Telehealth Will Always Exist, But Is It a Substitute or an Additive

1. Telehealth Will Always Exist, But Is It a Substitute or an Additive? Early on in the epidemic, telemedicine had to be used in place of in-person care by healthcare professionals. Many healthcare professionals are currently pondering "Is telehealth additive or substitutive?" as they strive to figure out how to go through COVID-19. The question that healthcare practitioners should be asking is, "Which use cases make it most sense for telehealth to be additive or substitutive?" With the lifting of waivers and the end of the public health emergency (or PHE), healthcare is transitioning to a hybrid paradigm. That leaves it up to the clinicians to decide what virtual care options make the most sense, both clinically and financially. In the process, they're determining what a hybrid model means to them and their patients, as well as when to use telemedicine instead of in-person consultations. Is telehealth a supplement or a replacement? Even while there were telemedicine solutions available in the 2010s, it wasn't until the 2020 pandemic that patients and clinicians began to swarm to them. But now that the lockdowns are over, life is getting back to normal. The dynamics of virtual healthcare are altered by this. While physical treatment will always be necessary, telehealth is proven to be just as important. Healthcare practitioners must take into account a number of considerations when deciding whether to employ telehealth as a replacement or an additional measure. These elements consist of: 1. The kind of care being given What kind of touch is required mostly depends on the sort of care being delivered. Telehealth may make some care delivery methods, such as

2. consultations and follow-up visits, easier. Meanwhile, physical visits are necessary for operations and other manual procedures. 2. The health of the patient The utilization of telehealth depends critically on the patient's medical situation. Asthma, diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic or crippling diseases are just a few examples of ailments that need constant monitoring and control. When virtual care solutions can improve a patient's overall health and well-being, coming in daily is not practical. 3. The location of the patient. In circumstances where the patient lives in a rural or underserved region, telehealth could take the place of in-person care. Additionally, it's essential in places with challenging travel. In these situations, having access to a healthcare professional on demand can be a huge help and mean the difference between life and death. 4. The preferences of the patient. Telehealth will eventually be driven by patient preference. Due to convenience, comfort, or other individual considerations, some patients favor virtual care. Due to technology apprehensions, some people could avoid certain devices. However, a cutting-edge solution that offers a seamless patient experience can allay these worries. The availability of resources and technology should also be taken into account. For instance, a healthcare facility is more likely to adopt telehealth as an additional strategy if it has the required tools, trained personnel, and IT support. If a facility lacks these resources, telehealth may be its only option. In the end, each patient needs a customized care plan that usually combines telehealth with in-person appointments. Some circumstances, meanwhile, lend themselves better to virtual care.

3. When Telehealth Can Replace a Service In a number of circumstances, including consultations with healthcare professionals, telehealth can take the place of in-person care. For non-urgent medical matters, such as follow-up visits, medication renewals, and other standard care, there is no need for an in-person visit. Additionally, it is preferable for physical therapy exercises and sessions because it enables patients to get care in the comfort of their own homes. Another important application of telehealth for mental health counseling. Talking to someone on the phone or through video chats may often be life-changing, especially in underserved areas. In-patient care may be needed for extreme circumstances, such as drug and alcohol dependence or suicidal tendencies. Telehealth Is Additive When Despite its many benefits, telehealth is occasionally simply a supplement to in-person care. This covers any follow-up appointments after in-patient treatment has already been completed as well as any post-surgery rehabilitation. Telehealth can be used to monitor a patient's health during their recuperation after they are released from the hospital. Expectant moms' prenatal care, which includes routine check-ins and discussions with medical professionals, can also benefit from the usage of telehealth. Although giving birth in a clean hospital setting is preferred, telemedicine can be used in an emergency. Telehealth is and will be a key component of comprehensive healthcare. Long-term success will be ensured for providers who choose a hybrid strategy that best utilizes their resources.

4. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), serious mental illness causes the United States to lose $193.2 billion in wages per year. Over 60% of those adults did not obtain mental health treatment in the previous 12 months. despite the fact that one in five adults have a mental disease each year and that one in 25 suffer a major mental illness.