Nuances of telehealth

KFF Health News reported on some current differences between telehealth and traditional medicine. On one hand, in areas that might not have as many providers, telehealth might offer some convenient options. On the other hand, one patient that turned to telehealth for mental health noted that "There is no comforting face to validate you."

One professor of public health suggested that telehealth might work better for situations in which the patient already knows what he or she wants (e.g. birth control), and seeks a prescription. In that case, the healthcare professional can help ensure medication safety. Critics of telehealth warn that telehealth offerings "may shortchange patients in need of close, sensitive attention."

Telehealth still seems relatively new as an industry. It may indeed turn out that telehealth can fill certain niches, just as clinics at pharmacies might fill. Or, perhaps telehealth will turn out to be more broadly effective.