The use of telemedicine has become a popular, ongoing trend since COVID-19 changed the healthcare industry. In 2021, for example, 37% of adults used telemedicine in the past 12 months, and by 2025, 43% of the US population is expected to regularly use it. Besides its benefit of promoting social distancing back in 2020, there are many reasons telemedicine has remained popular. Here are some of the biggest telemedicine benefits and why every practice should consider using it!
Better Access for Patients in Rural and Underserved Urban Areas
Patients in rural parts of the country often have to drive long distances in order to receive quality healthcare. Similarly, hospital closures in inner-city neighborhoods have made receiving care challenging for thousands of Americans. Matters become especially difficult when the patients don’t have the transportation or money to commute long distances for care. This results in many people delaying important appointments and ultimately not receiving the care they need. Telemedicine bridges the geographical gap between patients and providers, improving access to those who are far away from a clinic or don’t have the means to travel to one easily
Improved Psychiatric Care and Support
Sometimes people experiencing mental health issues like depression or anxiety have a difficult time leaving the house. By allowing them to receive psychiatric care through telemedicine, they won’t have to overcome that hurdle. Moreover, if someone is experiencing a mental health emergency, telemedicine allows them to connect quickly to a therapist or psychiatrist at any time of day or night. This has the potential to prevent patients from inflicting self-harm, possibly even saving their lives.
Easier Access to Specialists in Any Field
If a patient needs to see a particular kind of specialist, the best ones aren’t always close to home. This becomes burdensome for the patient, especially if they have serious medical issues that need to be diagnosed by the specialist as soon as possible. Telemedicine has the ability to solve this problem in many instances. Not only are they just a mouse click away, but certain networks even offer access to these specialists without an appointment at any time of day.
More Support for Patients with Chronic Conditions
Certain chronic conditions need constant monitoring from a physician. Unfortunately, people who have these conditions often have trouble leaving their homes. Through a combination of telemedicine and remote monitoring devices, the need for constant in-office visits is a concept of the past. Physicians now have the ability to detect worsening conditions, new symptoms, and even emergencies without being in the same room as the patient.
Lower Costs and Better Access for Those Without Health Insurance
Individuals who are financially struggling or without health insurance are faced with high costs any time they need to see a doctor, making them less inclined to seek help when they need it. Telemedicine appointments typically cost less than office visits, making this a viable option for people surviving on a low income. Furthermore, many online companies offer cash-pay telemedicine, allowing people to receive care without health insurance or a referral.
Reduced Overhead and Less Stress for Providers
Not only does telemedicine improve life for patients — it helps providers too! Telemedicine requires less overhead because front desk staff doesn’t need to manage patients coming and leaving a clinic. Additionally, with HIPAA-compliant telemedicine software, physicians have the ability to work from home certain days of the week on their schedule of choice. This has the ability to both save money and reduce stress levels for physicians.
Telemedicine Benefits Through DocResponse
DocResponse’s telemedicine software is designed to improve practices of any size or specialty. Here are some of its features both patients and providers love:
- The software does not require an app to download, making it a hassle-free, simple solution for any patient to use.
- Patients access their scheduled telemedicine visit through a single click without logging into a patient portal, making it easy for any demographic to connect without login information to remember.
- The HIPAA-compliant software ensures physicians can conduct all telemedicine sessions without worrying about violations of patient privacy.
Interested in offering telemedicine at your practice? Schedule a demo to learn more about why DocResponse is the best option!