{"id":4890,"date":"2020-06-01T08:00:49","date_gmt":"2020-06-01T12:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/?p=4890"},"modified":"2020-06-01T08:02:48","modified_gmt":"2020-06-01T12:02:48","slug":"whats-the-difference-between-telehealth-and-telemedicine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/articles\/whats-the-difference-between-telehealth-and-telemedicine\/","title":{"rendered":"What’s the Difference Between Telehealth and Telemedicine?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"telehealth

Image Credit: Pexels<\/a> \/ Andrea Piacquadio<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

Telehealth is a term that encompasses all types of technological interventions and services that improve patient care and the healthcare experience in general. Telehealth includes, for example, the digital platform that allows a radiologist to remotely look at an x-ray or for a specialist across the state to check a digital medical chart for consultation purposes. Telehealth also technically includes virtual training for medical professionals.<\/span><\/p>\n

Telemedicine, on the other hand, is not quite as broad of a definition as telehealth. Instead, telemedicine is using technology to provide care to a patient from a distance. Telemedicine, therefore, is a subset of telehealth. Examples of telemedicine can include a video conference with a physician to check sutures after surgery or having a follow-up visit to talk about a new medication with your specialist.<\/span><\/p>\n

In all cases of telehealth and telemedicine, information and contact are provided via secure platforms designed to keep information private and confidential. Further, HIPAA guidelines are followed during all telehealth and telemedicine experiences.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seniors, Telehealth, and Telemedicine<\/b><\/h2>\n

As with other technological interventions, seniors tend to use telehealth and telemedicine less frequently than their younger peers. However, seniors are not resisting the trend entirely. New research reports that <\/span>at least 50% of older adults<\/span><\/a> are willing to try telehealth interventions. However, most seniors willing to use telehealth would use it for follow-up appointments or review medications, as opposed to having check-ups or other experiences digitally. They also report that <\/span>reimbursement questions or confusion<\/span><\/a> can be a barrier to further exploring telehealth and telemedicine opportunities within their preferred health system.<\/span><\/p>\n

Benefits of Telehealth and Telemedicine for Seniors<\/b><\/h2>\n
\"telehealth

Physicians and specialists can coordinate care more efficiently using telehealth platforms. Image Credit: Pexels<\/a> \/ cottonbro<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

Seniors could certainly benefit from telehealth and telemedicine opportunities. For example, a digital office visit for an urgent need could decrease an emergency room visit later. Seniors are notorious for waiting too long to address a chronic or new condition, which often makes them end up in the emergency room far more than their younger peers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But telehealth and telemedicine can offer even more benefits for older adults that could enhance their wellness:<\/span><\/p>\n