With the obstacles imposed by the novel virus COVID-19, being able to see your healthcare providers has become even more important. A possible solution to this issue is Telehealth.
So, what exactly is Telehealth? According to the Department of Health and Human Services, Telehealth is “the use of electronic information and telecommunication technologies to extend care when you and the doctor aren’t in the same place at the same time.”
In other words, it is a safe, effective way to continue seeing your healthcare provider from the comfort of your own home. This can happen in several ways including talking to your doctor over video chat or a regular phone conversation; discuss your condition through secure messaging services or email; and using remote monitoring through the use of prescript medical devices.
Keep in mind that your doctor will need to decide whether Telehealth is appropriate for your specific healthcare needs. According to HHS, a few of the services Telehealth may be able to provide include:
- General health care, like wellness visits
- Prescriptions for medicine
- Dermatology (skincare)
- Eye exams
- Nutrition counseling
- Mental health counseling
- Urgent care conditions, such as sinusitis, back pain, urinary tract infections, common rashes, etc.
Be sure to speak with your provider to get more information about the kind of Telehealth services available to you. For more information, get more tips from HHS at telehealth.hhs.gov.
