In 2022, the world population got closer to reaching an astonishing number of 8 billion people. Hence, it is only natural that today’s need for healthcare professionals is greater than ever before. However, doctors often have their hands full and can’t meet the increasing demands for productivity, as every patient deserves equal care and attention. Luckily, that’s exactly where telehealth comes into play.
While some people tend to demonize technology, it’s impossible to deny how much it has changed our lives. In the aftermath of the most heated phase of the Covid-19 pandemic, telehealth can help provide easier access to specialists, lower healthcare costs, and improve medical access in rural areas, among its other benefits.
Nevertheless, some people may still feel unsure about this kind of technology and the way it works in healthcare. That’s why before you start googling phrases such as “telemedicine Orlando, FL,” you should read the article below and learn more about telehealth first.
What is Telehealth?
The term “telehealth” (sometimes used interchangeably with “telemedicine”) refers to the process during which a qualified healthcare professional can provide you with care without the need to see you in person but rather with the help of the internet.
Telehealth can take a few different forms. For instance, you can connect with your doctor and talk to them about your health issues over the phone or turn on a video chat to let them see you.
It’s also possible to send and receive messages with the help of email or a secure messaging system that unauthorized users won’t have access to.
Then, there’s remote monitoring, which includes using a dedicated device that monitors your vital signs and lets the doctor stay informed on your condition.
Telehealth can be particularly helpful if you need to keep your healthcare provider updated about your ongoing health issues, but visiting their office every day would be too much of a hassle or simply unnecessary.
For instance, if you experience frequent migraines, get a sudden cold, or need medication management, these issues may be safely resolved over the phone or on a video chat with a doctor. Of course, your healthcare provider will always be the one to decide whether certain aspects of your health can be taken care of using telemedicine.
How to Get the Most out of Your Telehealth Appointment?
If you don’t have much experience with telemedicine, the technology behind it might seem pretty intimidating. The good news is that there’s nothing to worry about. Just make sure that, before you begin your very first appointment, you’re adequately prepared.
Here’s what you should do to ensure success:
Test Your Devices
Even if you consider yourself quite tech-savvy and know your way around computers and smartphones, you should still test your devices before connecting with a doctor. This includes checking whether your internet connection is steady enough and that your camera and microphone work properly.
Both you and your doctor will save plenty of time during the actual meeting if you ensure that nothing malfunctions beforehand. If you want to be extra careful, you can also follow the steps detailed in this instruction prepared by the Health Resources and Services Administration.
Set the Scene
When connecting with your healthcare provider over the internet, you need to be honest and transparent with them. Therefore, you should find a quiet and private space where no one will bother you during the call or make you feel embarrassed about disclosing your condition.
If you live with other people, you can let them know ahead of time that you’ve got a call with your doctor scheduled and politely ask them to keep quiet for that time. However, the situation may get a bit more complicated if you’re out of the house during the call. After all, you certainly don’t want to have such a conversation in a busy shopping mall, but even your parked car may be enough to ensure greater privacy.
Ask Questions
Talking to your healthcare provider over the internet can definitely be a challenge. You may have difficulties finding the right time to speak up or even experience anxiety about talking to someone online. That’s why you should bear in mind that you’re entitled to ask questions, and during the call, you should behave as if you were in the doctor’s office.
If you can’t hear your healthcare provider, don’t hesitate to ask them to speak up. Make sure you hear them loud and clear so there is no room for miscommunication. The same goes for a situation where you’re unsure about something or feel like you need more information –- use the time you have with your doctor to the fullest and ask the questions on your mind.
Don’t Rush It
When you don’t have to leave your house and commute just for that one particular appointment with your doctor, you may be tempted to get through it as quickly as possible and continue with your day. However, you should treat telehealth appointments as if you were meeting your healthcare provider in person for your own good.
Don’t try to rush the process or speed anything up. If there are any important matters that may prevent you from focusing on the meeting, try to get them done or resolved before you start talking with the doctor. This way, you can make the most out of the virtual visit.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, telehealth is a modern way to deliver healthcare without requiring the patient to leave the comfort of their own home.
The ability to connect with a doctor via the internet can be incredibly beneficial for both parties involved, freeing up their time and allowing them to address health issues faster and, in some cases, more effectively. While there certainly are plenty of conditions that require you to see your healthcare provider in person, some of them can be taken care of online.
Before you begin your appointment, make sure to test your devices and set the right scene for the call. Don’t shy away from asking your doctor questions or speaking about everything that concerns you, and don’t underestimate the seriousness and importance of the meeting. After all, it’s for your own good.