This article describes how telehealth started and the different ways that telehealth can and cannot be used.
It also explores the advantages and disadvantages of telehealth and whether it is the best option for you.
Telemedicine is just one aspect of telehealth focused solely on patient care.
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What Can Telehealth Treat?
These include primary care, dermatology, dietetics, mental health, cardiology, endocrinology, and others.
Even after the pandemic officially ended, many of the benefits remain.
Telehealth may also be a faster way to access services.
Beyond the actual out-of-pocket costs, telehealth can also be more cost-effective.
This is particularly important for older people, people who are unvaccinated, or those who are immunocompromised.
Older age is also associated with lower technology use.
Socioeconomic disparities alone may stand in the way of this.
Similarly, unemployed people are 15% less likely to access telehealth than those with a job.
In the end, some health services cant be replicated virtually and require in-person visits.
Some health insurance companies also provide searchable directories of healthcare providers with telehealth options.
If you have Medicare or Medicaid, double-check that the service you plan to use is covered.
Summary
Telehealth involves the use of technology to deliver medical care remotely.
The advantages of telehealth include convenience, generally lower costs, and more consistent management of medical conditions.
There are also limitations to the types of conditions that telehealth can and cannot treat.
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