High-Speed Internet & Telehealth: Revolutionizing Healthcare Access

Life as we knew it had to transition to virtual settings during the pandemic. Office jobs, customer service, and in-person shopping began a new life through advanced technology and COVID-safe communication. 

Though staying in quarantine wasn’t sustainable or healthy, people were still able to access their necessities through the internet. Maintaining access to healthcare providers was a crucial step in social distancing, and that reality only existed because of virtual avenues like websites and phone applications. Telehealth, a website that connects patients with healthcare providers, experienced an excessive rise in popularity due to the pandemic’s limitations. With this new age of medical assistance through high-speed internet, folks could receive care from any distance. 

What is Telehealth? 

Telehealth is an online platform that helps patients find services for a range of medical issues. Through the power of the internet, you can have a doctor’s office visit in the comfort of your own home. The application also allows you to message your provider, connect with specialists in your area, or have a doctor utilize remote monitoring to track your symptoms or medical progress.  

Most types of general care are available through the Telehealth application. Patients can quickly check on lab results from x-rays or blood tests, manage or obtain prescriptions, and receive urgent care for colds, infections, and stomach problems. 

One of the most popular usages of Telehealth is for mental health treatment. Therapists and psychiatrists everywhere have had to transition to virtual sessions due to the pandemic, with some offices still enacting this protocol after the mask mandate elimination. If you are a COVID-conscious person but still want your typical therapy sessions, then Telehealth can provide the best of both worlds. 

Telehealth Benefits   

A virtual visit from a doctor may feel uncomfortable or limited. Without a medical professional seeing a patient in person, one might assume that ailments could go unchecked or be misdiagnosed. Fortunately, utilizing a virtual healthcare app for treatment, diagnosis, and general attention has plenty of undisputed benefits. 

The most obvious benefit of virtual meetings is limiting exposure to diseases like COVID-19. In the winter, when various strains of flu are running rampant, it’s vital to assess risk and keep yourself safe. Limiting contact with other people is an excellent way to lower infection rates. For all levels of germophobes, talking to a doctor without setting foot in a medical facility can be incredibly relieving.  

Virtual visits are a quick and easy way for people on the go to get treatment and prioritize one’s health. Oftentimes, setting up a meeting in person might be too complex or cumbersome to execute. Especially in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, people’s health falls to the waste side all too easily. Talking to a medical professional in the comfort of your bedroom, living room, or car is an accessible way to track your ailments in the busiest times.  

Telehealth is also an excellent resource for specialists who live farther from you. Especially for folks relying on public transportation, doctor’s offices located within the same city may be potentially troublesome. Virtual appointments allow patients to have an unlimited directory of medical specialists for any illness, regardless of distance or access. 

 

Internet and Telehealth  

So, you’re interested in transitioning your healthcare services to Telehealth, but you’re concerned that your internet provider could get in the way. What is the best internet service to buy, and how does high-speed internet help improve patient care? 

Luckily, you don’t need an unreasonably expensive package to have reliable Telehealth visits or check-ups. But, you will need a sustainable, high-speed internet bundle since most virtual services rely on video-calling technology. If you settle for a slower or less costly package, drop calls and delays could impair your visit and, ultimately, diminish the care a doctor provides. 

Broadband is the highest recommended type of internet service for Telehealth appointments. This type of internet utilizes a range of technologies like fiber optics and satellite to supply high-speed WiFI. If you’re not a huge gamer or downloading HD movies, purchasing a package with 25 Mbps or more will be efficient enough for video calling. 

For those who live in rural areas, installing broadband internet may be more faulty or inconsistent. Ensuring your home or apartment building has fiber optic cables is a great way to sustain connection without relying on cell towers or satellites. 

Knowing your desired internet speed will help you narrow down the right high-speed package for you. Check out a few providers and compare prices before you settle on a bundle. As long as you have Telehealth in mind, you can pick out a premium package to ensure video calling and virtual appointments run smoothly. 

Telehealth is an incredible resource for people nationwide. Virtual appointments and quick connections to providers have completely revolutionized healthcare availability and convenience in a country where medical care is often inaccessible. With a quality internet service, you can have therapy sessions, refill prescriptions, and receive consultations efficiently without complications.