All thanks to technology, healthcare has revolutionized a lot over a few decades. Though it has become quite easy, yet there are many challenges. Especially when it comes to service convenience & accessibility for medical providers and patients. One of the perfect solution to address these issues is Telemedicine. But, what is telemedicine and how is it revolutionizing the healthcare industry? Read to know.
What is Telemedicine?
Telemedicine is the use of electronic communications or media, such as teleconferencing, remote patient monitoring, video calling, image sharing, etc. to give medical services to patients over long-distance communication. In short, without in-person visits to clinics or hospitals. Telemedicine also offers a unique platform to health care experts to coordinate in between and discuss the patient treatment/diagnosis without leaving their facilities.
Formerly, telemedicine was introduced with a motive to bring healthcare into remote and rural areas. But, today, it has become a necessity of the healthcare industry. A classic example: COVID-19.
Also Read – Complete Guide on Telemedicine App Development
Why Telemedicine is the Next Big Thing?
Evolving smartly, telemedicine is potent enough to eliminate the modern-day challenges of healthcare professionals and patients. Whether you need emergency medical support or you need just a consultation, you can have it easily anytime, anywhere with telemedicine.
Increased Convenience and Approachability
Started with a prime goal to provide ease and convenience to patients in remote or rural areas, telemedicine is widely growing in urban areas too. It is also a perfect go-to option for patients equipped with busy schedules and lifestyles. As a result, patients can get complete medical excellence under one roof—from intensive care service, remote monitoring, quick assistance, immediate care, to on-demand access. People suffering from chronic conditions or homebound can also avail benefit from telemedicine technologies simply by sharing real-time medical data.
Cost-Effective
Unnecessary ER visits or physical check-ups for common health issues like sore throats, skin rashes, colds, or flu can be removed easily via telemedicine. This saves not only the patient’s time but also transportation costs and in-person visits costs.
American Hospital Association (AHA) Report: 11% cost reduction & 300% increase in the return of investment (ROI) for investors in a remote patient monitoring program in Pennsylvania in the US.
Telemedicine services help you save time and money by reducing work absences and hefty billable expenses of hospital visits. Telemedicine is also beneficial for medical providers. They can work as per their ease and can even charge for non-clinic hours.
Improved Care Quality
Telemedicine provides patient-centered care anywhere, anytime. Medical consultation can be given through real-time urgent consultations within moments. Appropriate, early, and timely treatment of a patient not only improves outcomes but also reduces expenses. Via remote monitoring programs, medical experts can provide better care in areas where medical assistance is next to impossible. Example: Mercy Health System, Virtual Care Center in the US. It is known as “hospital without beds”.
Increased Patient Engagement
Patients are gradually becoming more tech-savvy and are keeping themselves in sync with their health records via a variety of health care apps available today. Telemedicine has improved patient engagement by assisting them in maintaining proper and suitable check-up appointments and care schedules. Virtual consultations have made it easier for patients to reach out to the doctors. This has created a more collaborative and engaged environment between patients and their doctors.
Increased Doctors/Physicians Efficiency
Telemedicine has introduced a new branch of Intensive Care known as Tele-ICU. It serves as a second pair of eyes for ICU operators to promote awareness to patients. Tele-ICU also offers:
- Better monitoring of the progress of patients.
- Better maintenance of the patient’s information can be referenced by the doctors.
- Improved assessments and monitoring through cameras to check the patient’s condition 24*7.
Conclusion
Telemedicine has completely transformed the way healthcare institutions are used to deliver and receive medical services. From decreased follow-up checkups to reduced healthcare costs, the advantages of telemedicine are limitless.
Successive Digital offer end-to-end innovative telemedicine, technology-driven healthcare app development solutions that drive better communication, higher productivity, and improved patient outcomes. Contact us to gain better insights for enhancing your Healthcare and Telemedicine services.
