Telehealth vs. Telemedicine
Posted: July 31, 2024
While the first documented use of telehealth was in the late 1950s, the demand for and access to online services have skyrocketed since 2020. Many more people choose to see their doctor and receive medical services online instead of in person. Using technology for health care has many benefits for patients and providers.
Telehealth, telemedicine and telecare aren’t synonymous terms, and you should learn the difference so you can understand what your health care options include. Here’s what you need to know.
Can Telehealth and Telemedicine Be Used Interchangeably?
No, these terms mean two different things. However, telehealth includes telemedicine as part of its definition.
- Telehealth: Using telecommunication services — like a phone call, Zoom or another secure online platform — to deliver and access health care.
- Telemedicine: Using telecommunication services to access medical care from a health care professional, like a doctor.
Though these two definitions may sound similar, telehealth covers a broader spectrum of health care than telemedicine. You should understand the difference because your insurance may cover some aspects of telehealth but not others.
Here are some examples of how telehealth and telemedicine look in practice.
Examples of Telehealth
Any health care activity you can complete online is a form of telehealth. Here are a few examples of what telehealth can look like:
- Using a fitness-tracking app
- Updating patient records in an online portal
- Scheduling appointments online
When you see the term telehealth, remember that it includes more than talking to a doctor over the internet. The term telehealth covers every health care activity you can complete online.
Examples of Telemedicine
Telemedicine is more specific than telehealth — it refers to receiving online care from health professionals online. Here are three examples of telemedicine:
- Speaking to a general care practitioner over a video call
- Meeting with a speech pathologist over the internet
- Talking to a mental health specialist through an online messaging service
When you use telemedicine, you can receive high-quality care without being in the same location as your doctor. Of course, some conditions require a physical examination. However, a thorough description of your symptoms is often sufficient for your doctor to diagnose you and prescribe appropriate care.
The History of Telehealth — Where Did It Come From?
One of the first and best-known uses of telehealth was in the late 1950s and early 1960s, when the Nebraska Psychiatric Institute and Norfolk State Hospital established a closed-circuit television link for mental health consultations. Another example was when NASA used medical technology to monitor astronauts’ health in the 1960s.
As new technologies emerge, various industries adopt them to solve problems and serve more people. Online communication has improved the lives of thousands of patients and doctors.
Though telehealth has continued to evolve since the ’60s, it expanded rapidly in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite widespread office closures, health care professionals still needed a way to connect with their patients. Online tools and communication services bridged this gap — and did it so well that many patients continue using online care.
Benefits of Telehealth and Telemedicine
Telemedicine and telehealth have helped solve three of the most complex challenges in health care:
- Affordability of care for patients
- Time and energy efficiency for doctors
- Distance between doctors and patients
There have always been more patients than health providers. Because telehealth saves time, medical professionals can offer quality care to more patients daily. People can receive the attention they need without leaving home — ensuring accessibility for those who live in rural areas, lack access to transportation or have mobility issues.
Telehealth has also made health care more affordable. It saves patients and doctors some of the costs spent in the traditional health care process. Because telehealth has benefited everyone, many health care institutions plan to move forward with telehealth in the future.
Challenges in Telehealth
Though there are numerous benefits to telehealth, there are also challenges to this form of health care. For one thing, some people lack access to the equipment they need to receive medical care online.
Other common obstacles include:
- Patient privacy and confidentiality concerns
- Quality of care, depending on the specialty
- Technical difficulties with the connection
- Patient comfort with using telehealth tools
- Personality and personal preferences
Some doctors and patients prefer in-person appointments, even if telehealth is logistically easier. While telehealth has made health care more accessible and affordable for many patients, it’s not the best option for everyone.
Telehealth providers will iron out these wrinkles as technology continues developing. For example, security and privacy will become more regulated and dependable. Quality of care will also improve as medical professionals learn to communicate more effectively online.
While telehealth isn’t ideal for every need, it works well for many patients and specialties. It reduces the time and cost of health care without compromising on quality, giving more people have access to the personalized attention they need.
Will My Insurance Cover Telehealth Services?
Before 2020, most health insurance plans didn’t cover telehealth. However, that’s changed as telehealth has become an accepted and sometimes essential way to access health care. Most insurances cover telehealth now, though coverage varies depending on your provider.
For example, Medicare usually only covers telehealth services you receive at a medical care facility. However, they’ve temporarily extended their coverage to include at-home telehealth services through Dec. 31, 2024.
Insurance providers like Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield cover various telehealth services, including those you receive while at home. However, every insurance company has a specific list of what services they cover and when. Check with your provider before making an appointment.
Find Your Best Insurance Policy With Health for California
Shopping for insurance can be stressful and confusing. Luckily, Health for California lets you quickly view and compare many different insurance options in an online marketplace that makes health care more affordable and accessible.
The Covered California State Exchange includes many different insurance providers and benefit packages. The online format makes it easy to compare rates, benefits and more to find the best option for you.
With Covered California, enrolling is simple once you finish shopping. Open enrollment is from Nov. 1 through Jan. 31. However, you can change your plan outside this window if you have a qualifying life event.
Start shopping today to find the best insurance coverage for you and your family.
