Telehealth

Source: MedlinePlus Health Topics, U.S. National Library of Medicine

What is telehealth? Telehealth is the use of communications technologies to provide health care from a distance. These technologies may include computers, cameras, videoconferencing, the Internet, and satellite and wireless communications. Some examples of telehealth include: A "virtual visit" with a health care provider, through a phone call or video chat Remote patient monitoring, which lets your provider check on you while you are at home. For example, you might wear a device that measures your heart rate and sends that information to your provider. A surgeon using robotic technology to do surgery from a different location Sensors that can alert caregivers if a person with dementia leaves the house Sending your provider a message through your electronic health record (EHR) Watching an online video that your provider sent you about how to use an inhaler Getting an email, phone, or text reminder that it's time for a cancer screening What is the difference between telemedicine and telehealth? Sometimes people use the term telemedicine to mean the same thing as telehealth. Telehealth is a broader term. It includes telemedicine. But it also includes things like training for health care providers, health care administrative meetings, and services provided by pharmacists and social workers. What are the benefits of telehealth? Some of the benefits of telehealth include: Getting care at home, especially for people who can't easily get to their providers' offices Getting care from a specialist who is not close by Getting care after office hours More communication with your providers Better communication and coordination between health care providers More support for people who are managing their health conditions, especially chronic conditions such as diabetes Lower cost, since virtual visits may be cheaper than in-person visits What are the problems with telehealth? Some of the problems with telehealth include: If your virtual visit is with someone who is not your regula