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Telehealth: When health care meets cyberspace

From researching treatment options to emailing with your doctor, telehealth gives you the tools to better manage your health.

By Mayo Clinic staff

How many times have you heard it said that the Internet has transformed modern life? Indeed it's probably changed how you stay in touch with family and friends, purchase goods and services, and even search for information about health problems. But are you using the array of telehealth tools available to improve your health and wellness? If not, you may be falling behind the times.

What is telehealth? Why should you care?

Telehealth is simply using technology, such as computers and mobile devices, to manage your health and well-being. Telehealth, also called e-health or m-health (mobile health), includes a variety of health care services, including but not limited to:

  • Online support groups
  • Online health information and self-management tools
  • Email and online communication with health care providers
  • Electronic health records
  • Remote monitoring of vital signs
  • Video or online doctor visits

Consider how people with diabetes could use telehealth to manage their health — all without having to leave home:

  • Use a mobile phone or other device to upload food logs, medications, dosing, and blood sugar levels for review by a nurse who responds electronically.
  • Watch a how-to video on carbohydrate counting and download an application (app) for it to your mobile phone.
  • Use the same app to estimate, based on your diet and exercise level, how much insulin you need.
  • Send an email or text message to a nurse or diabetes educator when you have questions.
  • Order testing supplies and medications online.
  • Research the pros and cons of alternate treatments, such as insulin pumps.
  • Get email, text or phone reminders when you need a flu shot, foot exam or other preventive care.

Does that pique your interest? If so, check out the following ways technology can help you better manage your health.

E-visits

An e-visit is a doctor's appointment you do online instead of in person. You type in your question or problem, usually through a progression of questions. Your message is sent to your health care provider, who reviews it and sends a response. You may receive a prescription for medication, a recommendation for a follow-up appointment or other advice. Your messages are secure — meaning no one else can see or read them. Visits can also take place in real time via videoconference.

E-visits can save you — and your doctor — time compared with office visits. They can be especially helpful for people in rural areas or those who don't have access to transportation.

Personal health records

A personal health record is simply a collection of information about your health that you control and maintain. If you have a shot record or a box of medical papers, you already have a basic personal health record. And you've probably encountered the big drawback of paper records: You rarely have them with you when you need them.

Electronic personal health record systems — often called PHR systems — remedy that problem by making your personal health record accessible to you anytime via a Web-enabled device, such as your computer, phone or PDA.

Having a personal health record can be a lifesaver, literally. In an emergency, you can quickly give emergency personnel vital information, such as a disease you're being treated for, medications you take, drugs you're allergic to, and how to contact your family doctor.

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References
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  7. What is a personal health record (PHR)? American Health Information Management Association. http://www.myphr.com/StartaPHR/what_is_a_phr.aspx. Accessed March 29, 2011.
  8. Health care delivery: Bringing value to the patient. Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.org/mcitems/mc2300-mc2399/mc2386-2401.pdf. Accessed March 29, 2011.
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  10. Health communication and health information technology. Healthy People 2020. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topicsobjectives2020/overview.aspx?topicid=18. Accessed March 11, 2011.
  11. Varkey P, et al. Telemedicine in the work site: A study of feasibility, and patient and provider satisfaction. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare. 2008;14:323.
  12. Angstman KB, et al. Impact of e-consults on return visits of primary care patients. Health Care Management. 2009;28(3):253.
  13. Takahashi PY, et al. A randomized controlled trial of telemonitoring in older adults with multiple chronic conditions: The Tele-ERA study. BMC Health Serves Research. 2010;10:255.
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MY01693 May 13, 2011

© 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

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