What Is Telehealth? A Beginner's Guide

Telehealth has changed how many people access healthcare, making it possible to consult with doctors, therapists, and other providers from home. This guide provides general information about telehealth for educational purposes. Always consult licensed healthcare professionals for personalized guidance.

Understanding Telehealth

Telehealth is a broad term describing the use of digital technologies to deliver healthcare services, education, and information remotely. Rather than traveling to a clinic or office, patients can connect with healthcare providers through:

• Video visits: Live video calls that simulate an in-person appointment
• Phone consultations: Voice calls with healthcare providers
• Asynchronous messaging: Secure messaging where you send information and receive responses later
• Remote monitoring: Using devices to track health data that providers can review
• Mobile health apps: Applications that support health management and provider communication

Types of Telehealth Services

Mental Health and Therapy

Online mental health services have become widely available, offering access to licensed therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists. These services may include:

• Individual therapy sessions via video or phone
• Couples and family counseling
• Psychiatric consultations and medication management
• Group therapy sessions
• Messaging-based support between sessions

Primary Care

Many primary care concerns can be addressed through telehealth, including:

• Cold and flu symptoms
• Skin conditions (with photos or video)
• Prescription refills
• Follow-up appointments
• Review of test results
• General health questions

Specialist Consultations

Various specialists now offer telehealth options, including:

• Dermatologists
• Endocrinologists
• Neurologists
• Cardiologists (for certain consultations)
• Nutritionists and dietitians

Chronic Disease Management

For ongoing conditions, telehealth can provide:

• Regular check-ins with care teams
• Medication adjustments
• Lifestyle counseling
• Review of home-monitored health data

How Telehealth Works

Before Your Appointment

Typically, you will need to:

1. Choose a telehealth platform or provider
2. Create an account and provide basic information
3. Verify your insurance (if applicable) or understand payment options
4. Schedule an appointment
5. Complete any required intake forms or questionnaires
6. Test your technology (camera, microphone, internet connection)

During Your Appointment

A typical telehealth visit involves:

• Logging into the platform at your scheduled time
• Connecting with your provider via video or phone
• Discussing your concerns, symptoms, or questions
• Receiving guidance, assessment, or treatment recommendations
• Asking questions about next steps

After Your Appointment

Following a telehealth visit, you may:

• Receive a summary of the visit
• Get prescriptions sent to your pharmacy electronically
• Schedule follow-up appointments
• Receive referrals to specialists or in-person care if needed
• Access provider notes through a patient portal

Benefits of Telehealth

Telehealth offers several potential advantages:

• Convenience: Access care from home without travel time
• Accessibility: Reach providers even in rural or underserved areas
• Flexibility: Often more appointment times available, including evenings and weekends
• Reduced exposure: Avoid waiting rooms during cold and flu season
• Comfort: Some people feel more at ease discussing sensitive topics from home
• Continuity: Maintain care relationships even when traveling or moving

Limitations of Telehealth

Telehealth is not appropriate for all healthcare needs:

• Emergencies: Telehealth cannot handle emergencies—call 911 for urgent situations
• Physical examinations: Some conditions require hands-on assessment
• Certain procedures: Lab work, imaging, injections, and surgeries require in-person visits
• Complex diagnoses: Some conditions need comprehensive in-person evaluation
• Technology barriers: Requires reliable internet and basic tech comfort
• Privacy concerns: May be challenging to find private space at home

Is Telehealth Right for You?

Consider telehealth if:

• You have non-emergency health concerns
• You have reliable internet and a device with camera/microphone
• You can find a private space for appointments
• You're comfortable communicating through technology
• Your insurance covers telehealth (or you can afford out-of-pocket costs)
• Your healthcare needs can be addressed without physical examination

The best way to determine if telehealth is appropriate for your specific situation is to discuss it with a healthcare provider.

Choosing a Telehealth Provider

When selecting a telehealth service, consider:

• Licensing: Ensure providers are licensed in your state
• Credentials: Verify provider qualifications and experience
• Services offered: Make sure they provide the type of care you need
• Insurance coverage: Check if your plan covers the service
• Cost: Understand pricing, including any subscription fees
• Privacy practices: Review how your data is protected
• User reviews: Read experiences from other patients
• Technology requirements: Ensure compatibility with your devices

Telehealth Privacy and Security

Reputable telehealth platforms implement security measures to protect your health information:

• HIPAA-compliant systems (in the United States)
• Encrypted video and messaging
• Secure data storage
• Password-protected accounts

You can also take steps to protect your privacy:

• Use a private, secure internet connection
• Find a quiet, private space for appointments
• Use headphones to prevent others from overhearing
• Keep your account credentials secure
• Log out after sessions

Getting Started with Telehealth

If you're interested in trying telehealth:

1. Identify your needs: What type of care are you looking for?
2. Check your insurance: Contact your insurance company to understand telehealth coverage
3. Research options: Look at different platforms and providers
4. Verify credentials: Ensure providers are properly licensed
5. Prepare your technology: Test your device and internet connection
6. Schedule an appointment: Start with one visit to see if it's a good fit

Important Reminder