What Is the Difference Between Telehealth and Telemedicine?

Does MinuteClinic take FSA and HSA payments?

Yes, we do take FSA and HSA payments. Convenience is at the core of the service MinuteClinic provides to our patients. That's why we proudly offer flexible and convenient payment options for our health care offerings. FSAs and HSAs are just two of the many ways that you can pay for your MinuteClinic visits. We also accept credit as well as debit cards in addition to cash and checks* for in-person visits.

*MinuteClinic does not accept checks at our clinics inside Target.

Why is there so much confusion between the two terms?

Not every state or organization defines telemedicine and telehealth the same way. For example, some organizations use the type of health care provider to determine which term best describes the type of care provided. For some, only digital consultations with physicians qualify as telemedicine. In this example, telehealth would then be a service that any other health care professional provides. Telehealth can also include services from nurse practitioners, physician assistants, counselors and pharmacists (typically under the name “telepharmacy”).

On the other hand, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) defines telemedicine as “the practice of medicine using communication technology to deliver care at a distance.” To them, it makes no difference if the provider is a physician or other medical professional. Telehealth covers health education, administrative meetings, patient portals and other non-clinical services. Yet, according to the American Telemedicine Association, telehealth and telemedicine are interchangeable terms.

Are telehealth services popular with patients?

The popularity of telehealth services is at an all-time high. Telehealth technology makes it easier for patients to access high-quality medical care. If you have a computer or smartphone, you can use telehealth.

Patients also appreciate how telehealth saves them time. There's less waiting, and it may eliminate the need to take time away from work. It can also help make managing certain chronic health conditions less challenging. Plus, less commuting can mean fewer secondary expenses. Not having to spend time in waiting rooms also helps slow the spread of infectious disease.

Are telehealth services popular with patients?

The popularity of telehealth services is at an all-time high. Telehealth technology makes it easier for patients to access high-quality medical care. If you have a computer or smartphone, you can use telehealth.

Patients also appreciate how telehealth saves them time. There's less waiting, and it may eliminate the need to take time away from work. It can also help make managing certain chronic health conditions less challenging. Plus, less commuting can mean fewer secondary expenses. Not having to spend time in waiting rooms also helps slow the spread of infectious disease.

What is Virtual care?

Telehealth and telemedicine refer to care services provided remotely to you through various digital and electronic means, such as over the internet or phone. At MinuteClinic, we call this "virtual care" because you don't have to be physically at the same location as the provider. You can be in your home, and you can see and talk to your provider at some other location. For many people, this is much more convenient than going to see a provider in a clinic.

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References used as sources for this page:

1. goodrx.com/blog/telehealth-vs-telemedicine/
2. who.int/gho/goe/telehealth/en/
3. icanotes.com/2020/10/22/difference-between-telehealth-and-telemedicine/
4. business.amwell.com/the-difference-between-telehealth-and-telemedicine/#:
5. aafp.org/about/policies/all/telehealth-telemedicine.html
6. medicalnewstoday.com/articles/telemedicine-benefits#benefits
7. aafp.org/news/media-center/kits/telemedicine-and-telehealth.html