Going back to 2018, telehealth medicine has become a more routine way for doctors to provide medical and behavioral care. This has especially been the case for inclusive Orange County medical clinics focused on providing healthcare for underserved populations, like the LGBTQIA+ community, and people in urban or rural areas. Reducing barriers to comprehensive and holistic care for youth and adults is important, and telehealth appointments allow providers a way to do just that.
Telehealth Care Is Now a Normal Part of Healthcare
Telehealth availability increases overall health awareness, which supports a healthier Orange County community. As of the latest data in 2022, 86.9% of U.S. hospitals offer telehealth medicine, according to the American Hospital Association. While the pandemic bolstered the use of this technology, its continued use is based on reaching more patients with the care they need.
Telehealth medicine is a vital part of healthcare for youth and adults seeking care. More than 12.6% of Medicare recipients in the final quarter of 2023 were seen via telehealth appointments. In a meta-analysis of studies, 90% of adolescents felt they were able to discuss their medical problems well enough via telehealth visits, leading to part of their high satisfaction scores with the service. And those are just a couple of the benefits of these services.
How the Benefits of Telehealth Provide Compassionate Care
Telehealth services are key to providing and expanding detailed, destigmatized, thoughtful care for youth and adults in underserved areas and the LGBTQIA+ community. Below are some of the benefits of telehealth services.
- Telehealth provides a confidential channel to communicate with a primary care provider, behavioral specialist or social worker. Privacy goes beyond HIPAA, and knowing that the healthcare provider on the other end of the line values that privacy is key to good health outcomes. When confidentiality is assured, more people are likely to get the care they want and need.
- Studies have shown that telemedicine doesn’t duplicate care, but it makes more treatment options available, especially to vulnerable populations. While having a good primary care physician is a start, telehealth makes specialist care available to more people.
- Telehealth can be a more affordable option of care for many patients, especially those who may need to have regular visits.
- For patients dealing with chronic illness, pain or mobility issues, inclusive telehealth services provide a way to regularly meet with healthcare providers without leaving home as often. This technology reduces no-shows, which in turn can increase patient health.
- Compassionate care for patients with HIV, STIs, mental health challenges, or people making major transitions is a key part of health and safety, individually and for the greater community. When patients know they’ll be accepted and treated with dignity as they build trusted relationships with their healthcare providers, they’re more likely to follow their continuum of care.
As you can see, telehealth services provide care to communities who need it most. No matter what the medical concern or social circumstance, help is available to you. Hopefully, a telehealth appointment can help you meet your healthcare goals soon.
Book Your Telehealth Appointment for Compassionate Care Now
If you’re looking for a judgement-free clinic that offers thoughtful primary and behavioral healthcare and social services in and around Irvine, Santa Ana, Orange County or beyond, contact Radiant Health Centers. We focus on your care, and our providers and staff are here to keep you healthy whether you’re able to visit in-person or via telehealth technologies. Call us today at (949) 809-5700, or request an appointment now.
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