26 Jan Ready to Try Telehealth? Here’s What You Need to Know.

Although telehealth has been around for decades, it has gained in popularity in the last few years and shows no sign of stopping. According to a recent survey, telehealth patients reported high satisfaction with their virtual visits; in fact, 94% of respondents who had used telehealth said they intended to use it again.[1]

Ready to try telehealth? Here’s how you can receive care from virtual healthcare visits.

What is telehealth?

Telehealth is a convenient, cost-effective way to receive non-urgent healthcare. It’s often faster because by having a scheduled telehealth appointment, you do not have to travel to a clinic or wait in an office waiting room. Some telehealth services also offer on-demand visits for many minor illnesses, meaning you don’t have to schedule ahead of time. Additionally, telehealth visits are generally less expensive than in-person office or clinic visits. For example, one study showed that the average cost for a telehealth visit for a sinus infection was $79, compared to $146 for an in-person visit.[2]

What types of care can I get using telehealth?

There are a variety of types of care you can get by using telehealth. Popular services include:

• • General healthcare, such as wellness visits
  • Urgent care, for conditions such as colds, sinus infections or common rashes
  • Mental health counseling
  • Prescriptions for medicine or medication refills

Where can I have a telehealth visit?

Patients often have telehealth visits from the comfort of their own homes and may also use other private settings such as a conference room, office or even their vehicle.

During the telehealth visit, you can use video conferencing software on your computer, tablet or phone. If you are unable to have a video call, you can still conduct a telehealth visit using your phone or computer audio.

Healthcare providers conduct telehealth visits in a private setting, generally in a clinic, doctor’s office or other healthcare facility. Providers implement reasonable HIPAA safeguards to help keep your protected health information secure.

When should I use telehealth?[3]

Telehealth is ideal for times when you:

• • Are sick but prefer to stay home
  • If you need care but it’s difficult for you to travel
  • If you are out of town and unable to travel to see your care team
  • If you have a non-urgent illness, such as a rash or sinus issue, that you would like to discuss with your care team

If you need care but a trip to the doctor’s office isn’t your first choice—or simply isn’t possible—try telehealth! It’s a convenient, cost-effective way to get the quality care you deserve.

Why use telehealth?

Telehealth offers convenience by allowing you to access medical care from home, saving time and money typically spent on travel and waiting rooms. Telehealth might not cover all medical needs, and in emergencies or for certain examinations, in-person visits might be necessary. However, it’s a valuable option for many common medical issues.

Are you a CGHC member, check out Virtuwell, our telehealth service provider here: https://commongroundhealthcare.org/virtuwell/

Reference (used throughout):

https://www.aha.org/factsheet/telehealth

[1] https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2022-us-telehealth-satisfaction-study

[2] https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/full/10.1377/hlthaff.2016.1130

[3] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/telehealth

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