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Telehealth is a great way of getting access to healthcare for people of all ages, wherever they may be in the country. That accessibility is a game-changer for many who might have otherwise had limitations on gaining access to the healthcare they needed.

Telehealth payments can often save families a lot of money by reducing many of the indirect costs that come from getting to and from the appointments. However, there are also hidden costs that need to be considered.

With that being said, let’s take a look at where telehealth saves money and where hidden costs might be found.

How telehealth helps families save money

There are a number of primary savings that come from using telehealth for families. These include:

Reduced travel costs

Families can save a lot of money on fuel, public transport, and even parking fees that they’d accrue when having to attend appointments in person. This can all be eliminated when having at-home, virtual appointments instead.

Time savings and productivity gains

Many patients and caregivers can often save a lot of time that would otherwise be spent driving to and from these clinics, as well as waiting times. It avoided lost wages and missing work or school, all of which can have profound impacts. Even the payment processing for telemedicine is quicker and more efficient in its efforts.

Fewer related expenses

The reduction in travel can also mean fewer expenses for meals out or having to pay for overnight accommodation, for example. 

Prevention of costly care

Remote patient monitoring and timely virtual consultations can often help with addressing issues and managing chronic conditions before they escalate into hospital admissions or expensive emergency department visits.

Potential hidden costs and considerations

The potential hidden costs are something that’s important to consider, especially when it’s not always something that’s expected.

Technology and connectivity costs

Patients may often need to cover the costs of necessary equipment or ensure they have adequate internet access and suitable devices. All of which can be considerably expensive to have.

Service and subscription fees

Some telehealth services operate on pay-per-consultation or monthly subscription models. These might not be fully covered by all health insurance plans out there.

Insurance coverage gaps

The extent of coverage will often vary depending on the insurance location and provider. Therefore, families must verify what their plans cover to avoid unexpected expenses that they didn’t expect to pay out.

Potential for additional in-person visits

In some situations, in-person visits might still be needed as a virtual visit may not be sufficient for a complete diagnosis or offering of a treatment plan. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check whether it’s best to just go in person to begin with.

Quality care and resource use

The quality of care that you receive through telehealth might not always be as clinically effective as the in-person care you get. 

While there are some great benefits and cost savings to be made by patients within telehealth services, it’s also important to be mindful of the hidden costs. Some costs may be significantly more impactful depending on the location of the patient and their health needs.