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What is telemedicine?
Telemedicine is the delivery of health services and related information via technology that enables contact between patients and healthcare professionals as well as the exchange of information among healthcare professionals to improve access to healthcare services. Technology like the internet, satellite, iPhones, or smartphones are used for this work. Many settings, including hospitals, clinics, homes, and nursing homes, to name a few, can make use of telemedicine services.
Why should I use telemedicine?
Receiving assistance for medical needs is not always simple or convenient for patients. The goal of telemedicine is to increase accessibility to healthcare that is more timely, convenient, and close to home. Another choice for receiving care from a professional is through telemedicine. Less waiting and travel time, as well as time away from work or other commitments, are advantages of telemedicine. A video “chat” for mental health treatment, a video evaluation of a sick child, or sending a photo of a skin issue to a dermatologist for evaluation are a few examples of telemedicine.
How common is telemedicine?
Around the world, millions of patients use telemedicine to monitor their vital signs and remain healthy and out of hospitals and emergency rooms. Over half of all Washington hospitals and many clinics now use some form of telemedicine. Patients and providers can download health and wellness applications for use on their cell phones to assist in telemedicine. Many employers now offer telemedicine as an added benefit in their health insurance program.
Is telemedicine safe?
Telemedicine is a safe and effective way to extend the delivery of health care. It may not be appropriate for ALL clinical situations, and a medical professional can help you determine if telemedicine is appropriate. Guidelines exist for telemedicine to ensure safety and quality. Clinicians are held to the same standards of care through a telemedicine visit as an in-person visit. Similarly, the same standards for privacy and confidentiality for an in-person visit apply to telemedicine visits.
Where can patients get access to telemedicine services?
Patients should inquire about any potential telemedicine services with their employer, health plan, hospital, or healthcare practitioner. The provider may frequently have access to telemedicine tools and services. Additionally, a large number of commercial businesses provide fundamental telemedicine services, such as 24/7 access to a healthcare practitioner and remote monitoring of specific medical conditions.
Do health plans pay for telemedicine services?
Numerous telemedicine-based medical treatments are now covered by insurance insurers, including Medicare and Medicaid. Please get in touch with your health plan to find out if telemedicine services are covered.