Telehealth: The Advantages of Telemedicine
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus.
But what do you do if you still need health care? Fortunately, Telehealth can help.
How Telehealth works
Telehealth — or telemedicine — is a healthcare solution that allows you to meet with your doctor virtually instead of going to the office. Our 100% HIPAA-compliant system uses a two-way, high definition video, so we can talk face-to-face as if we’re in the same room together.
With Telehealth, you can also:
Submit your medication list, allergies, ID cards, and medical history
Chat or share photos describing your symptoms
Have prescriptions electronically sent to your pharmacy
Securely pay online for your virtual visit
This streamlined approach originally evolved to help expand medical care to men, women, and children living in remote areas. Today, 76% of hospitals use Telehealth technology, and US employers could save as much as $6 billion a year by making telemedicine technology available to their employees. But the advantages of Telehealth go far beyond financial savings.
The benefits of telemedicine
Whether you live close to your doctor in the city or in a rural area, you probably know firsthand that even a routine visit involves wait times of 18 minutes or longer — and that doesn’t even include the time you spend getting there. Telehealth technology eliminates that.
By connecting to your doctor in a virtual setting, you can expect to:
Miss less time at work
Have fewer disruptions with any child or elder care responsibilities
Eliminate the time or travel expenses associated with your office visit
Receive quality health care faster
Reduce subjecting yourself and others to a contagious illness
At the same time, you also reduce your risk of exposure to contagious illnesses, like the common cold, flu, and COVID-19.
Telemedicine is also available to patients of all ages, including children, older adults, and those in vulnerable health. That makes it an ideal healthcare solution for everyone, especially when someone can no longer leave their home safely but still requires medical attention.
What to expect during a Telehealth appointment
Telemedicine technology has never been easier to use, simply:
Schedule a free consultation with our Care Coordinator to get connected with one of our providers
Receive a calendar invitation with login information for your first session
Fill out your intake forms online
Follow the link in your calendar invite to open your video-chat to start your appointment
For more information on telemedicine at Healthy Minds NYC or to schedule your virtual visit, contact us by calling or requesting your Telehealth appointment online today.
