Add a Telemedicine Option to Improve Employee Experience
A look at how telemedicine has grown since the start of 2020, and options you can provide to better serve your workforce.
Here's what you need to know:
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Telemedicine allows covered individuals and families to tap into a digital network of board certified MDs to diagnose and treat ailments they are facing
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It is often more affordable than in-person office visits
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34 states and Washington, D.C., have laws mandating that private insurers cover telemedicine services in the same manner that they cover in-person services
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The use of telemedicine has grown 340% in the last few years
The world of work has forever changed, but so has the world of healthcare. With social distancing rules, stay at home orders, and a progressive increase in patient care due to COVID-19, employees are finding themselves stuck when it comes to getting care for non-emergency needs.
Employees are even making the conscious decision to stay away from healthcare facilities due to the threat of coronavirus, no matter how bad they’re feeling. One patient told a doctor they “would rather die, than risk getting COVID-19.”
One patient told a doctor they “would rather die, than risk getting COVID-19.”
Luckily, an emerging trend over the last several years has grown to be the norm during these circumstances. 2019 alone saw an increase in telemedicine utilization of 53%.
What is telemedicine?
Telemedicine allows covered individuals and families to tap into a digital network of board certified MDs to diagnose and treat ailments they are facing. By no means can telemedicine be utilized for emergency situations, but it can be leveraged for helping treat symptoms of:
- Sinus infections
- Flu-like symptoms
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Rash
- Allergies
- Nausea
It is often more affordable than in-person office visits.
Telemedicine goes mainstream
Leading healthcare providers are partnering with telemedicine leaders in the industry, like Teladoc, to provide these solutions as a compliment to insurance coverage. 34 states and Washington, D.C., also have laws mandating that private insurers cover telemedicine services in the same manner that they cover in-person services, according to the American Telemedicine Association.
34 states and Washington, D.C., also have laws mandating that private insurers cover telemedicine services in the same manner that they cover in-person services.
There’s even been a transformation from front line health care professionals, like doctors who are embracing this new channel for healthcare with a 340% growth over the last several years. All of these signs are leading to a continued revolution in telemedicine. Individuals and families can receive the mental and physical diagnosis, and the care they need through virtual environments.
For those that aren’t insured or eligible for medical insurance through a traditional medical carrier, organizations are finding ways to provide telemedicine services for employees to pay out of pocket. Teladoc resellers make it easy to work together to introduce these services.
With the world evolving to a digital age, medicine and healthcare is trending in the same direction.
If you’re a small business looking for more information about telemedicine, or how to get started with Teladoc, check out this resource from healthinsurance.com.
