Telehealth: The Advantages of Telemedicine

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only did providers across the country begin postponing elective procedures, but many also encouraged people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to the highly contagious coronavirus.

But what would you do if you still need health care? Fortunately, Telehealth can help.

How Telehealth Works

Telehealth — or telemedicine — is a healthcare solution that allows you to meet with your doctor virtually instead of going to the office. Our 100% HIPAA-compliant system uses a two-way, high definition video, so we can talk face-to-face as if we’re in the same room together.

With Telehealth, you can also:

• Submit your medication list, allergies, ID cards, and medical history in advance
• Chat or share photos describing your symptoms
• Have prescriptions electronically sent to your pharmacy
• Securely pay online for your virtual visit

This streamlined approach originally evolved to help expand medical care to men, women, and children living in remote areas. Today, 76% of hospitals use Telehealth technology, and US employers could save as much as $6 billion a year by making telemedicine technology available to their employees. But the advantages of Telehealth go far beyond financial savings.

The Benefits of Telemedicine

Whether you live close to your doctor or in a rural area, you probably know firsthand that even a routine visit involves wait times of 18 minutes or longer — and that doesn’t even include the time you spend getting there. Telehealth technology eliminates that.

By connecting to your doctor in a virtual setting, you can expect to:

• Miss less time at work
• Have fewer disruptions with any child or elder care responsibilities
• Eliminate the time or travel expenses associated with your office visit
• Receive quality health care faster
• Reduce subjecting yourself and others to a contagious illness

At the same time, you also reduce your risk of exposure to contagious illnesses, like the common cold, flu, and COVID-19.

Telemedicine is also available to patients of all ages, including children, older adults, and those in vulnerable health. That makes it an ideal healthcare solution for everyone, especially when someone can no longer leave their home safely but still requires medical attention.

What to Expect During a Telehealth Appointment

Telemedicine technology has never been easier to use, simply:

• Download our app to your tablet, computer, or phone
• Request an appointment through our Telehealth portal
• Fill out the registration forms included in our calendar invite
• Follow the link in your calendar invite to open your video-chat to start your appointment

You can also upload photos, if needed, to help us diagnose your symptoms.

How to Schedule a Televist Appointment

For more information on telemedicine or to schedule your virtual visit, contact us by calling or requesting your Telehealth appointment online today. Fulshear Family Medicine offers same-day and next-day appointments. 

Author

Dr. Anisha Waxali, MD For more than twenty years, Dr. Anisha Waxali, MD has worked in Sugar Land, Texas as an internist. After receiving her medical degree from McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Dr. Waxali started her own practice called Town Center Physicians. In addition to serving her patients from across the greater Houston area, Dr. Waxali is also the owner and medical director of Fulshear Family Medicine. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Waxali has maintained key relationships with specialists and been affiliated with several hospitals in the greater Houston area. Dr. Waxali's medical interests include chronic illnesses, women's health, heart and vascular disease, nutrition, sleep disorders, and other areas of expertise. Fluent in Hindi, Gujarati, and Spanish, Dr. Waxali prides herself on being able to connect with all of her patients. In addition to practicing medicine, Dr. Waxali enjoys spending time with her family and friends.