective and practical than it was in the beginning, and it offers a long list of benefits for both patients and providers.
Benefits of Telehealth for Providers
First off, consider the benefits of telehealth for healthcare providers. For one, it allows hospitals and doctor’s offices to reach more patients. That includes those in underserved areas and those who are unable to travel to in-person visits. It can also give medical facilities a broader talent pool to choose from, and numerous resources are available for those that need help finding licensed telehealth staff members.
Telemedicine can help hospitals and clinics save money as well. Those that offer telehealth services often see reduced operating costs and lower physicians fees when compared to solely in-person visits. Telemedicine can also reduce no-show rates. In turn, that reduces wasted time and helps medical facilities operate more efficiently. Facilities that offer telehealth services tend to see higher patient satisfaction rates too.
Advantages of Telehealth for Patients
Now, let’s look at the advantages of telehealth for patients. Convenience is one of its main strong suits. It eliminates the need to drive to the doctor’s office and sit in a crowded waiting room to get medical care. It tends to reduce wait times as well in terms of both scheduling appointments and actually seeing the doctor. It can cut the former by half or more, and it often completely eliminates wait times for the latter.
At the same time, telemedicine can help keep patients healthier. It prevents them from being exposed to illnesses while sitting in waiting rooms. Studies show that it can improve overall patient outcomes as well. It tends to reduce hospital admissions and readmissions and makes patients more likely to keep their appointments. It also provides access to specialty care for patients who might not otherwise have it.
Many patients also find that telemedicine saves them money. In some cases, the costs of virtual doctor visits are lower than those of in-person appointments. Telehealth likewise gives patients an alternative to more expensive options, such as emergency rooms and urgent care. Since it can help patients stay healthier and potentially prevent hospital stays and return visits, they may save money in that respect as well.
Virtual Medical Care: Benefiting Both Healthcare Providers and Their Patients
Telehealth services have increased by more than 60 percent in less than a decade, and they’re expected to continue growing in the years to come. Offering virtual visits can bring medical facilities an array of benefits, including reaching more people, having a broader talent pool at their disposal, and keeping patients healthier. Reduced operating costs and improved patient outcomes can’t be ignored, either.
Taking advantage of telehealth can be beneficial for patients as well. It’s more convenient and often less expensive. It reduces the risks of sitting in waiting rooms with other sick patients and gives people the same quality of care they’d have with in-person visits. With all that being the case, telehealth is certainly worth consideration from those on both ends of that spectrum.