How Will the Rise of Telemedicine Affect Healthcare in Canada?

25 Apr 2022

Telemedicine is revolutionizing the delivery of healthcare in Canada and all around the world. Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the popularity of telemedicine has soared, and looks like it is here to stay. While more and more people are finding virtual care useful, there are still many unknown factors and unanswered questions revolving around telemedicine.

In this blog, we will talk about what telemedicine is, what treatments are offered and dig deeper into the benefits and disadvantages that affect healthcare in Canada.

What is Telemedicine?

Simply put, telemedicine can be defined as remotely diagnosing and treating patients using telecommunications technology. It is generally used as the first consultation. Patients are able to speak with a healthcare professional and voice their concerns and answer any questions the physician may have.

What are the benefits of Telemedicine?

Telemedicine’s main focuses are accessibility and efficiency.

Patients who live in rural or more remote locations, or who aren’t able to leave home, or who aren’t able to take time off work can get healthcare anytime, anywhere.

Patient engagement adds a significant benefit to the virtual healthcare system. Why?

Patients are more likely to stay on top of their health. If patients are able to have easy access to a healthcare professionals and maintain their healthcare goals, this will not only reduce costs but also improve overall health.

Quicker Care equals better overall health.

Quick quality care is crucial. Patients can bring forward their medical concerns quicker and learn about treatment options within minutes. In the Canadian healthcare system, wait and travel times have always been an issue. With Telehealth, we are decreasing both wait and travel times, which encourages patients to attend appointments more frequently.

Many people also fear going to the doctor. Allowing them to speak with their health care provider over the phone or video call may remove the embarrassment, discomfort, or fear factor.

Telemedicine Reduces Medical Costs.

Virtual healthcare assistance drastically reduces medical costs by providing patients with more options than the typical costly care settings. In Canada, reducing hospitalizations and healthcare costs will help us use our taxpayers’ money more efficiently.

Elderly Care.

One of the demographics that experience the most benefits of telemedicine is our seniors. For seniors, accessibility is an issue on its own. Going to a clinic or appointment is often time-consuming and a hassle. Telecare has added its own element of convenience and reliability for our elders in Canada.

A problem that arises in some cases is that seniors are hesitant to embrace new technology. If we can educate older adults, they will be more adaptive to new technology in the health sector that can help them live longer, healthier lives.

Digitize Your Healthcare Claims with Accerta

Our digital healthcare claims management is designed to ensure a seamless user experience. With tools like our Eligibility Verification Portal via AccertaWorX, practitioners can continue to submit claims while mitigating exposure and risks to employees and the public.

In the end, telemedicine is the way of the future. While there are still some limiting factors and issues to be resolved, telemedicine is here to stay and will better the overall health of Canadians.

At Accerta, we like to be a leader in innovation and education. Our vision is to help communities and individuals achieve better health, independence, and productivity.

Telemedicine is the way we can create effective healthcare solutions for all.