The onset of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic brought with it changes in nearly every industry. Be it increased delivery services, virtual meetings via Zoom, and even telemedicine, the pandemic has changed the name of the game.
As we begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel, the question has become what will happen to this new normal that we’ve grown accustomed to.
Looking back at this period most people will likely remember the negative effects that the pandemic had on society. But that’s not necessarily the only way to view it. While many will be eager to return to their usual social routines and ditch the required masks, some changes put in place have been for the better.
One of the positive changes that has largely resulted from the pandemic has been the wider usage of telemedicine services. While telehealth services existed prior to the pandemic, their use has been significantly more popular throughout this time.
What started out as not wanting to visit a doctor’s office or hospital for fear of contracting the coronavirus has now become an easy and convenient way for people to receive health care.
While not all conditions can be diagnosed or treated via telehealth services, many can. You’ll still have to visit the doctor in person for labs, tests, and annual physical exams, but many other services may be treatable via remote meetings.
Consider this scenario
You wake up for work one morning with a terrible headache and sore throat. You want to get better as soon as possible and figure asking your doctor for the best treatment plan is the most efficient way to do so. When you call your doctor’s office, the receptionist lets you know that there are no open appointments for the next 3 days.
What to do now? Luckily your doctor’s office offers a telemedicine option. While you may not see your usual primary care provider, you can often schedule a visit within a shorter time period than it would’ve been to see your doctor in person.
In addition to the fast turnaround time and availability of telehealth services, it’s convenient for users as well. Telehealth allows users to talk to their doctor from the comfort of their own homes. Save yourself a drive across town and half an hour in the waiting room and get right down to it.
Speaking of waiting rooms, even before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic doctor’s offices have been a dangerous territory for picking up germs from other visiting patients. While you might be a healthy young adult simply visiting for an annual physical exam, the person sitting next to you may have a contagious cold and is coming to see their doctor for care. Telemedicine solves this problem as well. Stay safe and healthy in your own home by utilizing telehealth services.
While telehealth services were available pre-pandemic, they have grown significantly over the past year. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that 95% of health centers reported using telehealth services during the coronavirus pandemic.
Based on these numbers, it is predicted that telehealth will continue to see success and expanded utilization well beyond the constraints of the pandemic. The logistics and positives of telehealth services make sense for millions of people across the country.
At SBMA Benefits, many of our offered plans encompass telehealth services. We recognize the importance and convenience of remote services. Given predictions that these services will continue to be commonly used in the future, we recognize that telehealth is part of the best possible health offering, which is why we prioritize it for our clients. Check out our site for more details about our plan offerings or contact a broker today to enroll.
For more information, check out our guide to the pros and cons of telemedicine, here.
