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Telehealth Coverage: What It Is and Why You Need It

Accessing medical care through a phone call, an online chat or web session has gone mainstream and is increasing in popularity at an exponential rate. Although it seems that Telehealth (also called Telemedicine or e-Healthcare) was invented in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, it has actually been developing slowly for many years in response to the need to service remote and inaccessible areas to provide better access to healthcare and monitoring. In fact, the vision for the present day version of Telehealth can be traced all the way back to 1925, enshrined on the cover of Science and Invention Magazine from that year, showing a doctor remotely diagnosing a patient via a yet-to-be-invented video device, supplemented by a cutting edge new technology - radio! In the 1950s and 1960s, with the advent of better telecommunications capabilities, Telehealth was spurred on by NASA in its quest for remote monitoring capabilities and better medical care for astronauts on long-duration space missions. However, it was in the last 20 years, with the rise of the internet, that Telehealth services became accessible to households everywhere and a competitive commodity. However, as the pandemic hit in 2020 there were still many people who had not investigated or taken advantage of Telehealth. Suddenly, driving to an urgent care clinic or doctor's office and sitting in a crowded waiting room was not the preferred solution. Over the last two years, with more widespread access to technology and connectivity Telehealth appointments are not only more widely used, but also more convenient and more full service. Today, the Telehealth market is valued at more than $70.4 billion and is estimated to grow at an annual growth rate of 19.5% from 2022 to 2030 (source: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/telemedicine-industry). In this article, we will cover what Telehealth is and how important it can be to you and your family. We will also introduce a special benefit for <EMBEDDED ACCOUNT> account holders to access no-cost Telehealth services, compliments of <FINANCIAL INSTITUTION>.

What is Telehealth?

In short, Telehealth is professional medical care provided at a distance, through telephone, chat, or video communication. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Telehealth is defined as the use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to support and promote long-distance access to licensed physicians, therapists and counselors providing clinical health care and patient and professional health-related consultation and education. You can read more about the definition of Telehealth from the US Department of Health and Human Services. 

During the pandemic, many medical providers began offering access to remote healthcare services for the first time out of necessity, utilizing one of the many technology platforms that make reaching patients and managing appointments easy. Some medical providers are now exclusively seeing patients virtually, or are supplementing their practice by joining a Telehealth access group. Technology companies who deliver Telehealth services offer physicians an online community where patients can request care and an available local physician can see that patient simply by indicating that they are available for a consultation and clicking through to accept the appointment. It is similar in concept to rideshare companies; millions of patients and thousands of physicians matched in real-time by location and medical need to provide a much faster response than you might see if you contacted one physician in one location for an appointment. These remote services enable medical professionals to see more patients in a day, remove geographical boundaries, and increase care options for those in rural areas. Additionally, those with mobility issues can be more regularly monitored than if their care always required an in-person office visit. Busy parents can have a telehealth visit for one child without needing to arrange care for other children in the home -- because they never have to leave home. The bottom line is Telehealth offers a safe and convenient way to obtain the same level of professional medical care that your general practitioner or an urgent care clinic may ordinarily provide for hundreds of issues, all without leaving your chair. 

Who Can Receive Care Through Telehealth?

As an <EMBEDDED ACCOUNT> holder, you have access to Telehealth benefits through <FINANCIAL INSTITUTION>, with no need to use or have medical insurance, and with ZERO copay. Provided by <FINANCIAL INSTITUTION> for your convenience, here are just a few reasons why you should learn about these important benefits and register now (at absolutely not cost) so you will be ready when a need arises. 

• If you are concerned about exposure to COVID-19 and other contagious illnesses, if you have mobility issues, or if you have childcare challenges, Telehealth can be a game-changing stress reliever. A medical professional can provide advice, guidance, diagnosis and even prescriptions, all while you relax at home.

• If you are constantly pressed for time or have difficulty getting away from work and other obligations, Telehealth could become a convenience that you can’t imagine living without - like grocery delivery and video chats. Our providers can address most common urgent care issues in minutes, right over the phone, without requiring you to take time off from your job. 

• If you travel a lot for business or with your family, what would you do if an urgent medical need arises away from home? Our board-certified, licensed, and credentialed doctors and nurse practitioners are available for these situations. Most sudden medical needs can be managed through telehealth, and a provider can even send a prescription to a pharmacy close to where you are staying.

• Even if you have a primary care physician who takes excellent care of you, their hours are limited. In the case of an urgent late night concern with you or a family member, our providers are on call to answer questions and provide care. 

What Types of Issues can be Addressed through Telehealth Services?

Telehealth covers non-emergency Primary Care Health conditions such as abdominal pain, abscess, acid reflux, allergies, animal/insect bits, arthritis, asthma, backache, blood pressure issues, bronchitis, cellulitis, colds, cough/croup, diarrhea, digestive disorders, dizziness, eye infection/irritation, fever, flu, gout, headache/migraine, joint pain/swelling, laryngitis, menstrual issues, pink eye, poison ivy/oak, rash/skin injury, respiratory infection, sinusitis, sore throat, sprains and strains, STDs, strep, tonsillitis, and hundreds of other conditions/injuries.

In addition, your Telehealth plan also covers Mental and Behavioral Health issues such as ADHD, addictions, anger management, anxiety, bipolar disorder, bullying, career/job related stress, child and adolescent issues, depression, divorce, eating disorders, general life coaching, grief and loss, life changes, nutrition counseling, panic disorders, parenting issues, postpartum depression, relationship and marriage issues, self-image, stress, substance abuse, trauma and PSTD, and more. 

What Telehealth Won't Do for You. 

Telehealth services should not be used in an emergency or to replace the need for your primary care physician or specialist. Rather these medical services can augment your medical care in a time of need for many common illness and injuries. Following your Telehealth appointment you will be able to share the results of your appointment with your primary care physician.

Telehealth services bring you together with a medical professional in real-time via a mobile app, website, or telephone call, with 24/7 access for you and your family members, including your children age two or older.

To inquire about the telehealth benefits provided to you by <FINANCIAL INSTITUTION>, please visit <FI WEBSITE PAGE> to learn more.