What Are the Benefits of Telehealth?
The COVID-19 pandemic has had many lasting effects on society, even as we continue to get back to normal. However, not all of the things that came out of the pandemic are bad. For example, telehealth services became the primary way to see a healthcare provider when medical offices only offered appointments in cases of emergency. In fact, telehealth visits increased from around 840,000 in 2019 (pre-pandemic) to over 52 million in 2020. But even as we get the pandemic under control, telehealth visits aren’t going anywhere.
In this article, we’ll explain what telehealth is, the benefits of telehealth, and provide some examples of how it can help patients.
What Is Telehealth?
Telehealth—also referred to as telemedicine—is when a patient receives medical advice and care from their healthcare provider remotely instead of attending an in-office appointment. Usually, the patient will remain in their own home and meet with their provider via video call. However, telehealth also includes things like messaging, emailing, applications, remote monitoring, and more.
These telecommunication tools enable patients to easily connect with their healthcare providers and receive the medical attention they need, as well as allowing them to determine if they require further testing or treatment.
The Benefits of Telehealth
Telehealth services can be incredibly beneficial when you can’t go into your healthcare provider’s office, but they are also useful in many other scenarios as well. Here are some of the main benefits of telehealth:
- Convenience – One of the main benefits of telehealth services is that they offer patients a convenient way to visit with their healthcare provider. By not having to leave their own home (or wherever they are) for appointments, patients don’t have to worry about traveling to and from their provider’s office. This means they don’t have to take as much time off work, deal with traffic and parking, find a babysitter, or deal with any other inconvenience that comes with going to the doctor. It is especially beneficial for those with mobility issues who have a hard time getting around.
- Availability – Since telehealth appointments are generally less comprehensive, they can take less time than in-person visits. This usually means there are more telehealth appointments available, so providers can see more patients. This results in patients being more likely to be able to schedule an appointment sooner than if they were to look for an in-person one.
- Cost – A telehealth visit also costs significantly less than a regular visit in your healthcare provider’s office. In fact, it is reported that telehealth visits generally can cost as little as $40 to $50, while an average in-person visit costs around $140. Telehealth appointments are also becoming increasingly covered by insurance providers, and many are often even free. This can help patients save money, especially when they aren’t sure about the severity of their issue.
- Options – Another major benefit of telehealth services is that they allow you multiple options for care. You can easily talk to your healthcare providers across all different medical fields without running all over town. For example, you can schedule a session with your therapist, talk with your primary care physician, or even book an appointment with a dermatologist. You can also visit with other providers and get second opinions about your situation without having to wait forever for an in-person appointment.
What Are Some Telehealth Services Involving Women’s Health?
While women’s health may seem like it requires in-person appointments, there are actually many services that can be provided remotely. Here are some of the women’s telehealth services that are offered to help women and families:
- Contraception/Birth Control Counseling
- STI Screening
- PrEP Consultation
- Family Planning
- Overall Reproductive Health
- Preventive Care
At MyAlly Health, we offer many of these telehealth services at little or no cost to you, making it easy to get the care you need when you need it!
You can also get annual examinations in person, like physicals, wellness examinations, and mental health screenings to promote your overall health. We offer examinations like Pap smears to test for cervical cancer, and Gardasil vaccinations to protect you from HPV infections. We even offer a $25 gift card for completing a cervical cancer screening, a pelvic examination, or for receiving the Gardasil vaccine!
MyAlly Health offers confidential reproductive health services to women and men in the Grand Forks, North Dakota area, regardless of income or age. This includes preventive care, like getting tested for STIs, breast examinations, and pelvic examinations; determining the best birth control for you; and even getting vaccinated against the flu. The clinical services we provide are all performed by Nurse Practitioners and Resident Physicians.
In order to empower and engage individuals in their well-being and reproductive health, MyAlly Health offers education, counseling, advocacy, and healthcare services. Find out more about what we do, help make a difference by donating to our cause, or schedule an appointment with us today!
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