Telehealth saw a surge during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether it is on the phone or via video conferencing, virtual doctor visits have helped medical professionals stay connected with their patients even while in-person visits were not accessible. But these virtual visits are most likely not going away anytime soon, even while our country is cautiously re-opening its doors. Here are five ways that telehealth will continue to be a part of healthcare practice. 

  • Convenience – Whether it is an issue of mobility, or availability of time, or even setting up childcare in time to go to the doctor’s office, telehealth eases these obstacles by bringing your doctor directly to you. With a reliable phone or internet connection, now your doctor can come to you, regardless of where you are in the world. 
  • Safety – Public spaces and enclosed spaces are concerns for many patients who may be immune compromised. With telehealth, patients and healthcare workers alike lessen potential exposure to infectious diseases as doctors can pre-screen their patients virtually before bringing them in.
  • More Access To Care – With the shortage of physicians and healthcare workers, telehealth has helped to continue providing patients with quality care while reaching new people who otherwise skip check ups because they live in rural areas or have trouble finding reliable transportation. 
  • Cost Savings – Taking time off from work, finding childcare, and the cost of travel can all add up to a very large medical bill at the end of the day. Telehealth alleviates these unnecessary costs for the consumer by connecting doctors directly to the patient, while saving healthcare practitioners costs of overhead. 
  • Quality Care – With the ease that comes from virtual visits, telehealth has revolutionized the healthcare industry by allowing doctors to spend more time with their patients without having the extra burden of travel or waiting in an office that otherwise takes up precious time. This means each patient gets more attention from their doctors, and in return, doctors get a deeper, more meaningful relationship with their patients.Â