6 Convenient Benefits of Telehealth

Telehealth has revolutionized the healthcare industry in recent years, offering innovative ways for patients to access the care they need from the comfort of their homes. At InSpero Medical, we love to use technology to stay connected with clients and help them remain on track. We’re located in the Rocky Mountains, so it’s not always convenient to visit our physical practice. Snow can block the roads, and traffic can get bad along the interstate.

In addition, many of our patients live in other states and only visit the area once or twice a year. And that’s OK!

We are happy to see individuals virtually through telehealth. But if this approach to care sounds new to you, then it’s time to learn about six convenient benefits of telehealth.

Telehealth and Functional Medicine

First, it’s important to understand that InSpero Medical practices functional medicine. Perhaps you’ve used telehealth before for primary care. You had a sinus infection and then got a doctor to prescribe an antibiotic over a video call. That is one way to use telehealth, but it’s not quite what we do here.

Instead, our patients partner with us for long-term wellness plans. There are no “quick fixes” in functional medicine, which is why we take a holistic approach to health. We are going to look at your nutrition, lifestyle, hormones, energy levels, and more when creating your personal wellness plan. Because these wellness plans are personalized, they require regular check-ins.

And that’s where telehealth comes into the picture.

While we are required by law to see all patients in person at least once every 12 months to obtain vitals, perform any necessary physical exams, and prescribe any required medications, other visits can be done online. 

Let’s dive deeper into the benefits when you utilize telehealth:

1. Enhanced Accessibility

One of the most popular benefits of telehealth in functional medicine is, of course, the enhanced accessibility it provides to patients. Functional medicine practitioners often have patients who live in different parts of the country or even around the world. Telehealth eliminates geographical barriers, enabling patients to connect with their preferred functional medicine practitioners without the need for travel.

This accessibility is especially crucial for patients with chronic illnesses or complex health conditions. If this describes you, then know that you can receive ongoing care, support, and guidance from the comfort of your home, reducing the stress and inconvenience associated with frequent in-person visits. This not only makes healthcare more convenient, but it also encourages patients to stay engaged in their treatment plans, leading to better health outcomes.

2. Improved Continuity of Care

Functional medicine typically involves a comprehensive approach to treatment, considering all aspects of a patient’s health and lifestyle. Continuity of care is essential in this approach, as patients often require ongoing support and adjustments to their treatment plans. Telehealth facilitates seamless communication between patients and practitioners, promoting high-quality continuity of care.

Through telehealth, functional medicine practitioners can schedule regular check-ins, review lab results, and make necessary adjustments to treatment plans. Patients ask questions, report progress, and share their concerns with their healthcare providers, ensuring that their care remains consistent and personalized. This continuous interaction fosters a strong patient-provider relationship, which is vital in functional medicine.

3. Personalized Care Plans

Functional medicine is known for its personalized approach to healthcare. Telehealth platforms allow practitioners to collect and analyze patients’ health data efficiently. This includes reviewing medical records, conducting virtual consultations, and utilizing wearable devices and health apps. With access to a wealth of information, functional medicine practitioners tailor treatment plans to address the specific needs and goals of each patient.

Both practitioner and patient don’t feel like they have to rush appointments. Some of the most important data comes up during calm, comfortable consultations. When you know you don’t have to wrap up in 15 minutes, you might remember a key detail about your diet, lifestyle, or symptoms.

By incorporating telehealth into functional medicine, practitioners monitor patients’ progress more effectively and make data-driven decisions. Patients also take a more active role in their health by tracking their wellness metrics and sharing them with their healthcare providers. This collaborative approach enhances the precision and effectiveness of treatment plans, leading to better patient outcomes.

4. Improved Patient Engagement

Engaging patients in their healthcare is a fundamental principle of functional medicine. Telehealth platforms provide tools and features that enhance patient engagement. Patients access their health records, review treatment plans, and track their progress through secure online portals. These resources empower patients to take an active role in their health management.

Moreover, telehealth appointments often allow for more flexible scheduling, making it easier for patients to attend appointments without disrupting their daily routines. This flexibility results in higher appointment attendance rates and better adherence to treatment plans, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.

5. Enhanced Preventive Care

Preventive care is a cornerstone of functional medicine. Too often, our healthcare system focuses on reacting to disease, not preventing it. Telehealth is well-suited to support this aspect of healthcare by enabling practitioners to provide proactive guidance and education to their patients. Through telehealth platforms, practitioners offer lifestyle coaching, nutritional counseling, and stress management strategies, all of which are critical components of functional medicine.

Patients benefit from telehealth by receiving regular check-ups, discussing their health goals, and accessing resources that promote wellness. This emphasis on preventive care helps patients address health issues before they become more serious, leading to improved overall health and a better quality of life.

Reach Your Health Goals Faster with Telehealth

The InSpero mission is to empower people through science, love, and collaborative engagement to create the highest expression of themselves and humanity.

One way we pursue this mission is with telehealth. We’ve seen telehealth emerge as a game-changer in the field of functional medicine, offering numerous benefits that enhance accessibility, continuity of care, personalization, cost-effectiveness, patient engagement, and preventive care. These advantages not only make functional medicine more accessible to a broader range of patients but also enable practitioners to provide more comprehensive and tailored care. 
Ready to start your own health journey? Fill out our contact form!