What Is Telehealth and How Does It Work

Telehealth is a way to get medical care from the comfort of your own home, using technology like video calls or messaging apps. It's a convenient option for people who live far from a doctor's office or have mobility issues.

Telehealth visits can be done using a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and internet connection. Some healthcare providers even offer virtual visits through their own apps.

You can use telehealth to get a diagnosis, treatment, or even just advice from a doctor. It's a great option for routine check-ups, follow-up appointments, or even urgent care.

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Telehealth is a way to see your healthcare provider without going to their office. You can have a telehealth visit online using your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Telehealth care allows you to talk with your healthcare provider on the phone or using video, send messages with your provider safely, and track your health care using technology. This makes it easier to share information like your blood pressure with your provider.

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There is no single definition for telehealth, and different agencies have their own way of defining it. This can be confusing, especially during times like the COVID-19 pandemic when new rules and policies are being adopted.

Telehealth visits can be done using video, phone calls, or even just messages. It's a convenient way to get the care you need without having to leave your home.

Here are some ways you can use telehealth to connect with your healthcare provider:

Telehealth has revolutionized the way we approach healthcare, especially in emergency situations.

A 50-year-old man with a heart attack was treated via video by a hub team of e-Emergency physicians and nurses in a rural community hospital.

They obtained an EKG on arrival, administered lifesaving thromoblytics, and called a helicopter for transport to a heart hospital, all within 20 minutes.

The patient was then transported to a cardiac catheterization lab and was home in a day.

Telemedicine bridges the gap between rural and urban areas, providing access to specialized care where it's needed most.

The current pandemic demonstrated the effectiveness of remote patient care, as a Covid-19 virtual command center successfully transferred Covid hotline phone calls to a video platform.

This reduced the need for ED visits, and patients were assessed via camera to determine whether they needed emergent treatment.

Telehealth saves time, and in emergency situations, every minute counts.

For another approach, see: What Are Important Differences between Telehealth and In-person Care

Telehealth vs Telemedicine is a distinction that's worth understanding.

The term "telemedicine" is being phased out in favor of "telehealth", which is a more universal term for the current broad array of applications in the field.

Telehealth crosses most health service disciplines, including dentistry, counseling, physical and occupational therapy, home health, chronic disease monitoring and management, and disaster management.

It's also expanded beyond traditional diagnostic and monitoring activities to include consumer and professional education.

Telehealth services are not limited to just diagnostic and monitoring activities, but also include consumer and professional education.

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One rural ED in our system transferred sexual assault cases to a larger facility for certified exams that required a 3-hour ride.

Now, over the camera, trained sexual assault nurse examiners assist local clinicians and conduct the exam locally.

As a member of the American Board of Telehealth Expert Panel, I interact with telemedicine leaders across the country who deliver quality patient care with telehealth services.

The ABT Telehealth Certificate Program offers clinicians and administrators specialized knowledge with standards in place to implement quality remote patient care.

Telehealth connects you with a care provider using teleconference technology that seamlessly integrates into the health system's electronic medical record and patient portal.

This technology allows for a safe and secure connection, enabling you to see and hear your provider just as you would in a traditional office visit.

The state of North Carolina implemented a telepsychiatry program to provide better access to mental health care, especially in areas with a shortage of mental health professionals.

The program, known as NC-STeP, serves 60 hospitals throughout the state and focuses on counties classified as Mental Health Shortage Areas.

To maintain quality in telehealth care delivery, consistency, expertise, and economic impact are crucial components.

Preparing for a telehealth visit is essential, and it's recommended to learn how to prepare your device and connect with your healthcare provider at the appointed time.

Through assessments and proper treatment, telepsychiatry programs like NC-STeP help patients avoid hospital stays and become informed patients who can move forward in their lives.

Excellence in telehealth is not an act, but a habit, and providing the right treatment to the right patient through evidence-based practice is a common thread that ties everything together.

The CORE Concepts in Telehealth Certificate Program from the American Board of Telehealth addresses how knowledge grows and science evolves in telemedicine, and offers education and training for clinicians and administrators.

Telehealth policy and guidelines can be a bit confusing, but it's essential to understand them to ensure seamless healthcare delivery. CCHP has developed a Telehealth Definition Framework to clarify the use of "telehealth" and its components.

The framework emphasizes that telehealth is a collection of methods to enhance healthcare delivery and education, not a specific service. Ideally, services delivered via telehealth should be held to the same quality and practice standards as those delivered in person.

To address the utilization of telehealth, CCHP has created policy advocacy materials, which can be found on their website. These materials aim to provide clarity on telehealth policy statements and guidelines.

CCHP also publishes telehealth guidelines and statements, which are available for public viewing. These publications aim to provide a consistent and cogent definition of telehealth, reducing confusion among practitioners, policymakers, payers, and the public.

Policy advocacy materials are crucial for addressing the utilization of telehealth. The National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers, along with CCHP, has finalized a Telehealth Definition Framework to help clarify how to accurately use "telehealth" and its key components.

The framework aims to provide a consistent and cogent definition for telehealth, which has been lacking and leading to confusion among practitioners, policymakers, payers, and the public. Ideally, there should be no regulatory distinction between a service delivered via telehealth and a service delivered in person.

CCHP's work is dedicated to identifying how different state and federal agencies define telehealth and cataloging the ways those varying definitions influence policies and regulations. This includes studying how Medicare reimburses for telehealth services, which are often labeled as "communication technology-based service" or CTBS.

Medicare Part B covers certain telehealth services, and after the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. This information can be found in the Medicare Part B coverage details.

Here are the key points to consider when it comes to telehealth policy:

By having a clear understanding of telehealth policy and guidelines, we can work towards seamless and frictionless patient care delivery, regardless of whether it's in-person or virtual.

Consistency is key in telehealth care delivery, and it's only achievable with clinicians and administrators who are well-trained to meet quality standards.

The Helmsley Trust focuses on telehealth because of its potential to improve patient outcomes. They understand that quality in telehealth is crucial.

Having well-trained clinicians and administrators is vital to ensuring quality remains a primary factor in any telemedicine program.

With over 15,000 telemedicine visits conducted, I've seen firsthand the impact of this technology on patient care. Telemedicine has expanded exponentially through word of mouth and growth, with Avera eCARE providing care to 200 critical care access sites in 16 states.

Avera eCARE has a hub in Sioux Falls, SD, and our emergency clinicians have immediate access to patients through video consultations, saving precious time in life-threatening situations. This time savings is crucial in emergency situations.

Research has shown that ongoing collaboration and consultation between eEmergency physicians and their clinician colleagues in rural communities matters, improving access to specialty care, lowering costs, and overall, improving patient care. By working together, we can make a real difference in people's lives.

The ABT Telehealth Certificate Program offers clinicians and administrators specialized knowledge with standards in place to implement quality remote patient care, something I've seen benefit many healthcare professionals.

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To get started with telehealth, you'll need to connect with your healthcare provider using teleconference technology. This technology seamlessly integrates into your health system's electronic medical record and MyChart patient portal.

You'll be able to see and hear your provider just as if you were together in a traditional office visit. Based on this interaction, your provider will assess your condition and make recommendations for your ongoing care.

To prepare for your telehealth visit, make sure your computer, tablet, or smartphone is ready to go. You can learn how to do this by checking out the resources provided by your healthcare provider.

At your appointment time, you'll be able to connect with your healthcare provider using the technology you've prepared.

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Medicare Advantage Plans may offer more telehealth benefits than the basic coverage in Original Medicare.

Some providers in Original Medicare offer additional telehealth benefits, allowing you to receive services from home, no matter where you live.

If your provider participates in an Accountable Care Organization (ACO), check with them to find out what telehealth benefits may be available.

Gaining comfort with telehealth is a must to ensure you receive the best care possible. You should feel confident with telehealth.

Choosing a provider you trust is key. Your healthcare provider should be someone you feel comfortable with.

Using telehealth can give you more choices. This can be especially helpful if you live far from a healthcare provider or have a busy schedule.

Medicare Advantage Plans often offer more telehealth benefits than Original Medicare.

You may be able to get some services from home, no matter where you live, with Medicare Advantage Plans.

Some providers in Original Medicare participate in Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), which may offer additional telehealth benefits.

Check with your provider to find out what telehealth benefits may be available if they participate in an ACO.