Telehealth is an innovative convenience connecting doctors to patients, and it’s expanding more now than ever. In fact, Rite Aid has even launched telehealth kiosks with InTouch Health at their retail clinics.
Customers can use virtual care software to connect with medical practitioners for video visits through RediClinic Express kiosks. Telehealth is booming, and more medical practitioners and patients are benefiting from this service.
If you’re new to telehealth, you might feel confused about how to get started. Thankfully, online health care has become so widespread and readily available that anyone can benefit from the convenience.
Benefits
Telehealth involves using telecommunication devices and virtual technology to deliver health care to people outside of traditional medical settings. For example, there’s a scarcity of clinics and specialists in remote areas.
As a result, patients are forced to drive long distances for doctor visits, presenting accessibility roadblocks for patients who don’t have transportation. In addition, many clinics and doctor offices have limited operational business hours and are overbooked with patients. Online health care helps mitigate these roadblocks and helps patients receive the care they need.
Online Health Care Expectations
The first step is to book an appointment online with a telehealth service. Each platform requirements is different, but most will have patients register an account and complete a brief questionnaire. Some services even offer mobile apps so patients can track and manage their health while on the go.
Before your visit, think about what you hope to accomplish during your appointment. Is it about understanding your treatment options or medications? Do you need help with a specific set of symptoms? Prioritize the most important matters during your call because time might be limited. If it helps, write down what you’d like to discuss before the appointment. Be ready to answer these questions:
- What initiated this appointment today?
- What symptoms do you have? How long have you been having them? Have they changed or worsened over time?
- What have you done to treat your symptoms thus far? What have been your results from these attempts?
- Have you ever experienced these symptoms before? What treatments did you use then and what were the results?
How it works
You’ll communicate with the doctor via video chat or a telephone call. Make sure pets, kids and other distractions are taken care of before your chat to ensure quality communication.
During the call, the physician will examine your current medical conditions, drug history, and your current medications, including over-the-counter medications and prescriptions. The doctor will also ensure your condition warrants the need for an actual prescription, and rule out contraindication, which is when medicine could be harmful to a patient because of current health conditions or other prescriptions.
If your ailment justifies medication, the doctor will write and send your prescription electronically to a pharmacy of your choice.
Prescriptions by state
Even though telemedicine is a major part of modern health care, the adoption of it in the U.S. still has challenges. States have significant control over medicine prescribed over the internet. An online doctor prescription and the type of telehealth service you can receive varies by state. Before booking an appointment, be sure to check the National Telehealth Policy Resource Center to learn more about your state’s laws and regulations.
It’s time to bid farewell to crowded waiting rooms and start receiving your health care online. Telehealth is a modern marvel that offers many conveniences and helps people stay up-to-date with their health.
This innovative approach offers numerous benefits for both patient and doctor. And it is just another example of how modern technology is improving the well-being of people across continents.
For aNewDomain, I’m T.E. Wing.
Cover art: MobiHealthNews.com
