Telemedicine (mostly known as telehealth or telecare) brings health care access to rural locations by enabling practitioners to evaluate, diagnose & treat patients remotely using the latest telecommunications technology. Telemedicine allows patients to receive expert medical care without having to travel.
Many patients find it difficult to travel to clinics, hospitals or doctor’s offices for any number of reasons. Telemedicine can be a great option for patients with unique challenges or in situations making it difficult to travel to receive traditional care.
Improved Access – For over 40 years, telemedicine has been used to bring healthcare services to patients in distant locations. Not only does telemedicine improve access to patients but it also allows physicians and health facilities to expand their reach, beyond their own offices. Given the provider shortages throughout the world–in both rural and urban areas–telemedicine has a unique capacity to increase service to millions of new patients.
Cost Efficiencies – Reducing or containing the cost of healthcare is one of the most important reasons for funding and adopting telehealth technologies. Telemedicine has been shown to reduce the cost of healthcare and increase efficiency through better management of chronic diseases, shared health professional staffing, reduced travel times, and fewer or shorter hospital stays.
Improved Quality – Studies have consistently shown that the quality of healthcare services delivered via telemedicine are as good those given in traditional in-person consultations.
Patient Demand – Consumers want telemedicine. The greatest impact of telemedicine is on the patient, their family and their community. Using telemedicine technologies reduces travel time and related stresses for the patient.
