The Doctor Is Online: Why Telehealth Services Are Increasing in Popularity

A growing number of Americans are experiencing the revolution of telehealth services, with roughly 9 out of 10 people using telemedicine in the last year. But why is telehealth on the rise exactly? Here are some of the key reasons why Americans are increasingly making online appointments with their healthcare providers.

Convenience

One of the major driving factors surrounding the adoption of telemedicine has been sheer convenience. Whether patients are busy at work or busy parenting their kids, it’s never been easier to find an appointment that works with any schedule. 

Thanks to a secure, online portal, patients can even schedule a virtual doctor’s visit from the comfort of their own offices, so they never have to leave their desks.

Accessibility

For many patients, telehealth is more than a convenience — it’s a necessity. Patients in rural or remote areas may not otherwise have access to quality medical care, or it may take a long time to schedule an appointment. 

Telemedicine provides simple options for these individuals, providing quality medical care to a higher percentage of the U.S. population. Additionally, the patient portal gives patients in any area easier access to test results, appointment reminders, and other important tools for managing their healthcare.

Cost Savings

Telehealth appointments minimize the number of in-person doctor visits. And with the patient portal, patients can ask quick follow-up questions of a medical provider without the financial burden of an office visit. 

These factors translate into lower costs — for patients and providers. With programs like Simpay’s Select Plus, accepting payments for virtual appointments is easier than ever. As healthcare providers see a decrease in their own operating costs, patients might expect additional savings. 

Technological Improvements

U.S. residents are adapting to new technologies on a regular basis. High-speed internet connectivity is now quite common for those using streaming services or working from home. These same technologies also ensure that patients have the resources and infrastructure needed for online appointments.

Increased Patient Satisfaction

These benefits contribute to a more satisfying appointment. The overwhelming majority of telehealth patients report high satisfaction scores. While not every medical issue can be addressed remotely, telemedicine at least provides an additional, flexible option for patients with busy schedules or low access to reliable healthcare.

Shifting Regulations

In just the last few years, a number of legal changes and insurance requirements have shifted in favor of telehealth services. These changes have only accelerated the adoption of telehealth among healthcare providers, and the public has only reaped the benefits of these changes.

Insurance and Telehealth

Insurance providers now typically cover telehealth visits. But that’s also why it helps to have supplemental healthcare coverage. These supplemental policies are designed to cover the out-of-pocket costs that a primary provider does not. 

For example, Live Life Healthy Healthcare offers benefits that include telemedicine, prescription drugs, wellness screenings, and more.

With the right combination of primary and supplemental health insurance providers, patients gain access to a higher standard of medical care — both inside and outside the office.

A Rise in Telehealth Means a Higher Standard of Care

With the range of advantages it offers, it’s no wonder that telehealth is rising in popularity throughout the U.S. Telehealth allows more Americans to have access to quality healthcare at their convenience and gives providers the opportunity to lower operating costs. 

When both patients and providers benefit from a service, a higher standard of care is sure to follow.