Is telehealth safe/real?

Telehealth, or telemedicine, offers virtual healthcare through the use of digital devices, like telephones and computers. It is a safe, effective way for patients to meet with their medical providers and is often more accessible and convenient. Many services are available and effective via telehealth, including diagnosis and treatment of chronic disease, as well as behavioral health therapy. 

At Bicycle Health, patients download a smartphone app to engage in video conferencing calls with their providers, and health coaches are available to help patients with setup prior to their first appointment with the medical provider, as well as any ongoing technology questions or concerns. Telehealth for addiction services allows patients to meet with their providers to check-in on their symptoms, medication management, social conditions, and more.

As telehealth becomes more popular as a safe, effective means of seeking medical care, patients and providers alike are responsible for telehealth privacy. Healthcare organizations must ensure their telehealth systems employ encrypted, password-protected videoconferencing, and this is something Bicycle Health takes seriously to best protect our patients’ privacy. Patients are also responsible for engaging in security best practices, like only using home WiFi (not public WiFi) and ensuring the security of their passwords.

Before the first video conferencing visit with your provider, patients at Bicycle Health will be educated on security best practices in order to ensure the highest level of privacy and security possible. You can read more about Bicycle Health’s Telehealth Informed Consent here.