Telehealth

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Telehealth is becoming increasingly more popular. With the pandemic, telehealth has allowed people to get the health care they need while also allowing for safe social distancing. Are you taking advantage of what telehealth has to offer?

What is Telehealth?

Telehealth is the use of electronic communication technologies to access health care services remotely to manage your health. The goals of telehealth are to make health care more accessible, provide access to medical specialists and improve care coordination between members of health care teams and patients.2 With telehealth you can:

1. Talk to your doctor live over the phone or video chat.1

2. Use remote patient monitoring.1

3. Send or receive secure messages to communicate with your doctor.1

4. Use an online portal to schedule appointments, request refills or email your doctor.2

Benefits of Telehealth

1. Reduced exposure to pathogens: Telehealth keeps patients at home and away from COVID-19, the flu and other viruses.4

2. Convenience: You will not need to commute, take time off from work or get childcare for a health care appointment.3

3. Lower cost: Telehealth appointments typically cost less than in-person visits do.4

4. Medical access: People in rural and undeserved urban areas have a difficult time accessing medical care. This provides a way for people to see and meet their healthcare professional quickly.4

5. Easy access to specialists: Using telehealth tools can expand the range of access to specialists who live further away.1

Common Questions About Telehealth5

1. Does telehealth protect my privacy? Absolutely. Healthcare providers are HIPAA compliant. When you communicate using electronic communication technologies, your medical information is held to the same standards as a regular in-person visit.

2. Is telehealth hard to use? If you are not tech savvy, do not worry! Your healthcare provider will be able to walk you through the process. If you would rather talk on the phone than use video conferencing, your healthcare provider should be able to accommodate you in most cases.

3. Can I get a prescription during a telehealth visit? If your health issue does not require further testing, your healthcare provider can provide you with an electronic prescription.

4. Are telehealth visits as effective as in-person ones? Yes, if your health concern does not require bloodwork, x-ray or lab tests, your healthcare provider can still physically examine you with video technology in most cases.

Tria Health

At Tria Health, our pharmacists provide telehealth services when outreaching to high-risk patients, improving patient health and helping them find ways to reduce costs. Tria Health is a no cost benefit available through select members’ health plans. Tria Health’s Pharmacy Advocate Program offers one-on-one, private telephonic consultations with a Tria Health Pharmacist. During your consultation, your pharmacist will review all your current medications, including vitamins and supplements. Tria Health will assist you in identifying any possible drug interactions or savings opportunities! Your pharmacist will work with you and your doctor(s) to ensure the intended outcomes from your medications are being received.

Questions?

Contact the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742

Sources:

1. What is telehealth? | Telehealth.HHS.gov

2. Telehealth: Technology meets health care – Mayo Clinic

3. Telemedicine benefits, disadvantages, and uses (medicalnewstoday.com)

4. Telemedicine Benefits: 17 Advantages for Patients and Doctors (healthline.com)

5. Telehealth: What Is It, How Does It Work, and How Much Does It Cost? – GoodRx

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