Though telehealth started to increase in popularity before the onset of Coronavirus and Covid-19, the demand for a contact-free way to visit a doctor has turned it into a mainstream solution for virtual health care. Telehealth is an extremely convenient way to get expert medical care from the comfort of your own home, making it a common choice for people everywhere. However, telehealth can be confusing to navigate at first if you aren’t familiar with it. Telehealth provides safe and versatile care options that are convenient to take advantage of, no matter the patient’s specific care needs.
What is Telehealth, and Where Can You Find a Dependable Doctor?
For Canadian residents, there are several care options available. However, you want to look for a doctor that provides an excellent standard of health care, with easy access and the ability for same-day appointments. For reliable telehealth available 24/7, contact Rocket Doctor and consult with their fully licensed physicians. They offer speedy and convenient telehealth care for any Ontario residents. Their process is super simple: give them your information, tell them what you need, book a consultation, and have an appointment with one of their friendly and talented physicians. You never have to pay out of pocket, either, since Rocket Doctor bills OHIP directly, and their service is entirely free for Ontario residents.
What’s the Difference Between Telehealth, Telecare, and Telemedicine?
Though you may think the terms telehealth, telemedicine, and telecare can be used interchangeably, they technically refer to three different ways of administering remote health care. Telehealth is the general term that encompasses both telecare and telemedicine. However, even though telehealth is the broader term, the three methods are very similar and have only slight differences.
Telehealth
Telehealth has the broadest scope and refers to health care services, health information services, and health care education in the general sense. In fact, telecare and telemedicine are both included as a form of telehealth. The most common telehealth consultation is remote doctor-patient appointments and prescribing medications. Telehealth has become very advanced in 2021, with the ability to provide virtual diagnosis and evaluation and remotely monitor and detect any changes in a patient’s condition.
Telemedicine
The term telemedicine is covered under the broader term “telehealth.” It refers specifically to education over a long distance and delivering health care services through video conference or other telecommunications technology types. The kind of health care considered telemedicine is usually any remote clinical services.
Telecare
Telecare is also covered under the scope of telehealth. However, it specifically refers to the technology that allows patients to consult with their doctor remotely while safe at home, lowering the risk for catching and transmitting Covid-19. Some examples of how the technology is used are medical condition alert systems, telecommunication technology like smartphones and computers, and mobile monitoring devices. All that fancy technology allows for constant monitoring of a patient’s fitness to record data and receive real-time alerts for any change in their condition.
What Are Some Benefits of Using Telehealth?
Utilizing telehealth for health care provides many unique benefits. The primary advantage is that it allows for remote, contact-free care from the safety of a patient’s home. However, all of the significant benefits it offers are why telehealth is becoming such a great solution to the increasing demand for virtual care.
Increased Access to Convenient Health Care for All
The best aspect of telehealth is the increased access it offers to excellent health care. Whether it’s for seniors, people with no transportation, or those who live in very rural areas, telehealth makes it possible to have convenient access to health care still. It also provides greater access to mental health care, which is especially important in the uncertain times the world is experiencing right now.
Provides Affordable Health Care Options
Telehealth is usually always free in Canada, but another great way it saves money is on insurance costs. Using telehealth and telemedicine can lower insurance costs for employers considerably. There is little to no overhead, and it typically costs less than office-based care.
It makes it Simple to Get a Second Opinion
If you’ve ever wanted a second opinion but didn’t want the hassle of going to a different doctor’s office and waiting for an hour, then telehealth is a suitable choice. Getting a second opinion can be very expensive, but telehealth offers an affordable option for anybody to take advantage of its services.
Offers an Efficient Way for Doctors and Specialists to Communicate
Telehealth also makes it easy for several doctors or specialists to collaborate and communicate. With telehealth, doctors can quickly and easily order tests or send notes to another specialist or home health care aid for review. Usually, this is done using a convenient online health care portal.
Makes the Entire Health Care Process Quicker and More Streamlined
Ultimately, telehealth makes the entire health care process streamlined and more efficient. No more driving to an office, waiting two weeks for an appointment and then waiting an hour when you finally get to the office. Also, no more waiting in the emergency room for 8 hours! Telehealth offers a way to fill out and submit forms easily and efficiently administer health care.
Offers Versatile Care Options
The care options that telehealth offers patients are very versatile. Whether you need a doctor’s note, a specialist, or a primary care physician, telehealth offers a remote solution for all of those care needs. It can also be used for ongoing appointments. Maybe telehealth won’t ever replace in-person visits entirely, but it’s an excellent option, especially since there’s currently a pandemic going on.
Telehealth Offers an Efficient Way to Access Remote Health Care Telehealth offers a unique solution and answer to the demand for remote and contact-free health care services. Telehealth can also be used for almost any health care need or virtual consultation, whether you need a diagnosis and evaluation, ongoing care, mental health care, or emergency services. With telehealth, physicians can also quickly and efficiently connect with their patients and collaborate with other health care providers as needed. Use telehealth as a way to get excellent health care in a virtual format from the safety and comfort of your own home.
