Mayo ClinicTelehealth: Technology Meets Health Care

Telehealth: Bridging Healthcare Access Across Remote and Urban Landscapes

Telehealth has emerged as a critical component in delivering healthcare services, particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. By leveraging digital technologies, telehealth facilitates access to medical care for remote populations, enhances disease management, and supports healthcare delivery with improved efficiency and coordination. This article outlines the fundamental aspects and utilities of telehealth, illustrating its integration into routine health services and the ongoing adaptation in healthcare systems.

Key Points:

• Telehealth Definition and Tools: Telehealth employs digital information and communication technologies, like computers and mobile devices, to access health care services remotely and manage health care.
• Objectives of Telehealth: Key goals include making healthcare more accessible in remote areas, providing safety during infectious outbreaks like COVID-19, and supporting self-management of healthcare.
• Virtual Visits: Clinics use telemedicine to conduct online video or phone consultations, treating a variety of conditions such as diabetes, depression, and respiratory illnesses.
• Preparation for Virtual Visits: Patients receive preparatory guidance on technology setup and usage, ensuring a seamless virtual consultation experience.
• Additional Telehealth Services: Includes web or phone-based primary or urgent care, where patients navigate through a series of questions to receive care recommendations.
• Remote Monitoring Technologies: Utilize devices and apps to monitor patient health data remotely, aiding in chronic disease management and preventive care.
• Virtual Consultations Between Providers: Facilitate specialist input into patient care remotely, potentially reducing unnecessary in-person visits and wait times for specialist care.
• Patient Portals and Personal Health Apps: Offer secure online access to health records, communication with healthcare providers, and management of prescriptions and appointments.
• Limitations and Challenges: Recognizes the potential gaps in care due to the absence of physical exams and varying insurance reimbursements for telehealth services.
• Accessibility Issues: Notes the barriers for individuals without internet access or technological devices, and highlights alternative access points like public wireless networks.

In the 2021 Telehealth Survey Report, 85% of physicians reported they use telehealth services.

More on Telehealth