6 Telehealth Myths Debunked

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 growing rapidly in popularity, there are still myths and uncertainty surrounding these services. 

Here are six of the most common myths surrounding telehealth:

Myth #1: Telehealth is too new

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!

Myth #2: Telehealth is only for people who do not live near a hospital

Telehealth is ideal for those without convenient access to medical care, but that is just one of the advantages. Our telehealth platform, Ochsner Connected Anywhere, offers unfettered access to our growing network of telehealth providers via virtual visits over your smartphone, tablet or computer 24/7, 365 days a year! It is great if you need a second opinion, are on vacation, need a prescription refilled or are just too busy to get to the doctor.

Myth #3: Telehealth is just about urgent care

While it is true telehealth services can be a viable alternative to visiting an urgent care, patients agree that is not the only benefit. Telehealth can enhance and increase access to care in our health system for patients with chronic health conditions.

Myth #4: Doctors can not examine what they need to know over the phone

At one time, telehealth was often just a phone call with a healthcare provider. As technology has evolved so has telehealth. Today, telehealth allows a more personal interaction between provider and patient. In times when a more thorough examination is required, you will be referred for an in-person visit.

Myth #5: Telehealth devalues the doctor and patient relationship

Not true! Telehealth services are not supposed to replace visits to your doctor – they are meant to supplement your regular check-ups. Telehealth services are ideal for times when you cannot get an appointment with your primary care doctor or when your problem does not warrant a trip to the emergency room or urgent care.

Myth #6: Telehealth is not secure

Cyber security is a big topic these days, and when it comes to your private medical information, it is natural to wonder if your information might be compromised. We want you to know that telehealth is a safe and secure way to send medical information. We take your privacy seriously at Ochsner and do all we can to protect it.