Telehealth is a communication platform designed to connect patients with their doctors without having to leave the home. Small clinics are especially in need of telehealth services due to their sometimes out-of-the-way locations. Specialists in hospitals are already using the technology, but as telehealth becomes more popular the prices continue to drop. This makes it more affordable for small clinics and single-doctor healthcare facilities. Managed service providers, like TOSS C3, can help clinics stay focused on the most important aspect of their business, the patient.

The Move to Telehealth

According to HealthcareITNews, “the telehealth market is forecast to be worth $6.5 billion by 2020 with an estimated compound annual growth rate of 24.2 percent from a value of $2.2 billion in 2015 as the healthcare industry undergoes a fundamental transformation to value-based business from volume-based business.”

The actual cost is relatively low considering the effects of telehealth. Video conferencing allows doctors to have a face-to-face chat with their patient from the comfort of their computer. This cuts down on commute complications for the patient and allows quick and efficient visits for the doctor. Some of the main advantages to using a telehealth platform are:

• The amount of time spent with patients is reduced. This allows more patients to be seen each day.
• Patients that are elder or disabled do not have to worry about transport to the clinic. They can log onto their computer at home and communicate with the doctor or nurse directly.
• Total man hours in the clinic are reduced. With telehealth visits, there is no need for a single patient to talk to the receptionist, the nurse, and the doctor. The nurse or doctor can take the call directly.
• Other amenities are reduced. Parking problems are reduced, as is the chance of patients bringing viruses into the facility.

In the long run, all the advantages also give doctors the ability to lower their costs for patients. Patients feel more secure in their ability to talk to a doctor about whatever ails them, and the convenience helps with the overall healthcare experience.

Bring your Clinic into the Cloud

Managed service providers specialize in cloud support, but they are also experienced in supporting the healthcare profession. Providers, like TOSS C3, have years of experience in the healthcare field. They have supported the healthcare profession and kept up to date on all the new technologies as they become available. Managed service providers can help you reduce IT costs, and maybe free it up entirely. Your network’s security is strengthened by entering the cloud. Your provider can help you determine the type of cloud configuration you require, and the best ways to keep your data secure. Software updates are automatic and as new technologies hit the market you will be notified about the possible usage of them in your network.

Telehealth is the future, and clinics will have to update to survive an ever-growing world of telecommunications. Most patients would rather work with a doctor that is local. Real visits will still be required when something serious occurs. It is better to jump on the cloud/telehealth wagon before enterprise-sized companies start trying to increase their outreach to your community. Get a free assessment