A lifetime of telehealth: Bringing specialty care closer to rural communities

Many rural health care providers wish they could bring specialty care to their community without their patients needing to travel long distances. Virtual care and telehealth technology can make that wish a reality, transforming health care delivery and improving the lives of rural patients.

The role of telehealth in childhood: A healthier start
Case study: Olivia's early years

Meet Olivia. Although her story is fictional, it mirrors the experiences of many families in rural areas. Olivia was born two weeks premature in a rural part of the country. Nearly one in four Americans live in non-metro areas, but only 10 percent of doctors serve these regions. This sobering statistic demonstrates the undeniable importance of telehealth in rural areas.

From the very beginning, telehealth played a crucial role in Olivia's care. Through examination cameras and video conferencing, Olivia's family received critical care from a pediatric specialist at a large hospital, even though the doctor was nearly a hundred miles away. This technology allowed Olivia to get the help she needed right in her community hospital.

Managing childhood conditions

Fast-forward six years, and Olivia is one of the nearly 6.2 percent of school-age children who suffer from asthma. Thanks to telehealth, she can be examined by her elementary school nurse using digital stethoscopes, cameras, and other devices while a remote doctor provides real-time consultation. Her parents can join these video conferences too, making health care a seamless part of their lives.
 

Telehealth in adulthood: Convenient care for young adults
Case study: College years

As Olivia grows, telehealth continues to play a crucial role in her ongoing health care. In her final year of college, Olivia faced a common medical issue –  a troubling rash that needed immediate attention. Instead of a long drive to the nearest emergency room, Olivia visited her local community clinic, where a remote dermatologist provided a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Telehealth ensured that Olivia received timely care without the stress and inconvenience of traveling far from her college town. This access to remote health care allowed her to focus on her studies and maintain her health.

Senior years: Aging comfortably in place with telehealth
Case study: Managing chronic conditions

As Olivia enters her senior years, she wants nothing more than to stay in the community she loves. With telehealth, she can do just that without worrying about access to medical care. After undergoing a cardiac operation, Olivia required frequent follow-up visits. Telehealth enabled her to receive these checkups from the comfort of her bed at her assisted living facility.

Thanks to telehealth, Olivia could manage her health conditions before they became critical issues. This technology allowed her to lead a healthier, more connected life in her beloved community.

The broader impact on rural health care 

For rural health care providers, telehealth is a powerful tool to bridge the gap between limited local resources and the health care solutions rural patients need. It brings specialists to community hospitals and clinics, ensuring patients receive high-quality care without the burden of long-distance travel. 

Investing in virtual care and telehealth technology means investing in the well-being of your community. It saves time, reduces costs, and most importantly improves health outcomes. By adopting telehealth, rural health care providers can offer their patients the care they deserve right where they live. Telehealth is not just a technology – it's a lifeline that connects us all to better health.

NRHA adapted the above piece from AMD Global Telemedicine, a trusted NRHA partner, for publication within the Association’s Rural Health Voices blog.

About the author: Keri Souza is the Vice President of Marketing at AMD Global Telemedicine, bringing over twenty years of experience to her role. Since joining AMD in 2013, she has driven business growth and customer engagement through strategic marketing initiatives and compelling product messaging. Keri's leadership is marked by a customer-centric approach and her ability to unite cross-functional teams. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communication and is a member of NRHA, ATA, HIMSS, and the International Society for Telehealth and e-Health.