Telehealth includes a combination of electronic communication media and health-related services, ranging from patient monitoring to teleconferencing. Telehealth is a broad term for a wide variety of clinical and non-clinical services. It provides treatment and services that a patient needs for his or her condition. Telehealth services may also include administration, research, and training. Here are eight ways telehealth has allowed patients to live a better life.

Remote Monitoring Tools

When you monitor your health from home, you save money by not making unnecessary trips to the doctor’s office. Almost 3 million patients used health monitoring systems by the end of 2012. Devices like pacemakers allow patients with heart disease to send this vital information to remote health centers. This is ideal for those who have chronic health problems since these remote monitoring tools allow you to monitor your health without the need for a nurse or doctor. 

Wearable Technology

The wearable technology market has grown exponentially over the last few years. These type of devices allow doctors and patients to monitor their health. While there are devices that alert emergency services about medical issues, the latest developments in wearable technology consist of smartwatches and wristbands that allow patients to focus on their health. Over 130 million wearable devices were purchased in 2018, according to Huffington Post. 

Diagnoses & Treats Strokes

The sooner a stroke patient receives treatment, the higher their survival rate. Patients that attended hospitals that offered telehealth services in Georgia received treatment 20 minutes faster than those who attended hospitals outside the network. Telehealth services also helped stroke patients in remote areas by up to 92%. Ambulance and helicopter services can be dangerous and time-consuming for these patients. 

Allows In-Home Rehab

Thanks to telehealth services, patients have the option of having rehab at home. When most patients are discharged from the ER or ICU, their recovery process is just beginning. This is especially the case for stroke patients or those suffering from a neurological disorder such as dementia, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease. Most of these patients have mobility issues due to their chronic health conditions.

The increased use of telehealth services allows these patients to live a better life by providing them with online or mobile resources. These services remotely monitor a patient’s pedometer readings to ensure they’re following their exercise regimen. Telehealth services also allow patients to receive the recovery they need from lung disease. This allows them to participate in online sessions and speak to a physician via satellite. 

Reduce Risk of Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death across the globe. While drug treatments and lifestyle changes can help, patients must work with their physicians to change their diet, lose weight, and quit smoking. This consists of frequent office visits that can pose as a challenge for both parties involved. Telehealth services are the answer to this common problem. 

According to a study in Philadelphia, patients were twice as likely to participate in a cardiovascular disease management program if they were allowed to share and receive this information from a healthcare provider. 

Encourages Healthier Habits

Diabetes-related healthcare costs are on the rise. Inpatient and outpatient visits are climbing upwards of $100 billion. Research has revealed that telehealth services have improved the health of diabetes patients, including seniors. This consists of two important factors. 

First, the physician must make that patient believe they can boost their glycemic control. Then a treatment plant must be set to encourage the patient to change their behaviors and patterns. This has been made possible with mobile technology that allows patients to keep track of their calories, medication doses, workouts, and vital signs. In addition, dieticians and nurses can check in with these patients and monitor their progress on a regular basis. 

Improves Work-Life Balance

One of the biggest benefits of telehealth services is that it’s accessible from anywhere, anytime. If a patient wants to consult with a physician from their home office or hotel, they can do that through their laptop, smartphone, or tablet. This allows physicians to work from home and make virtual visits once or more per week. 

Decreases Hospital Readmissions

Costly and time-consuming ER visits and hospital readmissions are one of the biggest reasons why the U.S. spends the most on healthcare. Not to mention, this causes a lot of damage to patients. Hospitals are mostly to blame for these high readmissions rates. Using telehealth services in an effort to make healthcare accessible and convenient for patients can reduce these costs and unnecessary ER trips. 

Adding telehealth services to your practice can provide you with greater flexibility with your appointments. Since patients don’t want to wait around for an opening, this can help them live a better life so they receive the immediate care they need and go about their daily lives. You’ll receive the satisfaction of seeing them remotely.