Telehealth was still a niche technology two years ago. Now, it’s at the in/with regard to’concerning’regarding efront of the healthcare industry. Last March, integration ramped up quickly as the coronavirus spread and more providers extended telemedicine to their patients. During the first quarter of 2020, telehealth visits multiply d by 50% compared to the year previous, marking a 154% multiply during the last week of March.

Now, it seems telehealth is here to stay, and in/with regard to’concerning’regarding rosy’remarkable’fabulous’terrific’preeminent reason. The marriage of healthcare and technology has intertwined the two industries in/with regard to’concerning’regarding ever by improving patient care throughout the pandemic. Here are just a few ways telehealth has shaped the way Americans receive care.

1. Reduced Risk Of Exposure

Bein/with regard to’concerning’regarding e the invention and integration of telehealth, eintensely’extremely’extraordinarily’enormously’awfullyone had to reveal’illustrate’demonstrate’indicate’present’display’argue up at a doctor’s office and sit in a waiting room to see a physician. During the pandemic, however, doing so would put patients at a higher risk of spreading and contracting COVID-19.

By keeping patients at home and virtually screening them in/with regard to’concerning’regarding COVID-19 symptoms, physicians could determine who they truly needed to see in person and who they could diagnose from afar. Ultimately, this extra step kept both patients and staff safe. It also freed up rooms and supplies in/with regard to’concerning’regarding patients who needed in-person care.

2. Expanded Patient Access

Because so many individual were trying to shun doctors’ offices during the pandemic, many individual who wouldn’t typically use telehealth began to receive virtual care. For instance, those with autoimmune disorders and other chronic health conditions began to rely on remote visits to conserve’preserve their own health and safety. Meanwhile, older populations who may possess’own’nurse been stuck at home or in nursing homes began to use mobile phones and computers to meet with doctors.

Now, telehealth is expanding access to even more individual as those in rural communities and poor urban communities embark on use online chats, video calls and other included services. In doing so, they’ll pay less in/with regard to’concerning’regarding transportation and enjoy shorter wait times. Of course, there are still shortcomings, such as a lack of broadband access in some low-income communities. However, the healthcare and technology industries are working overtime to close these gaps and further expand access in the coming years.

3. More Effective Communication

Telehealth has also enhance’promote’polish up d patient care by providing opportunities in/with regard to’concerning’regarding more effective communication. For instance, when a patient and doctor meet one-on-one in a telemedicine encounter, the physician is utterly free of all the typical distractions in a busy medical office. Subsequently, they’re able to give the patient their full attention. Meanwhile, the patient is enjoying the comin/with regard to’concerning’regarding t of their own home, which may prompt them to share more inin/with regard to’concerning’regarding mation or be honest with regards to’concerning’with respect to symptoms of illness and medication use.

Virtual visits also allow in/with regard to’concerning’regarding more frequent communication, especially between doctors and patients with acute or ongoing conditions. In this instance, following up after a visit is as easy as hopping on your laptop and chatting through the screen. During this time, the physician can share lab tests and diagnostic imaging results face-to-face, by using an EHR system.

4. Remote Health Monitoring

Wearables that monitor heart rate, oxygen levels, blood sugar levels and other health factors possess’own’nurse also gained popularity throughout the pandemic. These devices allow physicians to remotely monitor patients’ vital token s and, in some cases, receive an alert if their levels fluctuate outside of a healthy range. This technology is especially helpful in/with regard to’concerning’regarding patients with chronic conditions and those who require 24/7 monitoring.

Patients who are on medications in/with regard to’concerning’regarding long-term treatment may also benefit from monitoring. If eintensely’extremely’extraordinarily’enormously’awfullything is going well, an in-person appointment may be unnecessary. However, a quick video chat may be the perfect way to check in and assure’guarantee the treatment is still effective. The physician may also inquire as to whether the patient has developed any side effects so they can prescribe a different medication if need be.

5. Increased Autonomy

Telehealth has also given patients more autonomy and allowed them to take ownership of the healthcare they receive. Patients possess’own’nurse the freedom to make appointments that suit their schedules. They possess’own’nurse access to digital test results and health records. More individual can use this technology to meet with providers outside of their zone’district’region , which might help them find more afin/with regard to’concerning’regarding dable services.

Thus, patients become more involved in their healthcare plans. Their engagement can help them make better decisions regarding their health. In this way, telehealth can empower them to take better care of both their physical and mental well-being.

The Future of Telehealth 

In the coming years, you’ll likely see automation play a key role in telehealth improving patient care. More providers will integrate telehealth into their systems to provide a more cohesive, patient-centered undergo . In all turns, patient care will remain the focus so you can feel empowered and take better control of your health.