Specialists, Telehealth And Primary Care Providers

By Karen Hill


In most cases, when an individual talks about health care, it is about office visits and hospitalization. Currently, a new form of health care is taking the world by storm, that of Telehealth. For, the service involves access to health services and information through a number of different digital and telecommunication technologies.

Individuals can now stay in touch with health care providers while also acquiring advice, intervention and education all while being monitored on a remote basis. In addition, individuals can now be admitted to rehabilitation facilities and hospitals from the comfort of home. Whereas, providers can now supervise care, give presentations, attend distance learning courses and programs, access and share medical records and attend meetings from remote locations.

Some other ways in which the service can be used include performing a robotic surgery through remote access, discussing a case over video conference and providing physical therapy by way of digital monitoring instruments. In addition, providers can also use the service for data sharing of x-rays, MRIs or CT scans with higher level specialists for on the spot interpretations and for telephone and videophone consultations.

A number of medical advances have been made in the last few decades with many more coming in the future. For, as the population grows and people age, the needs for medical care will only continue to increase over time. In many cases, primary health care providers are being asked to go above and beyond normal duties, at least according to various job descriptions.

While there is already a shortage of primary care providers in the United States, a number of specialty areas are also seeing this shortage including speech and language pathologists. In rural settings, a lack of transportation and lack of mobility of the disabled and elderly have resulted in decreased funding and a lack of staff to provide care. As such, using telecommunication devices are providing a service which can bridge the gap for these and other individuals.

Telemedicine is similar in application to tele-health though the Health Resources And Service Administration has defined the differences. For the most part, telemedicine only refers to remote clinical access and services such as diagnosis and monitoring. Whereas, telecommunication health services provide for administrative tasks, provider education and curative, preventative and promotional care.

The history and development of both is deeply rooted in the development of society and the ongoing growth of technology. For, individuals have long been involved in the desire to relay important information from remote locations. In some cases, methods of doing so have included using torches, electroscopes, telegraphy, optical telegraphy, telegraphs, telegrams, telephones and mail.

Now in the 21st century, even car phones and satellite phones have been outdated by smart phones, notepads and laptop computers, all of which are being used as telecommunication devices. In addition, YouTube and other video sites are now an integral aspect of online education. In fact, a number of programs are now being offered online, including many associated with those interested in working in the medical profession.




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