What is telemedicine? 

Telemedicine offers healthcare using digital devices such as computers and smartphones. In most cases, telemedicine uses video conferencing. However, some providers choose to offer care via email or phone messaging.

Many people use telemedicine with their usual healthcare provider. Others access virtual care using a dedicated telemedicine app.

Doctors and patients can use telemedicine to:

• assess whether or not the patient needs treatment in person
• provide certain kinds of medical care, such as mental health treatment and assessments for minor infections
• write or renew prescriptions
• offer certain types of therapy, such as speech and physical therapy

Telemedicine is useful in situations where the patient must practice physical distancing or is unable to attend a healthcare facility in person.

Benefits of telemedicine

The sections below will discuss some of the possible benefits for patients and healthcare providers.

Benefits for patients

Telemedicine can help treat a range of medical conditions. It is most successful when a person seeks care from a qualified physician and provides clear details about their symptoms.

Some other benefits of telemedicine include:

• Lower costs: Some research suggests that people who use telemedicine spend less time in the hospital, providing cost savings. Also, less commuting time may mean fewer secondary expenses, such as childcare and gas.
• Improved access to care: Telemedicine improves access to careTrusted Source for people with disabilities. It can also improve access for other populations, including older adults, people who are geographically isolated, and those who are incarcerated.
• Preventive care: Telemedicine may make it easier for people to access preventive care that improves their long-term health. This is especially true for people with financial or geographic barriers to quality care. For instance, a 2021 review found that preventative telehealth services were effective for older people in high income countries. They say these services need improvement in low and low-middle income countries.
• Convenience: Telemedicine allows people to access care in the comfort and privacy of their own home. This may mean that a person does not have to take time off of work or arrange childcare.
• Slowing the spread of infection: Going to the doctor’s office means being around people who may be sick, often in close quarters. This can be particularly dangerous for people with underlying conditions or weak immune systems. Telemedicine minimizes the riskTrusted Source of picking up an infection at the doctor’s office.

Benefits for healthcare providers

Healthcare providers who offer telemedicine services may gain several benefits, including:

• Reduced overhead expenses: Providers who offer telemedicine services may incur fewer overhead costs. For example, they may pay less for front desk support or be able to invest in an office space with fewer exam rooms.
• Additional revenue stream: Clinicians may find that telemedicine supplements their income because it allows them to provide care to more patients.
• Less exposure to illness and infections: When providers see patients remotely, they do not have to worry about exposure to any pathogens the patient may carry.
• Patient satisfaction: When a patient does not have to travel to the office or wait for care, they may be happier with their provider, which improves patient satisfaction.