Online telemedicine or telehealth is access to healthcare services that are delivered remotely. It covers a wide range of services like healthcare visits, psychotherapy, physiotherapy, etc. It has changed the way people interact with their physicians and receive treatment.
Is Telehealth Something Different?
Though used interchangeably, virtual telemedicine is a part of telehealth, and both cover different areas of virtual healthcare.
Telehealth comprises more solutions compared to telemedicine. The wide range of technology and services required for improved patient care and healthcare are covered by telehealth. The services include clinical services, continuing medical education, administrative meetings, and provider training.
Online telemedicine is that branch of telehealth that addresses healthcare education and services through telecommunications. Clinical services like consultations, management of chronic conditions, and follow-up visits are part of telemedicine.
How Does Telehealth Help Working Canadians?
The benefits of telehealth during the pandemic are,
Increased Access to Care:
Telehealth has reduced wait times while increasing service availability, particularly in rural areas with a shortage of healthcare providers. Canadians can now access quality healthcare from the comfort of their homes.
Relieve Stress on the Canadian Healthcare System:
With 1 out of 5 Canadians having to wait seven days or more to get medical attention, Canada faces the highest wait times worldwide. Virtual healthcare services give Canadians increased access and lower wait times.
Provide the Same Level of Care at a Fraction of the Cost:
Virtual telemedicine is cheaper than in-person visits since the 'free' healthcare is paid for by tax dollars. When Canadians go for virtual consultations, these taxpayers' money can be used for other priorities.
Enable Continuous and Ongoing Care:
Telehealth for patients won't replace in-person doctor's visits, but they will complement them. Doctors can monitor the adherence to medications or exercises prescribed by them, adjust treatment in between visits, and share information using telehealth.
Online telemedicine is gaining popularity for the following reasons:
Improved Accessibility:
Telehealth services ensure access to healthcare from any location and greater convenience.
Costs Less:
If you consider the transportation cost and the time spent, virtual visits are cheaper than in-person visits.
Faster Access to Services:
Virtual healthcare services can be accessed with your phone and are faster than in-person consultations in Canada that could take days.
How Does Telemedicine Reduce Costs?
Benefits for a Busy Small Business Owner:
Access to healthcare even when working remotely or traveling within Canada
The 24x7 protection provided by online telemedicine provides them with complete peace of mind.
Lower Drug Costs:
The time spent on renewing prescriptions for drugs or getting fresh drugs is much lower. You can get prescription drugs shipped to your address free of cost.
Promotes Work-Life Balance:
Virtual telemedicine ensures the perfect work-life balance since you don't need to plan your life around your appointments. Virtual healthcare provides wider health coverage.
Telemedicine Also Benefits Your Employees
Attract and Retain Talent:
When employees get access to virtual healthcare services, it's an incentive for them, and you'll have less employee turnover.
Reduce Absenteeism and Increase Productivity:
With telemedicine doctors, employees don't have to worry about getting appointments for themselves or their families. This reduced stress improves their productivity, and there is less absenteeism.
Walk In Virtual Clinics provides the best telehealth for patients with an experienced pool of healthcare specialists. If you want to know how you can set up a telehealth consultation, get in touch with us today.