Telehealth (also known as telemedicine) is gaining steam in Canada; it’s changing everything from how specialist consultations are done to how patients schedule appointments.
Telehealth is even changing the way patients who live in remote locations access care since you can now consult with a doctor using video conferencing.
No matter where you live or what you need, telehealth can help you get it. Here are 5 things you need to know about telehealth:
How Telehealth Helps You
1. Telehealth Makes Medical Care Accessible
How long can you wait until a doctor sees you? Canadians face some of the longest waiting times when it comes to seeing a physician, compared to anywhere else in the world[1].
Some patients live in rural areas, forcing them to travel and wait longer. Other patients are simply worried about the kinds of pathogens they’ll face surrounded by other sick people.
Wouldn’t you want to consult a doctor from the comfort of your home instead? That is what telehealth brings to the table. All patients need to do is open an app or dial a number to begin the consultation process. They quickly receive a care plan, prescriptions, or referral and are on their way.
The sooner patients get medical attention, the healthier they get. The more Canadians that get fast access to healthcare, the better Canada becomes.
2. Telehealth Is Convenient
How many people put off a doctor’s appointment because they can’t take a day off at work? Or because they feel “it’s not that bad”?
With telemedicine, you set an appointment at your convenience, and rest assured that you’ll get quality care from a doctor or nurse on time. You aren’t limited to the options that are physically near you, either.
If you have group benefits, you can get online care at any time through the 24/7 services. It doesn’t matter where you are. Click here to read more about group benefits.
3. Telemedicine Provides Mental Health Support
Mental health issues can be vast and complex. Every patient’s needs can be different.
That’s where the comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach of Canada’s telehealth services comes in.
To address the problem from multiple angles, you can find a staff of qualified mental health professionals such as social workers, occupational therapists, psychologists, or psychotherapists.
The online doctor can connect to you when you need help and help you get back on your feet. Telehealth can also provide assessments and prescriptions to help you manage your symptoms with ease.
To read more about how telehealth can improve your mental health, click here.
4. Telemedicine Helps Your Business Attract Employees
An employer that offers comprehensive health care benefits demonstrates to their employees that their health and well-being matter. Employees are the lifeblood of any organization, and helping them thrive is the same as ensuring the organization they work at thrives.
A 2020 Sanofi Canada Healthcare survey found that 86% of employees considered health and wellness essential when choosing a company to work for[2]. These employees chose to remain with their employers or leave for another employer, depending on their health benefits.
5. Telehealth Increases Profits By Reducing Absenteeism
Absenteeism is a massive contributor to lost revenue and productivity all over the world.
In Canada, it costs employers $16.6 annually in lost productivity[3]. Employees are forced to take days off to consult with doctors or fall ill from preventable and avoidable health issues because they didn’t get the necessary attention on time.
With telehealth, doctors are online and available to patients 24/7 to work with them to prevent health issues by resolving any incoming signs of sickness or illness. By doing this, employees can seize control of their health and combats medical-related absenteeism before it can occur.
