Everyone wants to live a healthy life. Having better health increases the productivity of work which is a long-term objective for everyone. From kids going to school to older people trying to live their best lives, being healthy is a goal everyone strives for. Still, as humans, we get sick from time to time, and that’s where doctors step in to provide their expertise. In recent times, healthcare services have evolved tremendously. Nearly every locality has a doctor that they can consult from when they are feeling sick.
Now there is another way to consult a doctor without actually visiting one with the help of telehealth technology.
What is Telehealth Technology?
Telehealth technology can be defined as communication technologies and digital information, such as mobile devices and computers. It helps to acquire healthcare services remotely and manage one’s health care. Telehealth is a group of technology with health IT. It is used to provide health information, clinical care, or health education remotely.
Different Types of Telehealth Technologies
Mainly, there are three types of telehealth/telemedicine technologies:
1. Store and Forward
It is one of the oldest forms of telehealth technology. It includes the transmission of information or images from one healthcare service provider to another. For example, if a doctor sends an MRI scan report to a neurologist for analysis. This is one of the most common uses, but information or images of any nature can be transmitted through this process.
However, store and forward telehealth technology is not always covered by state telemedicine reimbursement laws.
2. Remote patient monitoring
Remote patient monitoring, which is also commonly known as self-testing or self-monitoring, is monitoring clinical information and patient health at a distance. It is often used to manage and treat chronic illnesses like cardiovascular disease, asthma, and diabetes. It helps to simplify patients’ issues by testing, and it also helps to lower the total cost of monitoring.
3. Real-time audio/video communication
It is one of the most common and widely popular ways to use healthcare technology. Real-time audio/video communication happens when the patient is at one location, and the provider is at another location. The connection is built using a video-enabled device and a computer or telephone audio. It is a quick and easy way to consult a doctor even when a patient is far away or traveling from one place to another.
Types of Telehealth Technology Tools, Devices and Products
Different types of telehealth technology tools, devices, and products are as follows-
1. Digital camera
Any online meeting will require a patient to have at least a good digital camera. It is one of the most common telehealth technology tools. Having a digital camera is one of the most common essentials to acquire or give telemedicine services. Some other specialized medical examination tools integrated with a camera, like an Otoscope, can also be used by a medical professional. It is usually used for store and forward telehealth solutions between two healthcare professionals.
2. Telemedicine carts
Complex and large medical healthcare systems usually require telemedicine carts. This equipment gives providers storage and mobile frames to carry keyboards, computers, computer monitors, cameras, and mobile medical devices. The physicians can carry this cart from room to room as they contact patients and record a patient’s medical data or information.
3. Telemedicine kit
A telemedicine equipment kit looks like a hard briefcase or a large medical kit most of the time. These kits may include a camera, simple mobile medical devices, and a small computer with an integrated screen.
4. Telemedicine software
Some telemedicine providers require a purchase of a software system that can be used for telemedicine services. The providers should always check their computer’s compatibility before installing telemedicine software. This software may require additional equipment like servers and data storage hardware. Different telemedicine software can also be used for different purposes by the provider. It is smart to look out for software that has everything Integrated to provide ease of use.
Top Telehealth Technology Companies
Many telehealth technology companies are now available to users. Some of them are as follows-
1. Teladoc
One of the first telehealth technology companies globally, Teladoc is considered one of the best telemedicine companies among physicians and patients.
Teladoc provides services for various issues like-
- Non-emergency medical issues
- Sexual health consultations
- Mental health consultations for issues such as depression and addiction
- Pediatric services
- Dermatological conditions
Apart from this, Teladoc providers can also analyze lab results or send prescriptions to a user’s pharmacy.
2. iClinic
iCliniq has more than 3000 doctors who are ready to provide different kinds of services to their users. Users can write their questions or can request a phone consultation or online video. The company also operates a virtual hospital for medical centers and healthcare professionals.
iCliniq specializes in providing services like-
- Sexology
- General medicine
- Dentistry
- Oncology
- Psychiatry
- Obstetrics and gynecology
- Dermatology
3. MDLIVE
Founded in 2009, MDLIVE provides the services of healthcare professionals and physicians that are available by online video or phone 24 hours a day.
MDLIVE provides its users with solutions for non-emergency medical issues like-
- Fever
- Allergies
- Headaches
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Rashes
4. Virtual
Virtuwell provides services to its users by asking them to describe their symptoms in an online interview. It handles the diagnostic part of telemedicine. The professionals at Virtuwell can create a treatment plan if necessary. Medical conditions solved by Virtuwell are as follows-
- Certain sexually transmitted infections
- Skin conditions
- Colds and flu
- Acne
- Birth control
- Allergies
- Other basic non-emergency health issues
What is the Future of Telehealth Technology?
Today, telehealth technology has become a vital part of the healthcare industry. Many companies have been established around the world to provide the best services to patients from remote areas. With the advancement of technology, the telemedicine industry will only get better with time. It has proved to be a revolutionary step, and the future of telehealth technology is looking bright.
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