How can I use telehealth to prevent and manage chronic diseases?
Telehealth can help you stay healthy by managing and even preventing chronic diseases.
What types of chronic diseases may be prevented and managed with telehealth?
A chronic disease is a health condition that lasts a year or more and requires ongoing medical care. Three in four American adults have at least one chronic disease. Telehealth may help manage and even prevent chronic diseases, including:
- Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
- Asthma
- Arthritis and chronic joint pain
- Behavioral health conditions
- Cancer
- Diabetes and prediabetes
- Hypertension
How can telehealth help me prevent and manage chronic diseases?
Telehealth works best when it is matched to the care you need. You and your provider can decide when to use telehealth and when to use in-person care. There are several ways telehealth can be used to prevent, treat, and manage a wide range of chronic diseases, including:
- Keep up with check-ins and preventive screenings. Meet with your provider by video or phone to review risk factors, symptoms, medicines, home readings, and test results. You can also discuss healthy eating and physical activity.
- Track your health from home. Use remote monitoring devices, such as blood pressure cuffs, blood glucose meters, and heart rate monitors, to collect and share health readings between visits. Your provider can use this information to help you take action before a problem develops. If you already have a chronic disease, your provider can receive alerts if something is out of range and adjust your care plan. Ask your care team how often readings are reviewed, what alerts mean, and who to contact after hours. Remote monitoring devices are not emergency tools. Call 911 or get emergency medical help right away for a medical emergency.
- Reach specialists. Telehealth may help you meet with a specialist who is not nearby.
- Support your mental health. Use telehealth for counseling, therapy, and other behavioral health care from home.
- Learn and maintain healthy habits. Use telehealth for support with nutrition, physical activity, weight management, or other goals. Some mobile health apps can help you track your symptoms, food choices, exercise, and progress toward your goals, with coaching tips along the way.
Tip: Determining which telehealth technologies and resources to use should be based on your medical needs and your personal preferences.
What are the benefits of telehealth for chronic conditions?
Telehealth can be a more connected, convenient way to manage your health. Some benefits include:
Convenience. You can meet with your provider for telehealth appointments without the need to travel to a clinic.
Access to care. You can connect with primary care providers, specialists, registered dietitians, or behavioral health professionals who best meet your needs.
How do I prepare for my telehealth appointment?
Here are some tips to help you get ready:
- Check the visit details. Ask whether the appointment will be by video, phone, or in person.
- Set up a patient portal. Create an account with your provider’s office so you can securely send messages, schedule visits, view test results, and request prescription refills.
- Test your technology. Make sure your phone, tablet, or computer works with the telehealth platform and has a working camera, microphone, speaker, and internet connection. Practice before the visit and ask who can help if you need technical assistance.
- Gather your information. Have an updated list of current medications, symptoms, and recent health readings, such as weight, blood pressure, or blood sugar. Write down your questions in advance.
- Choose a private space. Find a quiet place where you can talk openly.
- Understand your costs. Talk to your provider or insurance company to find out if telehealth services are covered and what you may need to pay.
More information:
How can I use remote patient monitoring? — Health Resources and Services Administration
How do I use telehealth for behavioral health care? — Health Resources and Services Administration
How can I use telehealth for cancer care? — Health Resources and Services Administration
How can I use telehealth for diabetes care? — Health Resources and Services Administration
How can I use telehealth for HIV care? — Health Resources and Services Administration
How can I use telehealth to improve my eating habits and nutrition? — Health Resources and Services Administration
Telehealth for the prevention and management of chronic diseases (PDF) — Health Resources and Services Administration
What are different types of telehealth? — Health Resources and Services Administration
What should I know before my telehealth visit? — Health Resources and Services Administration