Health & Fitness
Here’s Why Telehealth Care Is Here To Stay
Remotely access the services and care you need from anywhere with Banner Telehealth.
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In an effort to help prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, many doctors and care providers are now offering telehealth services. With Banner Telehealth, you and your loved ones have access to primary, specialty and urgent care, regardless of location or circumstance.
There are numerous benefits to using telehealth during the pandemic and, likely, even after it's over. Here are five reasons why virtual care is here to stay.
If you have a medical emergency, please dial 911. Do not use telehealth for emergency care.
1. Telehealth is safe.
With video visits, you can remotely manage the services and care you and your family members need. This saves you from having to go into a doctor's office, a practice that helps keep medical facilities less crowded and allows patients to adhere to local precautions and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for social distancing.
Matthew Anderson, MD, clinical innovation lead at Banner Health, says that video visits offer more than just short-term benefits during the coronavirus pandemic. "All types of people have benefited from this capability," Dr. Anderson says, "especially older generations, which have found video visits to be convenient and safe."
2. Telehealth saves time.
With Banner Telehealth, you can ask questions about symptoms you're experiencing, request a prescription refill and so much more — all without having to leave your home. You don't have to spend time driving to and from your appointment or sitting in a waiting room.
Not having to factor in travel time makes scheduling a visit more convenient. This will prove particularly true after the pandemic, when families have packed calendars managing work, school and play.
3. Telehealth services are available for many different types of care.
Telehealth is offered for a variety of specialties and applications, from regular check-ups to urgent care visits. If a visit requires lab work or hands-on treatment, you'll still need to schedule an in-person appointment. But as Dr. Anderson notes, the technology behind telehealth and at-home tools will likely continue to expand, allowing video visits to become a reality across even more of the medical field in the future.
Nearly all Banner doctors and health care providers are able to provide telehealth care. You can schedule a video visit with your primary care doctor, Banner Urgent Care and specialty doctors. Telehealth is even an option for some admitted to the hospital to connect patients with their physicians.
Learn More About The Different Telehealth Services Available At Banner — University Medicine
4. Telehealth is easy.
You don't need to be a tech wizard to have a successful video visit. In fact, all you need is a strong Wi-Fi connection and a mobile phone, computer, laptop or tablet with video and audio capabilities.
To schedule a primary or specialty care video visit, you can call your doctor's office to set up a date and time or simply book your appointment online. The provider will then send a confirmation and reminders as your appointment date nears.
Dr. Anderson, Banner Health's clinical innovation lead, recommends downloading and logging into the video call services that you will be using before your appointment. With most telehealth services, you'll log in to a virtual waiting room shortly before your appointment time. If you encounter any issues, you can always contact your provider.
Related: How To Make The Most Of Your Telehealth Visit
5. Telehealth allows you to see the right specialists for your condition, regardless of where they're located.
Thanks to technology, you can schedule a virtual visit with almost any doctor in the country. If you're dealing with a rare condition or seeking specific treatment that's not available in your area, having a consultation via telehealth can help you assess whether you should travel to the specialist's facilities for further care.
Learn More About Telehealth Services Offered At Banner — University Medicine
Sources:
Banner: Is Telehealth The Present And Future Of Healthcare?
Banner: How To Join And Schedule A Virtual Visit
CDC: Social Distancing