Getting started with telemedicine: What you need to know about delivering care virtually

Telemedicine is a form of delivering medical services online. Others claim it’s telehealth, while other specialists prefer the term “virtual medicine.” 

Regardless of what you call it, telemedicine has become increasingly popular. In fact, according to Harvard Medical School, about one in four American adults over 50 reported that they had a virtual care visit during just the first three months of the pandemic. 

For many people, the thought of going to a doctor’s office for a routine check-up over the past couple of years has been daunting, and in many cases, telemedicine has offered a safe and suitable alternative to traditional care. In addition to the safety benefits, telehealth provides both patients and practitioners with flexibility. 

While offering a virtual care option is attractive for providers and convenient for patients, moving your practice online can be intimidating but it’s easier — and arguably more essential — than you might think.

Telemedicine is here to stay

The pandemic provided the initial shift toward telemedicine, yet it has become clear that it’s here to stay. Many people do not wish to return to in-office visits unless it’s absolutely necessary. Telemedicine offers more safety and convenience. 

Behavioral therapy is a modality where telehealth has become especially attractive. Therapists can work from anywhere, allowing healthcare to be more accessible for everyone. Instead of being limited to a particular location, therapists are able to treat patients that live or work further from their office.

It is also more convenient for the clients. They can simply sit down, log onto their device, and start their session. It’s also a more comfortable setting for many people, who can feel safer in their home and thus more capable of opening up to the therapist.

The benefits of telehealth are not just for behavioral therapists. Chiropractors, nutritionists, MDs, physical therapists and more are offering telehealth options. Some services need to be in person: manual adjustments or massage, for example. However consultations, diagnoses, or supervised exercise sessions can all be done virtually. 

Moving to digital now may help your practice securely thrive

Staying relevant and keeping up with technology is a vital component of any business, and the healthcare industry is no different. It’s even more critical that you keep up with the latest technology because patients look for convenience and — especially now — safety. 

The added convenience of a virtual experience can also make people more inclined to schedule appointments they may otherwise neglect for fear of long commutes or missing work. They want to connect with their doctors and therapists whenever they need to, and many patients are already turning to this technology. 

If you haven’t been utilizing telehealth in your practice, now’s the time to get started. It’s a great way to connect with your patients and build a more personal relationship with them.

Tips for getting started

With intakeQ, we make telehealth secure and simple. We stay up to date with all of the HIPAA requirements to help you deliver a seamless and secure patient experience. In addition to telehealth we can transition your practice to being completely paperless with booking widgets, digital intake and treatment notes, invoicing, insurance claims, and more.

No worries, no hassles. Try our simple 14-day free trial today, and simplify your practice so that you can focus on what truly matters…your customers.