Telemedicine is a term that covers the use of technology to deliver clinical care at a distance. It ensures that a person receives healthcare when needed, especially for those with limited access to care.

Telemedicine uses electronic and telecommunication technology to provide an exchange of medical information, despite a person and their doctor not being in the same room, city, or even country.

What is telemedicine?

Telemedicine allows a person to seek a doctor’s advice about nonemergency situations that do not require an in-office visit.

Currently, 76% of hospitals connect with people at a distance. They do this through video conferencing or other technology.

A person may also get medical services through a secure portal where the doctor can access their electronic medical record database.

Telemedicine uses

According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), there was a 63-fold increase in the use of Medicare visits through telehealth from 2020 onwards as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Telemedicine amid the pandemic can help reduce a person’s contact with healthcare facilities and their risk of COVID-19. It can also help reduce staff exposure.

Beyond this, doctors can use telemedicine for many other purposes, including:

  • general healthcare, such as wellness visits and blood pressure control
  • nonemergency follow-ups
  • mental health counseling
  • nutrition counseling
  • prescription for medications
  • physical therapy exercise
  • tele-intensive care

Benefits of telemedicine

  • With telemedicine, people can access care in the comfort and privacy of their own homes. This reduces the need to travel, arrange for child care, and leave work.
  • It cuts off waiting time and allows people to arrange their consultations around their busy schedules.
  • Telemedicine helps make healthcare accessible, especially for people living in rural areas.
  • Telemedicine consultations may be more affordable than in-person doctor visits and admission to the emergency room.
  • Telemedicine allows family members and caregivers to join in the consultation, ask questions, and provide information to contribute to their family member’s care.