The introduction of telehealth services has transformed the way patients seek medical treatment. Patients can connect with healthcare professionals from anywhere in the world using their mobile devices. The solution provides rapid medical services which patients can access alongside their busy life commitments.
Modern healthcare systems now include telehealth services as a standard component of their operations. The CDC reported that 37% of U.S. adults used telemedicine in 2021, showing how quickly virtual care became part of everyday medical access. The American Medical Association found that 71.4% of doctors used telehealth services in 2024 while 25.1% of doctors used telehealth services in 2018 which indicates that virtual healthcare usage has increased from its pre-pandemic level.
What Is Telehealth?
Telehealth enables patients to obtain medical services from remote locations through secure video and phone and online communication methods. A telehealth visit enables a provider to evaluate your symptoms while checking your medical history and answering your questions and suggesting treatments and ordering lab tests and changing your medications and determining your need for physical treatment.
The standard visit procedure involves basic steps. You schedule an appointment, receive instructions or a secure link, join the visit at the appointment time, and speak with a provider. You will need to report your symptoms together with your temperature and blood pressure measurements and all medications and allergies and complete medical information. Your provider can send prescriptions through electronic means while they can also suggest tests which you should take at a clinic or diagnostic facility.
Telehealth services provide essential support for patients who face challenges related to transportation, work commitments, physical limitations, childcare responsibilities, and the need for follow-up medical appointments.The system provides medical professionals with a tool which enables them to deliver various types of medical treatment in a more efficient way.
What Can You Treat Online?
For many non-emergency issues, telehealth is an effective way to work out the problem. Typically, cold and flu symptoms, minor allergies, sinus problems, cough, sore throat, medication refills, lab result check-ins, follow-up appointments, skin conditions which can be clearly viewed via video, mild stomach conditions, urinary conditions and general medical conditions are easily handled through telehealth.
Telehealth can also be beneficial in the management of chronic conditions. Patients with diabetes, hypertension, asthma, thyroid conditions or cholesterol problems can take advantage of telehealth for follow-up care, adjust medications, receive lifestyle education and receive test results. Virtual visits can be quite convenient for a patient who has practiced keeping track of blood pressure or blood sugar at home.
Telehealth can also be beneficial for mental health assistance, counseling, stress, anxiety or depression follow ups, and helping manage medications. In 2024, the AMA has found use of video visits to be particularly prevalent among psychiatrists, as 85.9% provided a videoconference visit.
What Cannot be Treated Online?
Telehealth has limitations such as where there is a requirement for physical exam, imaging, lab work, wound care, injection or urgent intervention. Telehealth should not be used for heavy bleeding, loss of consciousness, severe allergic reactions, seizures, serious injuries, burning (significant burns) or major abdominal pain, sudden weakness or chest pain, or difficult breathing (rapid breathing pattern). These symptoms may require emergency medical care.
Also, when an exam to assess lung sounds, check an abdomen, examine an injury, conduct a procedure, drain an abscess, stitch a cut, take x-rays or run an urgent test is necessary, telehealth is not the best choice. A virtual visit can still help you in these situations but you might be referred to a clinic, urgent care or emergency room.
How to Prepare for a Telehealth Visit
When you see the physician, you should find a quiet room, with good phone or internet communication. Make sure your medications are handy, have a list of your symptoms ready, and when you first experienced them. Readings of a thermometer, blood pressure machine, pulse oximeter or glucose monitor are available. It can be useful to make a rash, swelling or concern visible so lighting should be appropriate. Further, honesty is the key! Let your provider know if symptoms are getting worse, you don’t feel safe at home, or you believe that there is a serious issue.
Final Thoughts
Telehealth is a great, easy and professional option to get care for a variety of everyday health issues, follow-up care, questions about medications and tracking of chronic medical conditions. It cannot replace emergency treatment, however; and when symptoms are severe, it cannot replace hands-on treatment. It is important to understand when to use telehealth and when it may be best to see someone in person.
For telehealth appointments, follow-up care, or help deciding what type of visit is right for you, email appointment@familydiagnosticclinic.com and our team will get you scheduled.
