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In the early 1900s, telehealth was introduced via radio and telephone to aid remote consultations for patients. However, the first recorded use of its practical application was in the 1950s by doctors at the Nebraska Psychiatric Institute. Specifically, they provided psychiatric consultations to patients at Norfolk State Hospital. Since then, the industry’s growth has been rather slow, primarily due to government regulations.
The advent of the COVID outbreak was the open door the telehealth industry needed to soar. In the UK, telepatient consultation rose by 21%, and in the US, telehealth consultation rose 78 times in the same period. 2024 saw doctors’ teleconsultations go up 103.51%. This surge in telehealth, especially video conferencing, has seen several tools come into play. From traditional television to mobile telehealth, accessibility, and convenience have been at the forefront of the industry. Let’s see some tools that are used for virtual consultations.Â
Video conferencing Telehealth
There are two types of tools used for videoconferencing telehealth. First, we have conventional video conferencing tools used for regular video communications but could also be used for virtual consultations. apps like Apple FaceTime, Facebook Messenger video chat, Google Hangouts and Google Meet, WhatsApp video chat, and Zoom. However, we also have HIPAA-compliant platforms, primarily for healthcare providers in the United States.
The HIPAA is a set of regulations that binds healthcare organisations to protect the healthcare information of their patients. They include telemedicine management like Updox, VSee, Zoom for Healthcare, Doxy.me, and Spruce Health Care Messenger. Although conventional video tools allow real-time communication, they lack the security and privacy policies put in place to safeguard patient data. Additionally, most of the HIPAA-compliant platforms have built-in Electronic Health Records (EHRs) for the patient, consent management, virtual waiting rooms, and other features for proper healthcare delivery. Let’s see some of these innovative telehealth toolsÂ
VseeÂ
VSee is a no-code and low-code telemedicine platform. It enables customisable omni-channel communication. Additionally, it offers features like a complete virtual medical office, mobile app, provider dispatch automation, telehealth billing services, remote patient monitoring, and other virtual care delivery capabilities. Of all telehealth tools, Vsee is unique in its utility. Interestingly, the platform allows a 3G network conducive to rural remote locations. It permits customisation for remote clinics. Also, it allows patient-to-physician and professional team communication. It can be effectively paired with wearables to monitor the patient remotely. It has a Free, Plus, Premium, and Enterprise package for varying needs.Â
doxy.me
With over 1 million providers already onboard, this website-based telehealth solution brings ease to the table. It is very simple to set up, allows the physician to set up virtual waiting rooms, and allows providers to keep track of workflow. The platform offers free usage, as it states that its aim is to make telemedicine available for all. It also has Pro, Clinic, and Enterprise packages.Â
SimplePractice
In 2023, SimplePractice was ranked the best EHR software by Techradar. Mostly used by therapists and behavioural health practitioners. Amazingly, the platforms allow physicians to set appointments straight from the calendar and bring ease to patient documentation and billings. The platform is endorsed by the American Psychological Association (APA), which describes it as “an all-in-one practice management solution” for filing insurance claims, scheduling appointments, billing, and payments to telehealth. It has a 30-day trial period, after which it costs $29/month for the starter package.
Zoom for Healthcare
After the Zoom app gained immense traction during the pandemic period, This telehealth platform replicated the same. specifically built to attend to the needs of healthcare providers to ensure a secure system. It has since seen huge acceptance due to its scalability and ubiquity. It costs $159.90 per year.Â
NHS Attend Anywhere
People in the UK are more conversant with NHS Attend Anywhere, a web-based platform that allows video conferencing for consultation and waiting rooms. It is approved by the National Health Service (NHS). Similar to HIPAA in the US, data and privacy security compliance is regulated by the NHS. The platform works on appointment basics (a scheduled time slot and link to join will be sent to the patient).Â
It is projected that by the end of the decade, the industry will have expanded from $7.3 million in 2020 to more than $60 billion. Truly, the numbers are promising but, more importantly, it is good to see healthcare available for all with no barriers.
