Over the past few years, one of the most significant innovations impacting healthcare in America is the massive expansion of online telehealth services, the practice of providing healthcare remotely through technology. From increasing access to specialists to reducing the spread of germs among vulnerable populations, the advantages of telehealth are considerable.1
Improved technology has made telemedicine easier, even for those who don’t consider themselves computer-savvy.2 Also, a reliable high-speed internet connection, like the one provided by Trailblazer Broadband’s fiber network, is essential for good connectivity, communication, and diagnostics on a successful telehealth conference.
Whether you’re looking for a faster prescription medication refill or just needing professional advice on taking your child or loved one to a clinic for more urgent care, you’ll likely find that telehealth makes life both easier and more efficient for you and your family!
Telehealth’s Enormous Expansion
Given the benefits discussed above, it’s no wonder that more and more patients are enjoying telehealth platforms. In 2022, about 25% of all patients took advantage of telehealth services. Compared to pre-2020 figures (i.e., pre-Covid), that represents a fivefold increase from just 5% patient usage! And the convenience and advantages keep attracting new patients to telehealth, both in America and worldwide.
Indeed, according to one study, overall global telehealth revenue in 2023 was estimated at a whopping $120.4 billion. That same study anticipated total revenue will reach $285.7 billion by 2028, a staggering figure representing over 23% growth in just five years.
Telemedicine Benefits
Telemedicine offers numerous benefits:
- Convenience: Telemedicine allows patients to access healthcare from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need for travel and reducing clinic wait times. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility issues, busy schedules, or those living in remote areas.
- Accessibility: Telemedicine breaks down geographical barriers, enabling patients to connect with healthcare providers regardless of their location. This is especially important for people living in rural or underserved areas with limited access to healthcare services.
- Cost-effectiveness: Telemedicine can lead to cost savings for patients and healthcare providers. Patients save money on transportation, parking, and childcare expenses associated with in-person visits, while healthcare providers can reduce overhead costs related to maintaining physical facilities.
- Improved efficiency: Telemedicine streamlines healthcare delivery by facilitating quicker access to care, reducing appointment wait times, and enabling more efficient communication between patients and providers. This can lead to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction.
- Continuity of care: Telemedicine allows for more frequent and convenient follow-up appointments, promoting better continuity of care. This particularly benefits patients with chronic conditions requiring ongoing monitoring and management.
- Reduced exposure to infectious diseases: Telemedicine reduces the need for in-person visits, thereby lowering the risk of exposure to contagious illnesses, including colds, flu, and COVID-19. This is especially relevant during public health emergencies and pandemics.
- Enhanced specialist access: Telemedicine enables patients to consult with specialists who may not be readily available in their local area. This expands access to specialized care and expertise, improving overall healthcare quality.
- Patient empowerment: Telemedicine empowers patients to take a more active role in managing their health by providing access to resources, educational materials, and remote monitoring tools. This can lead to better health outcomes through increased patient engagement and self-management.
Overall, telemedicine has the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery by making it more convenient, accessible, and cost-effective while improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Telehealth Resources
Considering the value of telehealth services and the incredibly fast growth of the industry, it’s important to know how to access these resources. While Trailblazer doesn’t endorse or recommend any particular service, here are a few to consider:
- Local Options
Estes Park has several telehealth options in its backyard. Estes Park Health offers virtual visits, and UC Health offers Virtual Urgent Care throughout Colorado. Online assistance can be accessed through a computer or tablet with a working webcam, speakers and a microphone, or a smartphone. UC Health offers access to Virtual Urgent Care through its downloadable app.
- Teladoc
One of the original pioneers of telehealth in the early 2000s, Teladoc provides a variety of health and medical needs at all hours. You can reach out to Teladoc when you need their expertise, no matter the time of day (or night). Teladoc has been particularly recognized for its mental health services, so patients considering online therapy may want to check out its offerings.
- Amwell
Another thorough and nearly complete telehealth service to consider is Amwell. Amwell is best known for collaborating with the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic and is well-regarded for its Second Opinion Service. Amwell might be a good option for patients seeking another expert or diagnostician to provide an opinion or prognosis after a previous diagnosis. However, remember that Amwell and its additional services are on the pricier side, though they also work with many kinds of insurance.
- Doctor on Demand
Like Teladoc and Amwell, Doctor on Demand also offers access to physicians and medical professionals 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making it easy to get appointments fairly fast. Doctor on Demand’s offerings tend to be somewhat more expensive than others, but its services are highly rated by users and are quite varied. Fun fact: One of the original founders of Doctor on Demand is the famous television personality Dr. Phil McGraw (“Dr. Phil”).
- Sesame Care
The most budget-friendly option on our list is Sesame Care. With Sesame Care’s online visits costing as low as $29 each, patients looking for more affordable telehealth will want to check it out. Sesame Care recently partnered with Costco, whose members receive even better pricing. Unlike the other telehealth services we recommend, Sesame Care does not employ an app to conduct consultations. Simply navigate to its website in a browser and follow the steps to book an appointment.
Making the Most of Telehealth Appointments
A reliable high-speed internet connection is critical to making the most of your telehealth appointment. Only a 100% fiber-to-the-home connection provides the same upload and download speeds. Upload speed is particularly important for video conferencing, where you need to be seen and heard effectively by the healthcare professional on the other end of the video conference.
Indeed, it’s not uncommon for doctors to decline to make a diagnosis if the video connection isn’t clear enough to assess the patient’s condition and symptoms confidently. Only fiber internet has the necessary speeds and generous bandwidth to convey the large amounts of data—video, voice, test results, medical charts, etc.—that telehealth consultations require, without interruptions that impede a proper medical assessment.
In this way, fiber ensures distortion-free video conferencing and clear communication between patients and healthcare professionals, regardless of which telehealth service you choose.
For a fiber internet connection you and your family can rely on, visit TrailblazerBroadband.com or call 970.577.3770.
1 “Benefits of Telemedicine | Johns Hopkins Medicine”
2 “Five Telehealth Services That Make Life Easier – S&T”
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