6 Important Facts About Telehealth You Need to Know

Experiencing the discomfort of illness but finding it difficult to visit a doctor's office? Look no further - at Ochsner Health, we've got you covered with not just one, but two convenient options. Embracing the changing landscape of healthcare, telehealth and virtual visits have surged in popularity over the years. For urgent care needs, you can use Ochsner Connected Anywhere. For video visits with your provider, you can use MyOchsner Virtual Visits. While virtual visits are experiencing a surge in popularity, there are individuals who may still feel hesitant about embracing this technology.

Now, let's explore the top six facts about telehealth:

1. Historical success 

Although telemedicine has become increasingly popular in recent years, it has actually been successfully used since the 1960s. In fact, it was proposed in “Science and Invention” Magazine in the 1920s! In practice, doctors have been able to check pacemakers over the phone, read MRIs and other radiology scans from distant locales. Telehealth can provide the highest level of care for their patients in ICU from remote locations.

Ochsner started using telehealth technology in the late 1990s for reading echocardiograms in children. We’ve been caring for patients through our telestroke program since 2009, teleICU since 2012, telepsychiatry since 2016. Each year we see a multitude of specialty care services adding telehealth services.  We provide cardiac care, high-risk women’s services and advanced interpretation services – capabilities other local hospitals may not have. InnovationOchsner (iO) also offers digital medicine programs for monitoring hypertension (high blood pressure), heart failure and pregnancy care. There are more uses for telemedicine than ever before!

2. Accessibility

Telehealth is ideal for those without convenient access to medical care, but that is just one of the advantages. Beyond geographical convenience our telehealth platform, Ochsner Connected Anywhere, provides uninterrupted access to our telehealth providers through virtual visits, accessible via various devices at any time of the day, any day of the year. Whether seeking a second opinion, on vacation, requiring a prescription refill or simply pressed for time, our telehealth platform provides quality care without boundaries.

3. Complete care 

Telehealth goes beyond urgent care. It serves as a valuable resource for patients with chronic conditions, enhancing accessibility and continuity of care within our healthcare system.

4. Advanced interaction

Telehealth has evolved beyond phone consultations to facilitate more personalized interactions between providers and patients. While certain situations may necessitate an in-person visit for detailed examinations, telehealth ensures a complete approach to remote healthcare delivery.

5. Provider and patient support 

Telehealth is designed to complement traditional doctor visits, not replace them. It acts as a supplement for routine check-ups, providing additional support when accessing your primary care doctor is challenging, without necessitating visits to emergency rooms or urgent care facilities.

6. Data security

Concerns about cybersecurity are valid, especially when it comes to medical information. Rest assured, telehealth at Ochsner prioritizes the security and confidentiality of your data, ensuring a safe and protected environment for transmitting sensitive medical information.

Telehealth continues to revolutionize healthcare delivery, offering diverse benefits and expanding opportunities for accessible, quality care. At Ochsner, we remain dedicated to leveraging telehealth to enhance patient experiences and outcomes, embodying our commitment to innovation and excellence in healthcare delivery.