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What is Telemedicine?
Telemedicine allows health care professionals to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients at a distance using telecommunication technology. The approach has been through a striking evolution in the last decade and it is becoming an increasingly important part of the American healthcare infrastructure.
Some of the benefits to Telemedicine is
- Less time away from work
- No Travel expenses or time
- Less interference with child or elder care responsibilities
- Privacy
- No exposure to other potentially contagious patients
Johns Hopkins Telemedicine Explanation
Privacy and Security
Because patient data will be transmitted when telemedicine is used, it is subject to HIPPA regulations. Consumer video services like Skype and Facetime do not meet this standard. In order to maintain compliance, providers must choose technology solutions that uses data encryption to protect patient data.
Did you know that if you are on a traditional healthcare (meaning a plan given to you by your employer) that you are more likely not on a Telemedicine Plan(check your plans for details). This means if you receive a call from your doctors office that they are switching to a telemedicine format that you may not be covered and have to pay for the visit out of pocket.
Telemedicine plans can cost anywhere from $20 or more per month. To get an affordable plan that fits your budget click here
