What Are the Benefits of Telehealth Consultations?

If your doctor or health care clinic offers telehealth consultations, then you might not be sure whether to use these appointments over face-to-face meetings. However, these medical appointments have their advantages.

How do telehealth calls work and what are their benefits?

What Is a Telehealth Consultation?

A telehealth consultation is basically an appointment with a medical professional that takes place over the phone or by video call. So, you might have a call with your GP, therapist, hospital consultant or any other medical services provider.

While the COVID-19 pandemic saw many healthcare providers move to this kind of telemedicine when face-to-face appointments weren't safe, phone and video consultations are likely to stay in play for the future. They are a useful way of managing health consultations that don't require you to physically see a health professional or to have a physical examination.

What Are the Advantages of Telehealth Consultations?

If you don't need to be in the same room as a medical professional, then a telehealth appointment is a viable alternative to a regular consultation. Many people find that these kinds of appointments are more convenient.

For example, you might have to wait a long time to get a non-urgent face-to-face appointment with your GP. You might find it quicker to get advice over the phone or by video. You also don't have to find time to get to and from your clinic or GP's office.

Virtual consultations are also much more convenient if you live in a rural area or need to see a healthcare professional whose office isn't close to your home. You get access to the expert healthcare you need without leaving home at all. So, it doesn't matter if the specialist you need to see is a long way away from your location. You don't need to be close to their office to have a consultation. You could even talk to someone on the other side of the country if you needed to. You get better access to more healthcare services than might be available in your immediate area.

Telehealth calls are also a godsend for people who find it hard to leave home or to travel to clinic and hospital appointments. If you're feeling ill or have to organise assisted transport to and from appointments, then a call or video consultation is much less stressful.

To find out more about which kinds of telehealth services you can use, talk to a local GP or healthcare clinic.