Telehealth and remote patient monitoring (RPM) are healthcare technologies that allow patients to see doctors or clinicians without an in-person office visit. Telehealth is a broad term that encompasses many different types of healthcare visits and services, including virtual lab testing and counseling sessions.
Reduced Waiting Time
Telehealth services allow patients to connect with medical professionals without exposing themselves to the dangers of in-person visits. This was particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it prevented the spread of the virus and kept people from being exposed to potential pathogens while receiving care.
A typical telehealth exam involves the patient downloading a mobile application or calling a telehealth number provided by a physician’s office or through their health insurance. They then communicate with a clinician via video conference or phone, sharing information about their symptoms and health history. Based on the evaluation, the clinician provides additional instructions (such as prescription or over-the-counter medications) or schedules a follow-up appointment if necessary.
Synchronous or live telemedicine, like Agora.io, is the most popular telehealth option and enables in-person or remote doctor-patient communication. This enables medical professionals to study a patient’s living settings, such as dusty curtains or houseplants, which may impact disorders like respiratory illnesses.
By connecting small or rural hospitals to specialists at bigger institutions, telehealth also aids in addressing the shortage of primary care physicians and specialized scarcity.
More Accessible Care
Telehealth allows patients to see a doctor remotely without needing an in-person visit. It is a convenient alternative for patients who can only travel short distances, are homebound or have other transportation restrictions. It can also monitor chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune diseases. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is a subset of telehealth that helps healthcare professionals manage patients’ health with data collected at home.
Many hospitals now offer telehealth services to their patients. A recent study found that urban and rural hospitals have similar telehealth adoption and implementation rates. However, some rural hospitals still need to build up their capabilities.
With telemedicine, you may consult a doctor over the phone or through video rather than going to their office and waiting in the lobby. This is very beneficial if you have mobility concerns or are too ill to get out of bed. Furthermore, it spares you from taking time off work or making childcare arrangements.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth was particularly helpful because it enabled you to get care without putting yourself or others at risk by traveling. You can even use telehealth to see a specialist when you need help with specific symptoms or medical conditions. This technology is quickly gaining traction and becoming more widely available.
Increased Patient Engagement
With telehealth, patients can connect with their physicians from their homes. The virtual interaction creates a positive relationship between the healthcare professional and the patient to work together. This is a big benefit for people with chronic conditions and those with trouble getting to medical appointments.
Telehealth to manage health-related symptoms and illnesses is increasing in popularity, as it allows patients to connect with their physicians from the comfort of their homes. They can avoid needing in-person appointments, significantly saving time and money.
Furthermore, telehealth services like remote patient monitoring (RPM) enable patients to monitor their symptoms and health conditions while remaining comfortable in their homes. This involves sending data to a distant server utilizing digital medical equipment, including blood pressure monitors, glucometers, and scales. These systems may provide automatic feedback and routines highlighting abnormal readings or out-of-range numbers.
This type of patient engagement has been shown to lead to better outcomes. Patients who feel more engaged with their care are much more likely to follow the treatment protocol for their condition. One study found that RPM digital engagement increased by 80% for low-intensity and 78% for high-intensity enrollees. This is because engaged patients know that they are invested in their health and that their efforts will help them to reach their health goals.
Increased Patient Safety
As a result, there is an ongoing need for healthcare providers to seek ways to improve the delivery of patient care. Telehealth technology, which allows patients to connect with their doctor or specialist through video or phone, is an increasingly important way for hospitals and private practices to meet this demand.
Patients love the convenience of telehealth, which helps them stay on top of their health without leaving home. For example, a hospital in Colorado uses videoconferencing to allow doctors to consult with patients without nurses entering their rooms, reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19 and increasing patient safety.
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Using remote patient monitoring (RPM) for health services such as home health monitoring, chronic disease management, and wellness programs can also help reduce the burden on healthcare systems and hospitals. Healthcare facilities often become full and busy, requiring patients to wait long for their appointment.
The benefits of telehealth extend far beyond the ability to make appointments at a moment’s notice or allow patients to receive care from specialists unavailable in their local area. Telehealth technologies can also help increase the speed and quality of medical care while minimizing patient travel costs and eliminating geographical barriers to healthcare. In addition, insurance reimbursement for telehealth services continues to expand across the country, and many states now have telehealth parity laws that require insurers to reimburse virtual visits at the same rate as in-person visits.
