Pop quiz: You develop a rash. Who should you see for care?

It depends on how serious your rash is and when it occurs. Experts say if it’s not serious and you can wait, then you should make an appointment with your doctor. However, if the rash bothers you enough you can’t wait, a walk-in clinic is a reasonable option. A less expensive, usually quicker option would be to call your telehealth provider. If your rash is causing you extreme discomfort, urgent care would be a good choice. But if you have both a rash and a fever or trouble swallowing, you should go to the emergency room at a hospital.

Telehealth, also called telemedicine, allows you to receive health care without an in-person visit to a provider by using computer, tablet or smartphone.
 
Telehealth technically started in the 1940s in Pennsylvania when providers realized they could send radiology images over the phone lines between two townships. In the 1950s, a Canadian doctor expanded on the concept and constructed a teleradiology system that was used in and around Montreal. And in 1967, the University of Miami School of Medicine partnered with a local fire department to transmit electrocardiographic rhythms over radio to Jackson Memorial Hospital in rescue situations.

Since 1949, May has been observed as Mental Health Awareness Month. It was established to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness and to celebrate recovery from mental illness.

Telehealth is now playing a huge role in treating mental health and substance abuse. Telehealth is a covered benefit by many employer-based health plans as well as Medicare and Medicaid plans.

Mental health is an incredibly broad subject. When you hear someone talking about mental health, what do you think? It is not just about people who have multiple personalities or severe alcohol or drug additions.

Heavy metal is good for your health! 

No, not literal heavy metals, which can be toxic and problematic, but heavy metal music. Heavy metal music is a great way to lower blood pressure and believe it or not, reduce anxiety. Experts say  that some of the topics sung or screamed about in heavy metal music help fans of the music genre release aggression and deal with some of the existential challenges we all face in our lives.

During the height of the pandemic, telehealth visits accounted for 69% of all provider visits, according to national data from Epic Health Research Network. Although that number has dropped to 21%, that is still higher than before the pandemic when telehealth only accounted for less than 1% of all provider usage.

It’s that time of year again for many employers. Health insurance renewals may feel like a pain; however, they may be one of the most important decisions you make each year.
 
Your renewal is the time to start a conversation with your agent or broker about whether your current plan is working well for you and what type of renewal options may be available for your small business.

For the minor health issues in life, seeing your doctor virtually is rapidly becoming the favored way for someone to seek immediate help any time – day or night.
 
And these days, skipping the waiting room and connecting with your doctor via a video chat is one way many health care providers are trying to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 
 
So, how does a virtual doctor’s office visit (commonly known as telemedicine) work?

With the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, telemedicine is proving to be an increasingly valuable tool for employers to have as part of their health benefits plan.

Virtual doctor’s visits make it easier for doctors and patients to connect. Patients are more likely to seek care at the first signs of illness when a visit is as simple as scheduling a video chat at a convenient time. In turn, this can better their chances for a complete and speedy recovery.
 
In addition, trying to take time off from work for a doctor’s appointment can be challenging, not to mention inconvenient. And for those who live in remote areas with limited access to medical treatment, the trip to an in-office medical appointment can be even more challenging.
 
So, how does it work?