You might probably hear of someone seeking consultation inside the comfort of their homes in Lake Forest, California, and now you’re wondering what this Telehealth that everyone is talking about. When we are not feeling well, probably in pain or suffering from health issues, the last thing we’d like to do is leave our house, but oftentimes it’s not the case. However, with the emerging technology, did you know that you can now have the option to see your doctor and receive a treatment plan without leaving your home?
Telehealth in Lake Forest, California: What Is It?
Lake Forest
With telehealth, you can consult with a physician online or by phone. This innovative technology allows patients to get the care they need without going to the doctor's office. Telehealth is perfect for those who are unable to travel or those who want to avoid long waiting times at a doctor’s clinic. This latest technology allows you to share your present condition and health problems with your primary healthcare provider and receive the appropriate treatment plan in return without going through the hassle of transportation.
Read on to learn more about this popular trend in medicine.
Telehealth is a term that is used to describe the use of digital information and communication technologies, such as computers and mobile devices, to deliver healthcare services, information and treatments remotely. It could be in a variety of ways, such as real-time video conferences, email exchanges or phone calls, text messaging, and even the use of wearable devices to track patients’ vital signs for constant monitoring. Through the use of Telehealth, patients will be able to receive all kinds of health care there is such as seeking consultation, receiving diagnosis and treatment, and preventive advice from their doctors of choice.
Telehealth has been shown to be an effective way to provide care for patients who live in rural areas that are oftentimes having difficulty getting to appointments or who are homebound with limited transportation options. As compared with in-person care, Telehealth has a number of advantages, such as broader and increased access to medical care, reduced costs, and convenience that is applicable to both patients and doctors. It can also be used to provide support and education for patients and their families. It is not surprising that in recent years, telehealth has gained popularity, as more and more people have become health conscious and would like to seek doctor’s advice without having to leave their homes. Moreover, telehealth delivers care conveniently as it can be done in the patient’s or doctor’s free time.
Difference Between Telemedicine and Telehealth
Now do not confuse yourself with the difference between Telemedicine and Telehealth. Though those two terms are oftentimes used interchangeably, Telemedicine is the use of medical information transferred from one site to another through the use of electronic communications to improve a patient's clinical health condition. On the other hand, Telehealth encompasses all types of healthcare services, including preventive care, mental health counseling, health education, physical therapy, and disease management– basically healthcare services that do not require an immediate hospital setting. This can include everything from fitness tracking devices to remote patient monitoring systems, and sometimes, depending on the patient’s status, physicians may perform examinations online. Both telemedicine and telehealth can be used to improve access to care, but telemedicine is focused specifically on providing clinical care online.
What Is the Best Type of Telehealth for You in Lake Forest, California?
You probably have no idea, but there are several modes of Telehealth, and it is essential to be aware of them so you’ll have an idea which is the best Telehealth option available in Lake Forest, California. There are different modes of Telehealth, but all involve providing health care remotely. So, whether you’re looking for a therapist to restore muscle function or treatment advice for your chronic ear illness, there’s certainly one kind of telehealth that will suit your condition.
Store & Forward
Store and forward telehealth refer to the practice of storing patient information and then sending it on to a provider at a later time. It is a type of telehealth where providers can ask questions, review patient records, and provide guidance or therapy without the need for a live examination between patient and provider. This type of care can take place via web chat, email, or even video conferencing but is oftentimes used and advantageous in situations where real-time communication is not possible. As a result, it is often used for consultation rather than physical therapy and examination. However, one benefit of the store and forward telehealth is that it gives providers more time to review patient records and consider all options before providing medical advice. Nevertheless, it is important to note that store and forward telehealth should not be used in emergency situations. If you have an urgent medical problem, you should always see a doctor in person.
Self-monitoring Telehealth
Self-monitoring telehealth is the use of technology to allow patients to monitor their own vital signs and health concerns from home. Patients will learn to use devices such as blood pressure cuffs and glucometers to take their own readings and transmit results directly to their primary caregiver. Through this, despite being remotely away from their patients, physicians could track their patient’s status and check whether they are managing well their high blood pressure or glucose level. Doctors can easily modify treatment plans as needed. The benefit was greatly recognized during the recent pandemic when people were hesitant to visit clinics or hospitals, even the ones near their homes. Everyone is concerned they might get the virus, and clinics and hospitals are considered as a high-risk area. Self-monitoring telehealth allows patients to monitor their condition at home and only go to a clinic or hospital if they have symptoms or their test results indicate they need to be seen. This can help to reduce the risk of exposure for both patients and doctors. Self-monitoring telehealth has a long history, dating back to the early days of clinical medicine. It was originally used for patients with chronic conditions who needed to be seen on a regular basis by their physicians. However, it has since been expanded to include a wide range of conditions and can be used as part of both preventative care and disease management.
Videotelephony Telehealth
Video-telephony is an audio and video call between two tele-health devices that have been optimized for audio and video communication between two people. As compared with a regular telephone call, the audio quality of Videotelephony is often higher as sound waves will be transmitted over a dedicated internet connection than the normal shared line. Moreover, the video part uses a webcam to capture the image of the person and transmit it over the internet. Some psychologists prefer the use of Videotelephony as the interaction between them and their patients is similar to that of being in the same room together. It can essentially be helpful for conditions requiring live appointments, examinations, procedures, and physical therapy as the patient's vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure, and activities can be monitored in real-time. Additionally, such information can then be used to make prompt decision-making.
Real-Time Interactive Telehealth Services
Real-time interactive telehealth services, also known as RTITS, are live appointment-based visits with a provider that happen to be online through HIPAA-compliant video chat software. These visits can include addressing things like dizziness and vertigo, injuries, and many other types of conditions that need live and timely doctor’s advice. The ability to see and speak with a provider in real-time allows for a more accurate diagnosis than if the provider were to only rely on the patient's description of their symptoms. Additionally, RTITS is often more convenient and affordable than in-person appointments, as patients do not need to take time off work or incur travel costs. Most major insurance providers cover telehealth visits, making RTITS a viable option for everyone.