Telehealth is the use of telecommunications technology in the provision of healthcare services. Health professionals may use telehealth in Fort Worth to provide a range of healthcare services from patient monitoring and care coordination to patient education, disease management, and health screening.
In this way, patients do not have to travel to a doctor’s office or hospital for treatment or follow-up appointments. Telemedicine may also provide access to health information resources that are not available in person or by phone, such as databases containing medical information, scientific journals and books on medicine, videos of medical procedures, and patient instructions.
Below are reasons why telehealth stands out.
Access to long-distance health services
Telehealth is an innovative way to provide high-quality health care, regardless of a patient’s location. The system makes it easier for patients to access their doctors and other healthcare providers via video conferencing and telemedicine instead of visiting them in person.
Reduction in travel time
Telehealth also reduces travel time for patients who cannot drive themselves due to an illness or injury. For example, if you are unable to drive because of poor vision or cognitive issues, you may be able to arrange for a specialist to visit you at home or in a nursing facility so that they can monitor your condition without having to make the trip out to your residence first.
Better coordination between providers and facilities
Telehealth allows providers and facilities that do not have an onsite location to coordinate with each other more easily than if they were located in separate buildings or locations. This can allow for improved service delivery by reducing the time required for coordination between organizations, as well as increasing efficiency by decreasing travel costs and staff time spent getting information about appointments between facilities.
Improved access for underserved populations
Telehealth is especially beneficial for underserved populations, such as those living in rural areas with limited access to healthcare providers. Most rural communities do not have pharmacies or doctors’ offices within walking distance, and finding a place to pay for health insurance might be difficult for some people. Telemedicine can help bridge this gap by making it possible for patients to receive remote medical treatment from someone who knows their medical history and has seen their test results.
Ideal for emergencies
In emergency situations, having access to emergency services quickly can be crucial for someone’s health and well-being. If a person’s condition is serious enough to require them to go to the emergency room or hospital, they may have difficulty getting there on time due to long travel times and unpredictable weather conditions.
Telemedicine allows healthcare professionals to monitor and treat patients remotely to prevent complications before they occur.
Improved quality of life
Telehealth can help improve the quality of life for patients who have limited mobility or who may be housebound due to illness, injury, or advanced age. With telehealth services, patients can receive treatment from their own homes without the need for transportation or supervision by a nurse or other health professional.
To learn how you can benefit from telehealth, contact Clover Internal Medicine Associates.
