Telemedicine is a relatively new form of healthcare delivery that suits our modern society. While it began before COVID-19, the pandemic helped it become more broadly used and accepted. Now, you’ll find it much more common to use telemedicine for your overall healthcare needs and goals.
While this form of healthcare may be on the newer end of the spectrum, it’s not a bad thing. In fact, it offers a range of benefits.
1. It’s Convenient
Telemedicine makes meeting with medical professionals and receiving certain types of care easier. It has certain limitations, which means that some visits are still better in person. That said, it takes away the need to always go to a professional in person, which comes with hassles or barriers like driving to an appointment and spending time in the waiting room.
This form of healthcare allows you to visit with a physician through a phone call, video call, chat session, etc. You can conduct your visit from wherever you are, including in the comfort of your own home. This provides additional privacy and comfort, removing aspects like shame or embarrassment that may be a part of some in-person visits.
In many cases, telemedicine also provides more flexibility. Telemedicine often goes beyond regular office hours, and in some cases, you can even visit with a professional in the middle of the night. It’s easier to fit visits around your work and other responsibilities and to reach out as the need arises.
As long as you have an internet connection, telemedicine is also easy. Visits are often quick to set up and carry out, reducing time and hassle compared to regular visits.
2. It Broadens Access
Quality and comprehensive healthcare are not always easy to come by. There are barriers standing in the way for many people. Factors like certain populations, the area where you live, and barriers like a lack of childcare, transportation or ability to take time off from work no longer come into play. Even people with more access may lack the type of specialist they require depending on where they live.
These healthcare gaps are where telemedicine comes in and shines. It improves access to better healthcare for more people. This is great news for each person, for groups lacking access, and for society as a whole.
Nonetheless, it’s important to consider that not everyone has access to the necessary technology. It’s important for the healthcare industry to continue to focus on improving access and creating a variety of ways to connect. It’s also helpful to consider how this limitation weighs out with potential benefits like less lost time at work and no need for transportation or childcare.
3. It Complements In-Person Care
Telemedicine often works well alongside in-person visits. Sometimes, a healthcare professional needs to evaluate you in person. Other times, they can provide an assessment through your smartphone or computer.
Telemedicine offers a great method for follow-ups after visiting in person.
4. It Reduces Exposure
By allowing people to stay home and avoid medical facilities when they have an infectious illness, telemedicine helps reduce exposure and spread. You can prevent other people from coming into contact with your infectious illness when you’re sick, by calling in or carrying out a video chat instead.
Likewise, waiting rooms can have fewer infectious people to prevent as much exposure overall, making medical facilities a safer environment. This is especially important in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and for vulnerable populations.
5. It Meets You in Your Home Environment
In some cases, it’s especially helpful to receive care in your own home. This is true for people receiving home care who find it difficult or impossible to leave the home. They can still receive care at home and have professionals check in with them.
Similar benefits include empowering professionals to:
- Observe concerns in the surrounding environment, such as fall or allergy risks
- Talk to caregivers and family members as applicable
- Assess how you can care for yourself at home
BestMind Provides Mental Health Telemedicine
Telemedicine provides access to many types of healthcare, one of which is mental health care. You can receive mental health evaluations and treatment from your own home, which can be more convenient, comfortable, and otherwise beneficial for you. At BestMind Behavioral Health, we provide telemedicine in the form of professional evaluations and medication management. Contact us to set up a convenient appointment.
