As time progresses, so does technology—making what once seemed impossible, possible. Technology has been responsible for advancements that have occurred in essentially every field. From the sciences to the liberal arts, there have been some substantial changes over time in each field due to technology. One specific field, however, that will never be the same as long as technology evolves is healthcare.
 
There has been an endless number of advancements that can be traced back to the earliest points in healthcare history. These advancements have altered the field of healthcare permanently.  One of the most significant advancements that will alter the way traditional healthcare practices are carried out is the introduction and utilization of telehealth. Telehealth is a fairly new approach to physician practices that enables a physician to monitor a patient’s well-being through the use of technology—primarily cellular phones, computers, and tablets. There is an array of benefits that come from the utilization of telehealth in various healthcare settings. Here are four reasons that exemplify why telehealth is revolutionizing the healthcare field.
 
Access to Care
The integration of telehealth into the healthcare field has massive potential in providing care to regions of the country that have never had direct access to trained physicians and practitioners. Rural parts of the country often lack immediate access to practitioners, jeopardizing the well-being of their population. With the integration of telehealth monitoring, patients will be able to not only communicate with their practitioners much more directly but also be guided in treatment plans through the comfort of their own homes via the use of cellular devices, tablets, and computers.
 
Cost Effective
Although it’s safe to say that there is no price tag for good health, the adoption of telehealth practices has significant potential in reducing the average cost of doctor visits. Based on multiple reports, the average in-office visit to a primary physician can range anywhere from $175-  $200. With the utilization of telemedicine, however, these costs may be cut in half or more. With the adoption of telemedicine, it’s estimated that patients will pay roughly $40 - $60 per virtual visit.  This is simply due to the fact that minor care is being provided and patients own the technologies being used—such as smartphones and tablets.
 
Addresses Shortages in Healthcare Providers
A shortage in healthcare providers remains an issue in various parts of the country. When the demand for medical services is high and there aren’t enough physicians to cater to patients, care may become negligent and inaccessible for some. With the utilization of telehealth medicine however, practitioners will be able to connect with many more patients in a given period of time. The adoption of telemedicine paves way for physicians to physically see patients who are in serious condition while being able to remotely treat, diagnose and monitor those who are not.
 
Improves the Productivity of an Organization
With the previous points in mind, its fairly evident that telemedicine has great potential in improving the productivity of an organization as a whole. Telehealth medicine will alter the way physicians carry out normal, minor practices while creating more available slots for patients who are in dire need of physical care. This will ultimately increase the efficiency of medical care and improve the way doctors care for their patients.
 
With so many technological advancements continuously surfacing, it’s important to stay up to date with those in healthcare field. Telemedicine has the potential to alter the way medical practices are carried out all over the world. With the utilization and adoption of remote patient monitoring, physicians will be able to provide more access to care, address any shortages in healthcare providers, and improve clinical productivity all while reducing costs.

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Alexis Schomer is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for solving problems through innovation. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she graduated from California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, where she co-founded her first health-tech startup. Schomer has been recognized for her passion and hard work as a business owner by the City of Santa Barbara, the Camarillo City Council, the California State Legislature, and the U.S. Congress; and was awarded the Emerging Business Award by the Spirit of Entrepreneurship Foundation. She is a frequent speaker at educational and motivational events, publishes articles across various disciplines, and is a consultant for marketing and business practices in addition to running Expy Health.