Healthcare organizations use telehealth to connect patients to vital health care services through videoconferencing. Although its usage surged during the pandemic, a majority of healthcare organizations, physicians, and patients still currently use telehealth. According to the 2021 AMA Telehealth Survey, 85% of physician respondents indicated they currently use telehealth, and more than 80% of patients say they have better access to care since using telehealth.
Patients need top-level care in a way that is safe and convenient for them, and providers need systems and solutions that allow them to care for multiple patients easily. Fortunately, AV technology like telehealth helps organizations provide the quality care their patients deserve in an efficient manner that benefits everyone. Keep reading to learn how.
Advantages of Telehealth
Through telehealth, video conferencing allows the world’s top medical professionals to provide consultation, diagnosis, and treatment information, regardless of geographic location. Here’s how it benefits both patients and providers:
- Reduce travel time: One of the most significant benefits that come with telehealth is the reduced travel time for patients and doctors. Patients that are required to see specialists can avoid dangerous travel or going exceedingly long distances between the doctor’s office and their home. Doctors who visit patients at home can avoid the time expense of travel and transporting medical equipment. Utilizing advanced AV technology to simulate the patient-doctor visit experience reduces travel time, enabling doctors to care for more patients in a certain period.
- Expand medical professionals’ patient base: Since the only tools that patients need for telehealth are a stable internet connection and a phone, tablet, or computer, many households across the country already cover all these bases. Medical professionals are then able to expand their patient reach beyond their immediate geographical area, bringing telehealth services to less populated areas like underprivileged districts, rural towns, and secluded suburbs. The obvious benefit of an expanded patient reach is more patients, enabling doctors to serve more people and expand their practice virtually.
- Cost-efficient: Instead of spending money to travel to the doctor’s office, spending precious time in the waiting room, and trekking back home or to a hotel for one night, telehealth eliminates all these expenses for the patient. Similarly, doctors can also decrease the costs of home visits and avoid moving expensive medical equipment around. Furthermore, telehealth can allow patients to book appointments online at the time they need and avoid taking a day off work. In addition, doctors can utilize telehealth as a form of work from home, so they may skip the need and cost to travel to an office every day of the week.
- Better patient outcomes due to increased patient engagement: Telehealth allows for a more personal one-on-one experience for the patient, giving doctors the ability to consistently observe patients’ health indicators and provide them essential feedback on their treatment and health regime. In addition, patients can quickly access their doctor or doctor’s assistants with any questions or concerns they may have in the treatment process. Consistent check-ins lead to better adherence to treatment regimes, which then results in better patient outcomes in the end.
Critical Solutions for Critical Care
Healthcare organizations should take a proactive approach to telehealth and get the assistance of experts. Audio video conferencing companies can focus on the technology so your organization can focus on what truly matters — providing the exceptional care your patients deserve.
IVCi has worked with some of the nation’s leading healthcare organizations to implement and integrate customized telehealth solutions. We specialize in overcoming limitations and helping hospitals adapt to new technology. Contact us today to discuss your options.
