HEALTH AND WELLNESS
TELEHEALTH The Return of the House Call-
How technology is shifting how we access our doctor, lowering medical cost and replacing sick care with health care. WORDS BY | FAWN ABERSON
The onslaught of Covid-19 has impacted economies around the world, threatened everyone all at once, and is literally forcing “the masses” to consider not only their own health, but the health of others around the globe. With the hyper focus on how we are all feeling physically, adapting economically, interacting socially and professionally, the use of technology has been evolving us rapidly towards a “new normal”. Even more significant is that a greater part of this evolution will likely remain in play long after this pandemic has loosened its grip on our lives. Zoom, Teams and Google Chat virtual video meetings have been adapted and used by everyone from the White House to the Jenkins’ house, from the boardroom to the classroom, and yes, affected even patient/doctor visits. Virtual communication, 14
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although not new, has never been used so broadly by so many socioeconomic groups all at once. As 2020 ushered in the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent rules of engagement, it also ushered into the spotlight a tele-health company called One Medical. Touted as the nation’s largest independent membership based, primary care provider, it is working to forge an innovative path leading patients to access primary care by conducting virtual visits with their physicians through online video and chat platforms. Although office visits are still available, the technology component of this care is paid for as part of the patient’s memberships. The cost is around $199 annually and it includes a phone app and access to services 24/7.
