The Future of Telehealth: Telehealth Apps Changing the Game

Telehealth has been around in simpler forms since the 1950s. However, it took a global pandemic to push patients to take advantage of its offerings. In fact, in the United States for example, the demand for telehealth is expected to continue to rise in the next five years to 38% of the population (sitting at just 4% pre-pandemic.)

Telehealth can be seen everywhere now; New chat boxes and video conferencing tools have enabled doctors to treat patients without the patient ever having to leave their home. With the addition of drones being able to deliver medicine and food, telehealth is only going to continue to rise in popularity.

Here are some of the areas where the most innovative tools are already at our disposal:

• Remote monitoring: whether through the web, mobile apps, or wearable devices, patients are now able to upload and monitor advanced health information such as heart rate, blood pressure, glucose levels, sleep patterns, and even lung function. These are huge advancements from the beginnings of telehealth.
• Virtual appointments: for minor illnesses, patients no longer need to visit their doctor in person. Online videoconferencing allows doctors to treat patients virtually, saving patients long wait times and decreasing the chance of illnesses like COVID-19 and the common cold from spreading. Telehealth is also helping those in remote areas to have access to better healthcare options.
• Health records: with advancements in technology, personal health record (PHR) systems are now feasible. Not only are patients able to better access their health records, but PHRs also allow for easier sharing of reports among doctors. Telehealth is also useful to automatically remind you of upcoming appointments or when it’s time to schedule one.

The telehealth market is growing fast and so are its applications and offers in a variety of healthcare sectors.

Check out some of these outstanding and innovative telehealth apps:

dermanostic

Made in Germany, dermanostic is bringing dermatology to the home. Ever struggle to find a dermatologist appointment that isn’t weeks or even months away? For patients looking to have questions about their skin answered within 24 hours, dermanostic has invented an innovative platform. Simply download the app, fill out a short questionnaire, submit three pictures of your ailment, pay a € 25 fee (costs are reimbursed if you are privately insured), and receive results back within a day. Their technology is so effective, that 92% of patients are able to treat their ailments from the comfort of their own homes.

Livongo

The Livongo app is making it easier for users to track health data and make lifestyle improvements. And it is not just for weight loss; Livongo can help track conditions like diabetes and hypertension as well. Or maybe you are looking to prevent such diseases from developing; Livongo can also give you suggestions based on your habits on how to lower your risk.

Navigating Cancer

While originally limited in giving simple diagnoses, advancements in telehealth have now allowed apps to develop to treat more complicated illnesses and diseases. Take Navigating Cancer, for example. It was developed to help patients treat even more complex illnesses like cancer. Their app helps cancer patients monitor and report symptoms, and even get tailored treatments without ever leaving their front doors.

Talkspace

Perhaps the biggest field of telemedicine to grow during the pandemic was mental health. Several mental health platforms such as Talkspace have popped up and offer a range of services including online therapy, psychiatry, and meditation guidance. After completing a short assessment, easily choose from a list of recommended therapists and get started immediately with your journey. Apps like Talkspace even allow you to change therapists at any time with no extra costs.

Kwido

Another area telehealth is truly changing the game in is elderly care. Companies like Kwido offer health and home monitoring systems. They have developed sensor devices that allow for the observation of the elderly in their own homes or care centers. Kwido Home uses a central device to send data on everyday behavior and creates alerts when unusual behavior is detected. Grandma and grandpa can now enjoy the independence of living on their own without the constant worry.