Telehealth was first developed in part by NASA over half a century ago to help monitor the health status of astronauts. Since its inaugural roots first broke out 50 years ago, telehealth has slowly gained momentum until the last decade or so, when its momentum practically exploded thanks to groundbreaking developments in telecommunications. In today’s COVID-19 era, telehealth has become the secret weapon for medical providers everywhere to keep providing healthcare to primary care patients and patients whose illnesses can be treated virtually. 

How Telehealth Works

By definition, telehealth is the use of telecommunications technology to give healthcare services and information to support patient care, health education, and administration activities. Another definition shares that telehealth is a two-way, real-time interactive communication between provider and patient to provide healthcare and education at a distance. Telehealth has been used to expand services in a number of different healthcare settings including substance abuse and behavioral health services and services for veterans living in rural areas that are far away from the nearest veteran’s clinic or hospital. 

Telemedicine is another term used to describe healthcare via telecommunications. Providers use live-streaming, video conferencing, store-and-forward imaging, and wireless or landline communications (i.e, your phone) to conduct medical consultations, virtual examinations, and treatment administration with patients. EliteCare will primarily use telemedicine to help patients with prescription refills and to address other concerns related to chronic conditions. 

Do I need special equipment to access telehealth? 

Other than a telecommunications device like a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone, you don’t need any special equipment to get started in a telemedicine program with your provider. Today’s telemedicine technology centers around using the telecommunications technology already available to patients rather than creating new technologies to add to our ever-increasing pile of electronics. 

How to Get Started with EliteCare’s Telehealth Program

Signing up for our Telehealth program is as simple as sending a quick text requesting a telehealth appointment to our main phone line. Have your contact information ready and you’ll receive more information from us, including an appointment time and link to start your appointment.

Ready to enroll in our telehealth services? Just send a text or give us a call at 662-348-3342.