Telehealth’s role in expanding access to health services
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The Department of Health and Human Services defines telehealth as access to a health care provider without an in-person office visit. Telehealth expands health care access by making services more convenient and available to those with limited mobility, in rural or underserved areas, or with busy schedules.
Telehealth has brought significant improvements, specifically in the behavioral health space. Post-COVID-19 pandemic research has shown that 55% of mental health appointments are being conducted remotely.
Telehealth has emerged as a valuable tool in reducing social determinants of health barriers, such as transportation challenges and competing personal priorities. By removing the need for extensive travel, time off work or arranging child care, patients can attend appointments from wherever convenient for them, leading to increased access and continued care.
As a nonprofit managed-care organization, CareSource Indiana provides members with access to Teladoc, a platform connecting patients with board-certified doctors anywhere, 24/7. Teladoc can be used for many common health concerns including, but not limited to, cold and flu, sore throat, allergies and sinus issues.
For adolescents, telehealth offers a flexible approach to health care, particularly for mental health services. Many adolescents face packed schedules filled with school and extracurricular activities, which can make finding time to receive care challenging. In addition, the option of a virtual appointment also helps overcome the reluctance that teens may feel about seeking help in a clinical setting, making it a convenient and comfortable choice.
Maternal health services also benefit from telehealth, which has expanded access to prenatal and postpartum care. This option is especially beneficial for pregnant individuals who may face transportation barriers or live in areas where providers are scarce. While it does not replace in-office care, telehealth allows expectant mothers to prioritize their health and maintain regular contact with health care providers.
Clinicians find telehealth strengthens patient-provider relationships by facilitating more consistent follow-ups and improving continuity of care, both of which contribute to better health outcomes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, coverage of telehealth services greatly expanded to meet the need for safe, remote health care and research has shown that 80% of physicians plan to continue using it.
Telehealth is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Some conditions require in-person care for comprehensive assessment and intervention. Knowing the telehealth options available to you can make a big difference in future care decisions. Consider asking your provider about telehealth services to understand how it could fit your health care needs. By exploring these options before you need them, you will be better prepared with a valuable, flexible tool in your health care plan.
Please Note: Telehealth may not be appropriate for all conditions. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 to connect with a trained mental health professional.