Reference no: EM133486378
Question: Explore the difference between telemedicine and telehealth and address when it is appropriate to use each of these by addressing the benefits and limitations of each.
Case Study: Telehealth is the broader category that telemedicine falls within. Telehealth refers to all healthcare services provided through electronic methods (GoodRx, 2021). Telemedicine is defined as "the practice of medicine using electronic communication, information technology, or other means between a physician in one location, and a patient in another location, with or without an intervening health care provider" (CDC, 2019). In other words, telehealth includes clinical and non-clinical services whereas telemedicine is only clinical services. Some examples of telemedicine include annual wellness visits, urgent care visits, medication refills, mental health and nutrition counseling, and monitoring of health tracking devices (GoodRx, 2021). More examples that are considered telehealth and not telemedicine include health care provider to specialist communication, online continuing medical education, etc. With any new wave of healthcare there are benefits but also limitations. The benefits of telehealth are that it improves access, reduces cost and has better health outcomes (CDC, 2019). However, telehealth has limitations due to "information security, patient privacy, licensing, insurance reimbursement, and liability concerns" (CDC, 2019). In regards to telemedicine, the benefits are the same as telehealth. It specifically is helpful in reaching the rural and elderly population that are less able to travel and see a provider in person. It is also convenient for certain conditions such as a UTI or rash to be seen quickly and from the comfort of home. However, severe conditions should be seen in person due to the limitation of telemedicine. Besides certain health technologies such as blood pressure monitors, glucose monitors, and basic heart monitoring there are many tests that have to be done in person. Physical assessments, percussion, auscultation, etc can not be done remotely. In conclusion, telehealth is the umbrella that telemedicine falls under. There are many benefits to telehealth but there are limitations that make in person visits still a necessity.