Technology has taken the world by storm, and nowadays, everything from shopping, socialisation, transactions, etc., happens online. Health care hasn’t been left behind. Practitioners these days use telehealth to meet remotely with their patients. While this practice has been with us for a long time, it only became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic when people were forced to stay home.
Various improvements have been made in this sector, and many people have accepted telemedicine. So doctors and patients can conduct teleconsultation in Singapore and beyond. Telemedicine is not designed to replace face-to-face doctor’s visits. Instead, it is meant to enhance it. Let us look at the benefits of telehealth for patients.
1. Convenience
Telemedicine reduces the need to go physically to a hospital or clinic and is in the waiting bay awaiting the doctor to see you when you are sick. Instead, they can do the consultation from the comfort of your home. People with a busy schedule can benefit most from telemedicine. You can schedule your virtual appointment and attend it without leaving your work or office. Plus, many specialists offer round-the-clock services, meaning you can access them at any time.
2. Affordable Healthcare
Sometimes, doctors may be expensive, even for people with insurance. Thankfully, telemedicine appointments are cheaper compared to doctor’s visits. Plus, you will have to spend on transport when attending your appointments physically. But for virtual consultations, you do them from wherever you are.
Additionally, people who don’t have insurance or adequate insurance may have trouble seeing doctors. But telehealth providers offer cash-pay services that don’t need health insurance or referrals.
3. Better Control of Infectious Diseases
Infectious diseases like Flu and COVID-19 are quickly spread when people interact one on one. Visiting hospitals puts one at risk of getting this disease. So to control the rate of infections, doctors are now opting for telemedicine.
Doctors can pre screen infectious diseases through telehealth consultation. So, sick people don’t have to come to the office, meaning there will be less exposure to germs from other people. Thus, it reduces the risk for pregnant women, the elderly, and people who have chronic illnesses.
4. Healthcare Access to People in Disadvantaged Locations
Living in rural areas offers various benefits. However, it comes with some challenges, including slow access to medical care. Thankfully, telemedicine provides an excellent alternative for people living far from a medical facility. You can quickly meet with a doctor, saving you time and money.
Also, note that there has been an increase in the number of hospitals closing in inner-city neighbourhoods. So many people, especially communities and those without health insurance find it hard to access medical care. Thankfully, telehealth offers a great solution to this challenge. It allows individuals to access a doctor quickly before their illness progresses.
5. Preventive Care and Chronic Illness Management
Individuals can easily access preventive care through telemedicine, thus improving their long-term health. So people with financial or geographical barriers can greatly benefit from this strategy.
Additionally, individuals with chronic conditions need regular checkups to manage their health. But going to the doctors regularly can be challenging due to their illness. However, telemedicine doctors use at-home monitoring tools to check for new symptoms or how their health is. As such, it can help them intervene quickly, which can save lives.
6. Reduces Anxiety
Lastly, being in the hospital environment can make some people anxious. Thankfully, telehealth allows you to conduct the appointments from where you feel comfortable. Therefore, you can relax and feel free to share your medical condition with your doctor. As a result, your treatment may be effective since the doctor understands your symptoms better.
Final Thoughts
Telemedicine doesn’t replace in-person appointments. However, it is still a vital addition to healthcare for both patients and doctors. So if you need fast access to a doctor, try scheduling a telehealth appointment.
Salman is a prolific environmental writer, and has authored more than 500 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management, sustainability and conservation all over the world.
Salman can be reached on salman@cleantechloops.com
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