Telehealth

What Is Telehealth?

Telehealth appointments (also known as virtual or video conference appointments) bring medical care to an individual’s home through technology platforms that support video appointments with a medical provider. It’s a way to simplify medical care by making it more accessible and removing transportation as a barrier to receiving high-quality care.

What Is a Telehealth Appointment?

A telehealth appointment is a one-on-one conversation with a medical provider using their secure virtual technology platform. Meeting this way cuts down on travel time as the appointment takes place from wherever the patient is via their preferred device – phone, tablet, or computer. While the medical provider cannot draw blood or take the patient’s vitals, like blood pressure, pulse, or temperature, they can ask questions about symptoms, medication use and adherence, and what new challenges the patient may be experiencing.

What Is the Key Benefit of Telehealth?

Telehealth can simplify life for individuals who don’t drive, have a hard time with mobility, or live in a place where seasonal weather conditions can make driving unsafe. Before telehealth, individuals would have had to cancel their appointments if they didn’t have a ride or couldn’t get to their appointment on time, but many medical offices have built out their telehealth platforms to more easily see patients virtually for certain types of appointments.