Tech for Seniors | January 21, 2020

Doctors on Demand: Is Telehealth Right for You?

Senior couple looking at their computer.

When it comes to learning about tech, gizmos and gadgets, it can feel like a whole new world of endless possibilities — all of which may seem a little overwhelming. With the right outlook and can-do attitude, however, there’s a way to make all this new tech work for you. One exciting technology that’s becoming more and more beneficial to older adults is telehealth.

So what exactly is telehealth? According to The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, telehealth is “the use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to support long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, public health and health administration.”

In simpler terms, it means hopping on your smartphone or computer to talk to a doctor without ever having to leave the comfort of home. It’s an appealing option for many. To find out even more reasons why telehealth might be right for you, read on.

It’s More Convenient Than Frequent Trips to The Doctor’s Office

Depending on your health, it’s possible to have doctor’s appointments almost every week. Cancer patients who require frequent doctor visits, those with chronic conditions that require long-term management (arthritis, allergies, diabetes, for example) and people in recovery from a surgery that calls for multiple follow-ups may all potentially benefit from telehealth appointments.

It’s a Great Way to Get Immediate Peace Of Mind

When unexpected symptoms arise or sudden illness strikes, a doctor’s visit may be difficult to schedule at the last minute. Luckily, telehealth makes having a doctor’s expertise just one video call away.

From assessing symptoms to diagnosis to the prescription of medications, doctors may be able to provide peace of mind until an in-person appointment can be made. Depending on the diagnosis and any medical advice you receive from your doctor, you may be able to skip an in-person appointment altogether and save yourself an unnecessary trip.

Oftentimes, It’s Much More Affordable

Healthcare can be expensive; that’s no secret. The average estimated cost for an in-person short term care visit in the U.S. is $136 to $176. With telehealth, it may only cost around $40 to $50. Another cost of health care many people may not think about is how much money it takes for facilities to provide onsite care.

In the U.S., the administrative costs of healthcare is more than double what it is in other countries. By using telehealth, U.S. hospitals and medical facilities can save an estimated $20,841.

Want More Cool Healthtech?

Telehealth is not meant to replace doctor’s visits, but it may be able to make maintaining a healthy lifestyle more convenient. Plus, it gives seniors an excuse to flex their tech muscle. Check out our articles about tech for seniors, and feel free to give us a call anytime!

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