Telehealth vs Virtual Care: What's the difference?
While telehealth and virtual care are terms often used interchangeably, they are not the same.
Telehealth refers to using digital technologies to deliver various remote healthcare services, such as virtual visits with a doctor, secure access to medical records, and patient education resources.
Virtual care is a type of telehealth that involves remote appointments with a healthcare professional via phone or video call.
Learn more about how telehealth and virtual care work, the benefits, and how to decide which method is right for you.
What is telehealth?
Telehealth uses digital technologies to offer a wide range of healthcare services at a distance. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become the fastest-growing mode of healthcare.
Examples of telehealth
Types of telehealth include:
Virtual care: This mode of care offers an alternative to face-to-face appointments and allows you to speak with a doctor via phone or video chat. You can share any concerns you have about your health and ask any questions.
Store-and-forward: This technique involves temporarily storing medical information online before it is forwarded to a healthcare provider.
Patient education: Telehealth can be used to provide people with easy-to-understand health information, such as a step-by-step video on how to use a home blood pressure monitor.
Electronic messaging: A healthcare professional can use an electronic health record (EHR) to inform you about upcoming appointments.
Sensor alerts: This can include using wearable devices to monitor health and provide interventions through an online alert system, such as a mobile app. For example, it can help detect if someone with dementia has had a fall and alert their caregiver.
Preventive care: Telehealth can also be used as a preventive measure to inform people that it's time for their annual physical exam or to book a routine screening or test
Benefits of telehealth
Telehealth can reduce the need for in-person appointments, which can have several benefits:
improves accessibility for those living in rural areas or underserved communities
provides flexible scheduling for those who may not be able to attend an appointment during their working hours
increases access to specialist healthcare professionals
improves wait times for an appointment
provides the option of home-based care for those with mobility needs
reduces the risk of infection as there isn't a need for in-person contact
What is virtual care?
Virtual care is a subset of telehealth that allows you to speak with a doctor via phone or video chat. It can provide an effective alternative to face-to-face appointments and make care delivery more accessible.
Uses of virtual care
Virtual care can be used in the following ways:
Virtual health portals: Online portals can allow you to securely message healthcare professionals and schedule or cancel appointments.
Remote monitoring: This can offer an online platform to monitor health information and securely send it to your doctor.
Mental health care: Virtual care can make it more accessible to receive mental health care through phone or video sessions with a therapist or counselor.
Benefits of virtual care
The benefits of virtual care are the same as telehealth and can also include:
more cost-effective ways of accessing care
improved mental health support
enhanced communication between you and your doctor
improved efficiency with fewer administrative obstacles
increased engagement and the ability for you to feel more in control of your healthcare
Choosing the right option for your health needs
When choosing between telehealth and virtual care, it can be helpful to consider your primary health needs and whether your healthcare plan supports the use of telehealth or virtual care. In some cases, it may be helpful to receive in-person care if your symptoms are unclear or if you would benefit from a physical exam.
A healthcare professional can help you understand what is suitable.
It's important to remember that you still need to seek in-person care during an emergency or if you experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing.
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