Telemedicine's Enduring Popularity: Why It Still Thrives Post-2020
Download MP3 The Rise of Telehealth
- The pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth or telemedicine, making online medical consultations more common in the last few years.
- Prior to 2019, many people were hesitant to seek healthcare advice without an in-person visit to a doctor or medical professional.
Benefits of Telehealth
- Over half of medical visits don’t require in-person observation or lab tests; a conversation about symptoms is often sufficient.
- Telehealth eliminates travel time and waiting room time, saving patients valuable hours.
- Patients no longer need to worry about being exposed to contagious individuals at doctor's offices or hospitals.
- By staying home, patients can avoid health risks associated with in-person visits.
The Efficiency of Telehealth
- Telehealth enables more efficient care by reducing the need for buffers between appointments and streamlining consultation schedules.
- Providers can see more patients, leading to better access to healthcare for everyone.
Telehealth Adoption and Satisfaction
- Nearly 75% of telehealth users report they would use it for prescription refills, discussing test results, and believe the quality of care is comparable or even better than in-person visits.
- Telehealth offers a significant reduction in no-show rates, with only 7% of patients missing appointments compared to 36% for in-office visits.
Impact on Healthcare Access
- Telehealth allows providers to focus on more urgent cases in-person, while handling follow-ups and consultations remotely.
- Virtual consultations for prescriptions or non-urgent issues can help reduce the volume in healthcare systems, improving care for those who need in-person attention.
