What Is Telemedicine?

The medical community is always searching for new and improved ways of ensuring each individual has access to the necessary care and resources needed to live a happy, healthy, quality, and rewarding life. No matter how good healthcare gets, it can always be better. 

Technology has had an enormous influence on many of the advancements in the medical community. It allows doctors, patients, and everyone in-between the rare ability to stay connected and on the same page as the individual receives the care they desperately need. 



With the emergence of the telephone and eventually the internet, the medical community has long been trying to make the most of this incredible technology. While they have done so in a variety of ways, perhaps none is more useful in the world today than telemedicine services. 

So, what is telemedicine?

Telemedicine is a term used in the medical community that refers to the ability to provide clinical services remotely with the use of telephones, smartphones, computers, or any other form of telecommunications technology. Instead of meeting face-to-face, doctors and patients meet virtually. 

The need and demand for implementing telemedicine and remote healthcare is nothing new to the health care industry and has played a major role in keeping seniors healthy in the comfort of their own homes. With that said, the need and demand have certainly increased in recent years – largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Some people don’t feel comfortable seeing a doctor for an in-person appointment due to the risk of infection, while other people can’t see a doctor face-to-face because they’re already infected. With telemedicine, both sides win and the doctor is able to treat everyone in a timely manner. 



Of course, the use of telemedicine goes far beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. There are a number of reasons why people might not feel comfortable or be unable to go to the doctor’s office, but telemedicine gives them virtual options when receiving the care they need. 

Telemedicine vs. Telehealth

At a quick glance, telemedicine and telehealth services might sound similar. In fact, they’re often used interchangeably in the healthcare industry and they have similar meanings. With that said, there is a distinct difference between the two and it can cause confusion in some individuals. 

While telemedicine largely refers to the way a doctor and patient communicate with each other, as well as doctors with other doctors, telehealth embodies a much more broad sense of healthcare delivery. It includes non-clinical services, like training, continuing medical education, and meetings. It also refers to the transfer of patient data and electronic medical records from one doctor to the next.



At the end of the day, telemedicine and telehealth each have the same goal within the healthcare industry – making healthcare more accessible and convenient for those that need it the most. Together, they have revolutionized the way doctors and other professionals treat their patients. 

Telemedicine Benefits

Telemedicine has a wide range of uses in the healthcare industry and comes with a number of benefits – both to doctors and patients. And with the increased demand for telemedicine services, the industry is constantly finding new ways to incorporate and improve care for all. 

Unless you’re still unsure about how telemedicine can benefit the doctor-patient relationship, we’re going to detail some of the most prominent and useful benefits telemedicine has to offer – including comfort, convenience, less traveling, reduced costs, less stress, and much more.

Better Control of Infectious Illness

Telemedicine has long helped doctors treat their patients while avoiding the spread of infectious diseases. This benefit was seen in a big way during the COVID-19 pandemic as telemedicine services continue to be a go-to source of remote patient monitoring for millions of people around the world.

See: COVID-19 Testing Las Vegas

Comfort, Convenience, and Ease

Another major benefit of telemedicine services is the comfort, convenience, and ease it provides patients when meeting with a medical professional. They’re able to do so in the convenience and comfort of their own home, which is much easier than dealing with traffic, waiting rooms, etc. 

Avoiding Long-Distance Traveling

Speaking of traffic, telemedicine allows patients to bypass the long drives to their doctor’s office. This is especially true when visiting specialists and for those that live in rural areas. Of course, telemedicine also allows patients to include family members from other states in the visit. 

Reduced Cost, Time, & Energy

Telemedicine saves both the patient and doctor a lot of time, energy, effort, and money. Not only do doctors need less overhead to maintain telemedicine appointments, but patients don’t need to take time out of their day traveling to the doctor’s office – which saves a lot of money on gas. 

No Need for Childcare Services

One of the biggest stressors for parents when scheduling a doctor’s appointment is making sure their children are taken care of. Since babysitters can be expensive and bringing your child with you can add to the stress, patients can bypass all of that by doing the visit in their home. 



Reduced Stress & Anxiety

Speaking of stress, many patients experience a reduction in the general stress and anxiety that overcomes them ahead of a doctor’s visit. Not only are patients in an environment they’re used to, but they aren’t faced with the hassle of trying to get to their doctor’s appointments on time. 

When Is Telemedicine Most Useful?

We’ve talked about the benefits of telemedicine technology, but let’s talk about the many different uses and situations where it’s most beneficial to both the healthcare provider and patient. When utilized at the right time, it can secure the health and safety of everyone involved – both short- and long-term. 

For example, telemedicine makes it extremely easy for health professionals and patients to complete follow-up visits and treat chronic illnesses that require frequent visits. It’s also useful with medication management, specialist consultations, and other remote clinical health services. 

Does Good Samaritan LV Offer Telemedicine?

At Good Samaritan LV, we believe in helping as many people as possible and telemedicine plays a large role in our ability to follow through with that. With virtual care from the comfort of your own home, we can help a wide range of patients get access to the medical services they need at home. 

In addition to our telemedicine service, we also offer same-day appointments and in-house COVID-19 testing. We’re in the business of helping you feel your best on a daily basis, so if anything is worrying you or you need a check-up, don’t hesitate to contact our office today!

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