Telehealth and Your Doctor, What You Need to Know

The field of medicine has always benefitted from advances in technology. Most recently, Telehealth is making it possible for patients to be seen by qualified health care providers anywhere, anytime.  If you haven’t heard about Telehealth, there’s a lot to know, especially how you can now get great medical care around the clock anywhere you have access to a computer or mobile device. If your doctor provides a Telehealth option and you aren’t taking advantage of it, you are missing out. Here’s what you need to know about Telehealth and your doctor.

House Calls via Telehealth

Telehealth – sometimes referred to as Telemedicine – is the use of various high-tech means to support health education and enhance health care and administration using telecommunication technologies such as video conferencing, the internet, store-and-forward imaging, and streaming media. Doctors who use Telehealth technologies are able to dispense remote clinical services without the need for a physical visit; everything is done virtually. These technologies may be utilized for consultation, follow-up checks, and the management of health conditions and medication.

Humble Beginnings

Originally conceived as a way for patients in remote or medically underserved areas to gain access to healthcare through telecommunications devices, Telehealth grew into a phenomenon that allows patients to confer with specialists around the world, doctors to discuss patients’ care with their colleagues in real time, and the infirmed or disabled to seek medical care without leaving their home. Today, Telehealth providers are able to offer 24×7 healthcare assistance for nonemergency medical issues as part of their routine and ongoing medical care – allowing for on-call care without the stress or hassle of visiting a doctor’s office.

You and Your Doctor

Telehealth is not only easy to use, it’s revolutionizing medicine – and making it easier for people to see their doctors in real time. Telehealth is great for those who don’t drive or find it hard to leave their jobs. For those who travel frequently or college students, there is consistency of seeing their preferred provider, no matter where they are. Telehealth is especially beneficial for parents of newborns or of children who are feeling too sick to travel across town; it’s also great for caregivers, the infirmed, as well as those who are finding it hard to get in their car, let alone get out of bed. Most importantly, Telehealth is capable of continuing relationships with our favorite medical providers during off hours. Plus, there is no need for driving or finding a parking space or missing school or work. With 24×7 access, there is always a doctor on call who can address your concerns.

The Fine Print

While Telehealth is convenient and user-friendly, it is not suitable for all cases, especially emergencies. In life or death situations, it’s always best to seek emergency medical attention or call 911. Likewise, Telehealth is not able to set broken bones or perform other hands-on procedures. Also, while Telehealth has gained fast acceptance, not all facilities provide telemedicine services; it’s best to check with your hospital to be sure. But, if you experiencing minor health issues like headaches, body pain, cough and colds, upper respiratory or sinus infections, insect bites, or rashes, Telehealth may be perfect for you. It is also useful for medical inquiries and counseling and particularly useful in the field of gynecology, lactation advice and psychiatry.

The Doctor Will See You Now…

Accessing Telehealth is as easy as downloading the App to your Smartphone or computer, then enrolling in the program. Enrollment is fast, plus all your data will be stored for future visits.  Once enrolled, simply describe your symptoms, then choose the doctor you wish to see. After a brief wait in a “virtual waiting room,” the provider will invite you to join the visit, which will be conducted via Web-based or mobile App high-quality video streaming.

Wooster Community Hospital Now Offers Telehealth

Wooster Community Hospital offers Telehealth to the Ohio community through WCH TodayCare; simply download the app – search for WCH TodayCare in either the App Store or Google Play – or click here. Then fill out the enrollment form, describe your symptoms, and choose your doctor. Doctors’ profiles are readily available to help you make an informed decision that also works around your busy schedule. If you have any questions about our service, we would be happy to answer them and assist you in the enrollment process. Please call Wooster Community Hospital today at (855) 635-1392.