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As we have discussed in the past, health care and health insurance have changed a lot in recent years. That includes increased use of virtual health care and telehealth or telemedicine in the treatment of patients. So, how do these terms overlap and how they are different from one another?

What Are Virtual Health Platforms? 

According to Elation Health, a technology solutions groups for primary care practices, electronic health records (EHRs), patient portal, and database solutions, “virtual care” encompasses multiple health care services offered remotely through digital communications tools. It includes the delivery of health care services such as consultations, assessments, remote patient monitoring (RPM), electronic prescriptions, and mental health support.
 

How Virtual Health Platforms Work

Virtual health technology may include video conferencing, remote monitoring devices, messaging platforms, mobile applications, EHRs, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) empowered virtual assistants and chatbots.

Virtual care bridges the gap between patients and their health care team. It allows them to access care from virtually any location, including a patient’s home or office.

Telemedicine vs Virtual Health: Key Differences 

Telehealth, sometimes referred to as telemedicine, is a subset of virtual care. It is a tool that allows patients to communicate with a health care professional using technology – and avoid a visit to a doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital. With telehealth, the focus is on clinical services. It’s a method to improve patient care. Telehealth can also include the use of medical devices and technology to collect and transmit patient information to a doctor, specialist, or health care team or facility.
 

Benefits of Virtual Health and Telemedicine 

The advantages offered by telehealth and telemedicine – for both patients and health care providers – are numerous, including:

• Increased accessibility - Patients can reach providers regardless of location
• Greater convenience - No travel time or waiting rooms required
• Increased affordability/cost-effectiveness - Virtual visits typically cost less than in-person care
• Less time-consuming - Saves time for both patients and busy employees

 There are, however, some disadvantages, too:

• It does not work for all situations (such as an emergency)
• There could still be gaps in care when a patient is unable to see his or her usual health care team and/or if EHRs are not shareable
• Tech can be difficult or unreliable; not everyone has equal access to the internet and web services
• There may be privacy concerns, especially for patients who have to use public wi-fi

Why This Matters for Brokers and Their Clients

Both virtual care and telehealth/telemedicine are vital resources in today’s health care delivery system. They are complementary to one another, and more patients and providers are expected to leverage the two in the future. You can better serve the needs of your groups and their members by helping employers, employees, and their dependents understand how each can play a role in helping them maintain and improve their future health.