Telehealth has rapidly transformed the way people access healthcare, making it more convenient, flexible, and accessible than ever before. In March 2019, telemedicine accounted for only 0.3% of all medical interactions, and in the first three months of the pandemic, that number rose to 23.6%.1
The best part? According to the Centers for Disease Control, most primary care physicians (76.7%) and medical specialists (73.1%) provide care similar in quality to in-person visits.2
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth is an innovative use of technology that allows patients to meet with their healthcare providers remotely. It may be used to deliver long-distance clinical healthcare, as well as health education and other services.
How does Telehealth work?
In terms of technology, telehealth works in the same way that any online meeting works. Anybody who uses Zoom or Google Meet for work meetings or chatting with friends knows that all you need to use these tools is a computer or cellphone with an internet connection and a camera, so doctors can see patients and interact with them.
Examples of when a telehealth appointment may be used include3:
- General wellness appointments
- Management of chronic illnesses
- Discussion of patients’ test results
- Discussion of treatment plans and therapies
- Dermatology
- Therapy and psychiatric counseling
- Nutrition counseling
- Prescription management
However, telehealth isn’t recommended for abdominal pain, eye complaints, gynecological complaints, or any complex situation where a provider needs to see the patient in person to provide treatment.
Examples of how Telehealth has transformed patient care
The combination of accessibility, convenience, and flexibility offered by telehealth ensures that patients can receive timely care, improving overall healthcare outcomes and experiences.
Accessibility
Telehealth breaks down barriers that often limit access to healthcare. People in rural areas, where there are fewer medical facilities and specialists, can connect with doctors through virtual platforms. Similarly, individuals with mobility issues or chronic illnesses can receive consistent care without the physical challenges of traveling to a clinic. This also benefits vulnerable populations, such as the elderly or immunocompromised, who may avoid in-person visits due to health risks.
Convenience
The ability to schedule appointments from home and avoid long wait times or crowded waiting rooms is a major advantage. Patients can fit healthcare into their busy schedules, whether it’s during a lunch break or after work hours, without needing to rearrange their day. Telehealth also simplifies the process of accessing care, allowing patients to quickly reach out for medical advice as soon as symptoms arise, preventing delays that could worsen conditions.
Flexibility
Telehealth offers flexible appointment options, including same-day or after-hours consultations, which are crucial in providing care when people need it most. For non-emergencies, this reduces the burden on urgent care centers and emergency rooms, allowing patients to get care quickly without waiting for weeks to see their regular doctor. Additionally, telehealth supports follow-up care and ongoing management of chronic conditions by making it easier for patients to maintain regular check-ins with their healthcare provider.
Together, these aspects help ensure that patients can access healthcare promptly, no matter their location or circumstances. It empowers people to seek care at the onset of symptoms, helps avoid unnecessary complications, and promotes better health outcomes by making medical attention more immediate and personalized.
Cost of telehealth
The cost of telehealth services can vary depending on several factors, including the type of service, the healthcare provider, and the patient’s insurance coverage. Some telehealth consultations may be covered by insurance at the same rate as in-person visits, while others may have reduced fees or require out-of-pocket payments.
How much is a telehealth visit without insurance?
With the Woligo Well-Being Discount Plan, a Teladoc telehealth visit has a $0 visit fee for general medical issues. That’s right, ZERO DOLLARS!
Woligo Well-Being Discount Plan
Woligo’s Well-Being Discount Plan is $14.95 per month for individuals, and you can add your spouse and your dependents (up to age 26) for FREE.
We want to state up front that the discount plan is not insurance. The Well-Being Discount Plan works by providing you with a plethora of resources and discounts at providers included in the plan. For a small monthly fee, you get discounted rates for dental cleanings, 24/7 access to medical professionals, discounts on prescription drugs, a vision discount plan that connects you with 20,000 vision providers, and so much more!
Telehealth vs telemedicine
A common question is the difference between telehealth and telemedicine. The primary difference is that telemedicine typically refers to appointments with doctors, while telehealth covers a broad array of services provided by healthcare providers, including nurses, pharmacists, therapists, and social workers.
The bottom line
Whether it’s a virtual consultation for flu symptoms, ongoing management of a chronic condition, or a therapy session for mental health, telehealth offers a modern solution to many of the barriers that traditionally hinder access to care.
Read more about the Woligo Well-Being Discount Plan and enroll today!