Typically, when you need care from a professional healthcare provider, you visit a facility such as a medical office, clinic, or hospital. Over the last decade, the healthcare industry has seen many changes, from advancements in technology and science to health crises’ and a burdened healthcare system. Today we live in a more advanced world where we can have doctor visits in the comfort of our own homes and on our schedule. In a post-pandemic world, we have seen firsthand what the beauty of technology can do for the healthcare industry. Thanks to computers, smartphones, and other new digital technologies, medical professionals can now diagnose, treat, and oversee their patients' care virtually.

This practice is called telehealth or (telemedicine.) Telehealth is defined as the delivery of healthcare services at a distance through the use of technology. It can include everything from conducting medical visits over the computer to monitoring patients' vital signs remotely. There are two types of telehealth services; synchronous and asynchronous. With synchronous telehealth, a doctor visits a patient in real time over a live video feed using a smartphone or computer. With asynchronous telehealth, the patient sends images or information to the provider, who then reviews the materials and gets back to them electronically with answers.

The Future of Healthcare Solves Many Barriers Affecting Parents Today

Using telehealth to deliver healthcare has several advantages, including cost savings, convenience, and the ability to provide care to people with mobility limitations or those in rural areas who don't have access to a local doctor or clinic. For example, commuting to a hospital or clinic and waiting in waiting rooms can be timely. Telehealth also provides individuals and families with more options in choosing their healthcare. It also helps close the gaps in burdens the healthcare industry faces, like staffing shortages and patient room shortages. 

With telemedicine, you don’t have to drive, park, or walk – or sit in a waiting room when you’re sick. You can see your doctor from the comfort of your own bed or sofa. Virtual visits can be easier to fit into your busy schedule. With telemedicine, depending on your schedule, you may not even have to take leave time from work or arrange for childcare. You’re able to get some time back into your life. You still may need to visit the clinic for any blood work or certain checkups, but having the option to stay at home can be extremely beneficial.

Services possible with telehealth:

• Recording your weight, food intake, blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar levels either manually or with a wearable device or send to your doctor.
• Having virtual visits over your computer or smartphone.
• Using an online portal to check test results, request refills, send your doctor a message, or schedule an appointment.
• Receiving email or text reminders.
• At-home diagnostic testing

Also, there are ways to receive at-home testing to save the trip to the clinic. “At Checkable Health, we understand the frustration of not knowing whether your kid has a strep infection or not. This is why we’re embarking on a clinical study to gain FDA clearance of our strep diagnostic and digital care experience so that we can be trusted by physicians and parents," says Patty Post, founder and CEO of Checkable Medical.

Learn more about how Checkable is helping to bring more healthcare services into your home