Benefits of Telehealth
How Does Telemedicine Work?
Telemedicine, also known as digital health, provides patients with quick, virtual access to a doctor. For those unable to make an in-person visit, telemedicine offers an alternate, innovative way to get vital medical treatment.
What are the Advantages of Telehealth?
One of the key advantages of telehealth services is convenience--there’s no need to rush to the doctor’s office and wait in a crowded room. NewYork-Presbyterian uses the latest digital technology to connect patients with healthcare providers through video chats.
Other advantages of telehealth include:
- No need to travel to your appointment
- Less time spent waiting for appointments
- Avoid childcare issues
- Access to over 4,000 skilled specialists
- Have a conversation with your doctor in the comfort of your own home
Telehealth considerations
There are some factors to consider before deciding whether a telehealth appointment is right for you. The most obvious consideration for telehealth is skipping the physical exam. If a patient is complaining of swollen glands or a sore throat, it’s not possible for a doctor to feel the person’s glands or test for strep throat. In addition, a doctor is unable to check a patient’s vital signs, such as blood pressure or temperature.
Another consideration of telehealth is that some people do not have ready and reliable internet service. Technical glitches during a telemedicine visit, such as freezing screens or loss of connection, can make telehealth frustrating and unreliable. For this reason, it’s important to ensure you have a stable internet connection and video and audio enabled to have a virtual visit properly.
Who Can Benefit from Telehealth?
- Patients with mobility issues
- Individuals with schedules that make it difficult to travel to the doctor’s office
- Anyone!
Download the NYP Connect App
NYP Connect allows you to connect digitally with your care team, review your medical records, and much more. You can schedule video visits, request prescription refills, manage your appointments, check in before appointments, access test results, and manage your bills.
