Telehealth is changing how healthcare is delivered. It’s a convenient, cost-effective way that can help you get the care you need and help providers be more efficient with their time. But there are some challenges with it, too. In this article, we’ll explain exactly what telehealth is and explore its pros and cons. Understanding more about telehealth can help you determine if it may be right for you.

What is telehealth?

Simply put, telehealth allows a healthcare provider to care for you without an in-person office visit. It uses video conferencing tools that can be accessed via a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Telehealth often provides more flexibility for both you and the providers — allowing you to schedule appointments at more convenient times without worrying about long wait times. It’s also used to increase access to care by connecting you with providers who may not work close to where you live.

In addition, telehealth visits may offer cost savings for both you and the providers. Typically, telehealth visits save time for the provider and eliminate the travel costs associated with seeing a provider in person.

There are certain federal guidelines in place that must be followed when covered healthcare providers and health plans provide telehealth services. These include consent forms, privacy policies, and training protocols. However, each state has its own set of rules and regulations for telehealth. Having these regulations in place can ease any privacy concerns you may have about using this type of healthcare.

What type of care can I get with telehealth?

While telehealth isn’t ideal for every health need, there are quite a few instances where it is. Here are some examples of types of appointments that can be ideal for telehealth care:

• Specialty care/consultations that you can’t access locally
• Discussing lab tests or x-ray results
• Some mental health treatment including online therapy
• Some skin conditions that are visible and can be shown to the provider on camera
• Prescription medication management
• Urgent care issues like colds, coughs, and stomach aches
• Some forms of physical and occupational therapy
• Remote patient monitoring services that can help you manage your health and existing chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol

What are the pros of telehealth?

There are lots of benefits to using telehealth services that make it an invaluable tool. Some of these include:

• Convenience. You can get care from the comfort of your own home. This cuts down on trips to the provider’s office or clinic and can make it easier for people with busy schedules, people living far from their provider or closest hospital, or those with limited mobility, to get the care they need.
• Cost-effectiveness. Telehealth is often less expensive than going in-person. Since there are fewer visits, there are also fewer costs associated with them, including travel costs.
• Good access to care. Telehealth can help you get care that you may not otherwise be able to. This is especially true for people who live in rural areas or who don't have transportation. Telehealth also allows access to specialists for those who may not otherwise be able to access that care.
• Improves engagement. Telehealth can help you take charge of your own health by simplifying your overall access to care. Using your health portal to track your vital signs and any test results can help you make informed decisions about your care, together with your provider.
• Reduces hospital visits. Telehealth can help reduce the number of times you may have to go to the hospital. This is because you can get the care you need from home, sometimes even earlier than you would if you had to go into an office for a visit. This earlier access could lead to fewer inpatient visits.

What are some of the cons of telehealth?

Although there are potential concerns with using telehealth, they’re manageable when the right solutions are put into place. Here are some items to consider:

• Privacy. Telehealth involves sharing sensitive information over digital means, which can raise privacy concerns. It's important to choose a telehealth provider with strong data protection measures in place.
• Lack of physical examination. Telehealth can't fully replace in-person visits. This is because some conditions require the healthcare provider to physically examine you to accurately diagnose or help manage certain illnesses.
• Relationship building. It can be harder to build a strong relationship with a provider over telehealth than in-person. Although video conferencing has become a lot more common since the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still barriers to making a strong personal connection. There may also be communication barriers such as language or cultural differences.
• Technology issues. Telehealth relies on technology, so any technical issues can cause problems. It’s important to make sure that both the device you’re using and your internet condition are both stable and working properly.

So, is telehealth right for me?

Telehealth offers a range of benefits, for both you and your healthcare providers. On the one hand, it’s convenient, cost-effective, and improves your ability to consult with providers you might not otherwise be able to see. On the other hand, it can be more difficult to establish strong provider relationships and you must have reliable technology.

Weighing these pros and cons, as well as thinking about your own healthcare needs, can help you decide in what types of situations telehealth may be the right choice for you.

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