Telehealth is a broad term that describes remote interactions between patients and health care providers using video conferencing, remote monitoring devices, or other online communication. In just the last decade, the use and availability of telehealth services have skyrocketed.
According to the American Hospital Association, just 35 percent of hospitals had any kind of telehealth service in 2010. By 2017, that number was at 76 percent. It’s not just hospitals that have increased usage of telehealth. When the COVID-19 pandemic came to the United States, providers of all kinds quickly moved to telehealth to keep patients and staff safe.
This swift movement toward telehealth has fundamentally changed the American medical system for both patients and providers. Not only does this technology overcome geographic barriers to care, but it also facilitates collaboration between providers, lowers costs, and improves patient outcomes.