Telemedicine or telehealth is the process of delivering health services through telecommunication technologies, over the telephone, or through the Internet. It allows doctors to reach out to patients who are at remote locations to offer health care services. Telemedicine in health marketing is growing in popularity and is the way ahead for the future. If you are in the healthcare business, then you must explore the option of telemedicine for your healthcare marketing.
Role of telemedicine in healthcare marketing
It is important to discuss the benefits of using telemedicine in healthcare. Knowing about these benefits will help you understand the important role telemedicine has to play in healthcare marketing.
1. Reduce costs
Telemedicine helps significantly reduce healthcare expenses. Patients save on travel costs. Even doctors can see patients from their homes or clinics without having to travel to other hospitals and clinics. All this helps to reduce the cost of healthcare. While patients benefit from it, healthcare companies can increase their customer base and revenue by using telemedicine.
2. Gives better access to quality healthcare
A key benefit of telemedicine for healthcare is that it gives patients better access to quality healthcare. As a healthcare provider, you can reach out to more patients and offer them quality health services. Most importantly, you can offer patients the benefits of reaching out to the best doctors.
3. Rural areas get health care access
People in rural areas find it difficult to get access to quality healthcare. They find it very difficult to get access to specialists. If you offer telemedicine services, you can ensure people in rural areas get access to services of specialists. As a result, you can spread your firm’s services and broaden its reach.
4. Offers convenience
Telemedicine is convenient for all parties concerned. Earlier special infrastructure was needed to offer telehealth services. Today, thanks to technology a mobile phone is enough for telemedicine consultation. Companies can develop apps for patients to teleconsult with doctors. This is convenient for doctors who can consult with more patients in lesser time. Patients are benefitted since waiting time is reduced as they participate in the consultation from their homes.
5. Safer for medical practitioners
Doctors and healthcare staff have the risk of being exposed to pathogens when they come into contact with patients. Telemedicine allows them to do the consultation remotely. The result is better safety with reduced risks. During the COVID pandemic, telemedicine ensured safety for both doctors and patients.
6. Better collaboration
Healthcare firms can collaborate with top hospitals and leading specialists. Since telemedicine is convenient, specialists can work with your firm to offer their services to patients. Such improved collaboration is a win-win situation for companies, doctors, and patients. Telemedicine platforms can even be used for training for healthcare staff and to conduct webinars and other programs.
Final thoughts
Healthcare organizations need to consider using telemedicine in healthcare marketing. The long waiting time to see doctors and the large number of patients without access to primary healthcare are concerns. By offering telemedicine, you can capitalize on this opportunity and enlarge the scope of your services. You can be part of the $87.8 billion market for telemedicine and grow your business manifold.
Additional Read: Telehealth in Healthcare: A Silver Bullet or a Challenge