How Telehealth Enables Physicians to Succeed 

Digital health technology has made significant strides, particularly during the pandemic. The practice of telemedicine has received a significant response owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the budding field grows, the use of telehealth is projected to continue to rise in the coming years. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global telehealth market is expected to grow from USD 90.74 billion to USD 636.38 billion in 2028. Cardiology, radiology, behavioral health, and online consultations have quickly adopted telehealth and witnessed a significant increase in virtual consultations. Patients love the convenience of telehealth. But what about physicians? 

Here are five important benefits of telehealth for physicians – 

• Expanded patient base: Telemedicine can help extend access to rural areas with few hospitals and clinics. Physicians can tap into this opportunity to increase their patient base and connect with the patients who need physician care. Telemedicine can also help address the issue of unnecessary ER visits and let doctors increase their availability for urgent care. According to Becker’s Hospital Review from a Truven Health Analytics study, about 71% of emergency room visits are unnecessary that a primary doctor could efficiently address. 

• Optimized time: Getting to the health appointment on time is one of the biggest hurdles for patients. Patients often cancel their appointments due to commute hassles or schedule conflicts. Patients find it easier and more comfortable to attend video health appointments. Offering telehealth appointments reduces the rate of no-shows and cancellations. Telehealth saves the cost of time and money for the patients as well as the providers. 

• Increased revenue: Telehealth attracts new patients and can encourage current patients to seek treatment more often due to the comfort factor. Physicians can bill for virtual visits or phone calls that take significantly less time and provide a direct connection with the patients without taking up space in the exam room. Since telemedicine is global and someone somewhere in the world needs a doctor, doctors have the opportunity of higher returns and are only limited by how long they can work. 

• Improved satisfaction: There is a high dissatisfaction among patients after long waiting times in rural areas, especially during their health appointments. Telehealth makes getting medical attention faster, easier and more convenient. With fewer in-person visits, Telemedicine technology increases staff efficiency while improving the quality of care and patient satisfaction. 

• Quick access: Telemedicine allows patients to reach out to physicians for a quick consultation via an instant messaging system instead of waiting for an in-person visit, which leads to better engagement with patients and improved patient outcomes that could lead to the overall satisfaction of the provider’s service. 

Telemedicine is highly beneficial for follow-up visits, counseling, or the use of mental health services and prescription refills. It is also ideal for any medical condition that needs monitoring diabetes, psychiatry, diabetes, blood pressure, or sleep apnea. 

Telehealth adoption by providers or physicians will be more successful if new tools and technology seamlessly integrate into their practices and reduce digital fatigue in the process. When implemented well, Telehealth can reduce patient and provider costs without sacrificing the quality of care.