Telehealth
What is telehealth?
Telehealth is the virtual delivery of healthcare treatments and services. Telehealth is distinct from telemedicine in that it provides a broader scope of services than just clinical care. To use telehealth, patients connect with a healthcare provider using a device, such as a smartphone, computer or tablet, connected to the internet.
Some benefits of telehealth include the ability to message with providers, talk to providers live and use remote patient monitoring. Telehealth also has software platforms to aid collecting, interpreting and sharing data.
Why is telehealth important to healthcare?
Telehealth is important because it significantly increases the accessibility of healthcare since a person only needs a device with the internet and does not have to visit in person. Some of the major benefits to both provider and patient include:
Convenience
Expanded markets
Flexibility
Safety
Streamlined data collection
During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth experienced tremendous growth since it let patients and providers connect from two separate locations.