Posted on March 31, 2022

What does telehealth mean?

Telehealth — sometimes called telemedicine — lets your doctor provide care for you without an in-person office visit. Telehealth is done primarily online with internet access on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

There are several options for telehealth care:

Talk to your doctor live over the phone or video chat.

Send and receive messages from your doctor using secure messaging, email, secure messaging, and secure file exchange.

Use remote monitoring so your doctor can check on you at home. For example, you might use a device to gather vital signs or other vitals to help your doctor stay informed on your progress.

What types of care can I get using telehealth?

You can get a variety of specialized care through telehealth. Telehealth is especially helpful to monitor and improve ongoing health issues, such as medication changes or chronic health conditions.

Your doctor will decide whether telehealth is right for your health needs. Ask your doctor’s office what your telehealth options are, especially if you are concerned about the health risk of COVID-19.

Your doctor may also ask you to send information that will help improve your health:

Your weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, or vital information

Images of a wound, or eye or skin condition

A diary or document of your symptoms

Medical records that may be filed with another doctor, such as X-rays

Doctors can send you information to manage your health at home:

Notifications or reminders to do rehabilitation exercises or take medication

New suggestions for improving diet, mobility, or stress management

Detailed instructions on how to continue your care at home

Encouragement to stick with your treatment plan

Benefits of telehealth

Virtual visits are growing in popularity. Though in-person office visits may be necessary in certain cases, there are many benefits of telehealth care.

Limited physical contact reduces everyone’s exposure to COVID-19

Virtual visits ensure you get health care wherever you are located – at home, at work or even in your car

Virtual visits cut down on travel, time off from work, and the need for child care

Virtual health care tools can shorten the wait for an appointment

Increased access to specialists who are located far away from your hometown.

Original article: https://telehealth.hhs.gov/patients/understanding-telehealth/