Telehealth services allow healthcare providers to offer patients care, advice, and reminders without an in-person visit. Patients benefit from the convenience of a virtual appointment, reducing costs and removing the stress of having to schedule time off from work or childcare.
In addition, telehealth allows healthcare facilities to increase billable hours by offering appointments outside of regular office hours. However, telehealth can benefit patients and healthcare professionals in many other ways.
Improved Access to Care
Telehealth appointments are often much more convenient than visiting a medical clinic in person. The patient can see their healthcare professional without dealing with traffic, parking fees, and missed work days.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth visits helped patients avoid canceling their doctor’s appointments due to travel concerns. This resulted in fewer no-shows and more revenue for the physician’s office.
Professionals in remote telehealth services to skilled nursing homes, like Mark Hirschhorn, ensure that telehealth also provides flexibility for patients, allowing them to attend virtual appointments in schedules that align with their daily activities. This helps reduce cancellations and no-show rates, allowing them to see a physician more frequently and giving the provider a complete view of the patient’s overall health status and risk factors. This can lead to better treatment plans and outcomes.
Convenience
Visiting medical centers can be time-consuming and expensive. In addition to the cost of gas and parking, you also have to spend time away from work or pay for a babysitter. Telehealth services offer the same care at home without needing to travel or take time off work.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth services were a lifesaver for many patients. Millions of doctor’s visits and health care check-ups were rescheduled or canceled to help prevent the spread of the virus.
Now that the pandemic has ended, payers should consider expanding their telehealth offerings to meet member demand. Here’s what they need to know:
Reduced Costs
Using telehealth reduces costs by preventing expensive emergency department (ED) visits, avoidable secondary care, and overuse of services like imaging.
It also allows patients to avoid travel costs and the associated expenses of gas, vehicle wear and tear, and lost time at work. In a study, patients reported saving hundreds of dollars annually by not traveling to their healthcare appointments in person.
Telehealth can also increase clinician productivity by converting travel time into consultation time. It enables providers to offer sessions that may not be available in person and to expand hours of availability outside regular office hours, increasing billable time. Some states have even implemented telehealth parity laws that require insurance companies to reimburse telehealth appointments at the same rate as in-person visits.
Improved Continuity of Care
Patients who typically miss clinic appointments due to transportation, mobility, or other factors can access virtual care from a mobile phone, tablet, or computer. As a result, they are more likely to attend telehealth visits and follow their clinician’s instructions and prescriptions.
Continuity of care also benefits healthcare providers. When a provider is familiar with their patient’s medical history, unnecessary tests or consultations can be avoided. This helps to streamline the healthcare system and improve efficiency.
In addition, telehealth allows healthcare facilities to regain revenue lost from no-show appointments..
Reduced Stress
In addition to reducing costs, telehealth helps reduce stress for physicians and patients. Physicians can see more patients in less time, increasing productivity and motivation. Additionally, telehealth allows physicians to work from home or the office, allowing them to avoid traveling and decreasing their exposure to contagious patients.
For patients, telehealth is convenient and easy to use. It can help treat simple ailments, such as colds and flu, as well as chronic conditions, like diabetes. It can also be used for behavioral healthcare, such as psychotherapy and physical therapy. And, for elderly patients, it can monitor their health and safety, such as with a button they press in an emergency. This can help to relieve stress and reduce the risk of falls and other injuries.
