The world of medicine changes continuously, and technology plays a more
significant role in the medical field than ever before. As doctors look
for better ways to treat their patients and limit their exposure to other
potentially contagious patients nearby in the waiting room, telehealth
has become a huge benefit to avoid this problem. Thanks to Terrebonne
General Health System's telehealth services, you don’t have to leave
the comforts of home to get the medical attention you need.
What is Telehealth?
Also called telemedicine, telehealth is the remote exchange of medical
information through electronic communication, and it connects patients
to their doctors via smartphone, computer, tablet, or another electronic device.
Thanks to telehealth, you never have to leave home to speak to a doctor
and get the medical attention you need. Although telehealth has been around
for 40+ years, it is a rapidly growing field in the modern day, especially
with the 2020-2021 pandemic of COVID-19 limiting in-person medical treatment options.
There are many advantages to telehealth, and the best one is you have access
to specialists and the information you need that might not be readily
accessible otherwise. During telehealth appointments, you can tell your
doctor about your medical history, ask questions, and relay information.
The specialist will see or hear your symptoms such as fever or a barking
cough and make a diagnosis and discuss treatment options remotely. In
many cases, your telehealth consultation will be billable to your health
insurance in the same way as an in-person visit.
Should I Have a Telehealth Consultation?
Telehealth is a rapidly growing field, and research shows how it saves
time, money, and lives. For example, there is no need for you to take
time off work or school, find childcare, or arrange transportation and
pay parking fees to get to the doctor’s office. With the rising
costs of healthcare, the need for telehealth continues to grow. While
it may not be the best option for you, the pros outweigh the cons for
most people who need valuable medical support and information.
While telehealth has many advantages, some appointments do require traditional
care. It is not the same as a brick-and-mortar doctor’s facility,
and if you prefer face-to-face interaction with your physician, telehealth
may not be the best choice for you. Certain illnesses and problems require
physical assessments that cannot be diagnosed via telehealth.
To login to communicate with your healthcare provider,
please click here. You can request prescription refills, access your test results, or manage
your appointments online.
The My Chart app is available on the Apple App Store and Android Google
Play. Call 1-(877)-339-2637 with any questions.