The use of telehealth services is on the rise and has become increasingly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. When the pandemic began last year, virtual care providers saw a 154% increase in virtual visits, per the CDC.¹



Many individuals are adopting this modern way of accessing healthcare. As a result, telehealth developments, advancements and protocols have been implemented to help deliver successful outcomes for users.
Moving forward, The Wall Street Journal estimates that 20% to 25% of all care in the future could be delivered remotely.²

What is Telehealth?

Simply put, it is a convenient way to receive care virtually.

Mayo Clinic defines it as the use of digital information and communication technologies, such as computers and mobile devices, to access health care services remotely and manage [your] health care.³

What are the advantages of virtual care?

Telehealth has expanded access to quality care. Healthcare consumers can select providers for care they may not have otherwise been able to receive due to illness, distance and/or a desire to limit their exposure to COVID-19.

Additional advantages include:

• An affordable alternative to in-person doctor or hospital visits for non-emergency care.
• Doctors, nurses and other providers can deliver care via real-time phone or live video consultations, secure messaging, and/or remote monitoring through apps and smart tools.
• As part of a treatment plan, providers may be able to prescribe medication, if medically necessary.

Types of Telehealth Services

Individuals can choose from a large selection of telehealth services. Some of the virtual care options include:

• General medical – consults for conditions like cold and flu, sinusitis, allergies, stomach issues, etc.
• Primary care – wellness visits and routine checkups, and chronic condition management
• Mental health – therapy for depression, anxiety, stress and more
• Dermatology – treatment for skin conditions, such as acne, eczema and psoriasis
• Nutrition – counseling to help manage and accomplish health goals
• Specialty services – over 450+ specialties offered by providers for management or treatment of specialty needs

Award-Winning Telehealth Services from Teladoc™ Health

Teladoc Health is a global leader in virtual care, delivering a high-quality, award-winning member experience to millions of people around the world.

Since 2005, Teladoc has completed more than 15 million virtual care visits and serves more people than any other virtual care provider.

Learn more about the general medical and mental health services Teladoc offers. 

This article is part of our Healthy Foundations^® Wellness Newsletter.

Teladoc services are included with employer-sponsored self-funded health benefit plan designs administered by Star Marketing and Administration, Inc. Teladoc services may vary by plan, and a consult fee may apply. Teladoc Health, Inc. is not an affiliate of Star Marketing and Administration, Inc.
 
¹CDC: Trends in the Use of Telehealth During the Emergence of the COVID-19 Pandemic United States, January–March 2020. October 30, 2020
²The Wall Street Journal: What Covid-19 Taught Us About Telemedicine. March 28, 2021
³Mayo Clinic: Telehealth: Technology meets health care. May 15, 2020