The COVID-19 pandemic has forever changed the way healthcare is delivered. Telehealth, or virtual health care, was quickly adopted by medical professionals as an essential tool for providing quality care and protecting both patients and providers from the spread of infection. With its wide range of benefits for both providers and patients, telehealth is not a passing trend but a viable, permanent solution for delivering care. Here are the top five reasons why telehealth is here to stay after the pandemic:
1. Increased Accessibility
Telehealth allows patients to access healthcare without having to leave their homes or travel long distances. This makes it easier and more convenient for those who have mobility issues,
live in rural areas, or have difficulty finding transportation. It also enables more timely access to care for patients with acute illnesses who may not be able to get an appointment quickly otherwise.
2. Cost Savings
For patients, telehealth can help reduce the cost of healthcare by eliminating travel costs and associated time away from work or other commitments. There is also a significantly lower co-pay, if one at all. For providers, telehealth can help reduce overhead costs by eliminating the need for in-person visits. The cost savings on both ends is incredibly valuable to all parties taking part in the telehealth industry.
3. Improved Outcomes
Telehealth allows providers to monitor a patient’s progress more closely and quickly make adjustments to treatment plans if necessary. This leads to improved outcomes and better overall health for patients. For highly contagious diseases, common colds, or many physical pains, diagnoses can be done without an in person consult, which due to the overloading of the healthcare industry right now and the lack of staffing, can some times take days.
4. Enhanced Safety
Telehealth eliminates the risk of exposure to infectious diseases and reduces the need for crowded waiting rooms, reducing the risk of infection for both patients and providers. This is highly valuable in the event of another pandemic or other health crisis.
5. Flexible Scheduling
Telehealth appointments can more easily be scheduled around a patient’s existing commitments such as work or school, providing increased convenience and flexibility in accessing healthcare. There are significant programs and IT services available now to assist in managing the telehealth side of care and improve healthcare overall.
Telehealth has become an essential part of healthcare delivery and is here to stay after the pandemic. Patients can now access quality care without having to leave their homes, saving time and money while increasing safety. Providers are able to deliver care more efficiently, leading to improved outcomes for patients. The convenience and flexibility offered by telehealth make it a viable solution for providing quality care in the post-pandemic world.