• Published on: May 12, 2025
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Secondmedic Expert

The Rise Of Telehealth: Benefits And Best Practices

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In recent years, technology has changed the way we work, shop, and even access healthcare. One of the most significant transformations in the healthcare industry is the rise of telehealth. What was once considered a futuristic option has now become a mainstream method of getting medical care. Whether it’s a virtual consultation with a doctor or getting lab reports online, telehealth is making healthcare more accessible, convenient, and efficient.

In this blog, we’ll explore how telehealth is growing, its many benefits, and the best practices you can follow to make the most of this modern healthcare approach.

What is Telehealth?

Telehealth refers to the use of digital communication tools like video calls, mobile apps, and websites to provide healthcare services remotely. It includes doctor consultations, follow-ups, mental health therapy, diet advice, and even chronic disease management. You no longer need to visit a clinic or hospital physically for every health concern—some can be addressed right from your home.

Why Telehealth is Growing

Several factors are fueling the growth of telehealth:

  1. Technological Advancements – High-speed internet, smartphones, and video conferencing tools have made virtual communication smoother.
     

  2. Pandemic Influence – The COVID-19 pandemic created a strong push for remote medical care due to lockdowns and social distancing.
     

  3. Busy Lifestyles – Many people now prefer digital consultations to save time and avoid travel.
     

  4. Increased Accessibility – Telehealth allows patients in rural or remote areas to connect with doctors easily.
     

This digital shift is not a trend—it’s a transformation. And it’s here to stay.

Key Benefits of Telehealth

1. Convenience

Imagine speaking to a doctor from your home, office, or while traveling—telehealth offers unmatched convenience. No waiting rooms, no travel time, and no time off work.

2. Accessibility

Telehealth bridges the gap for people in villages or far-off areas who don’t have access to specialists nearby. A phone or internet connection is all they need.

3. Cost Savings

Teleconsultations are often more affordable than in-person visits. You also save on travel, childcare, and time off work.

4. Timely Care

With telehealth, you can get medical advice quickly, which helps in early diagnosis and faster recovery. Minor symptoms can be treated before they become major problems.

5. Better Chronic Disease Management

Patients with diabetes, heart conditions, or asthma can regularly monitor their health and adjust medications under their doctor’s virtual guidance.

6. Mental Health Support

Telehealth has made therapy and counseling more accessible, especially for people who may feel uncomfortable visiting a clinic in person.

7. Privacy and Comfort

Many patients feel more at ease discussing sensitive issues from the privacy of their homes, leading to better communication with doctors.

Best Practices for a Great Telehealth Experience

To get the most out of your virtual healthcare experience, here are some best practices to follow:

1. Choose a Reliable Platform

Use a secure and trusted telehealth provider like SecondMedic. Make sure the app or website is user-friendly and encrypted to protect your data.

2. Have Your Medical History Ready

Keep past prescriptions, test results, and details of your symptoms handy. This helps the doctor understand your condition faster.

3. Find a Quiet, Private Space

Pick a quiet room for your appointment where you can speak freely and avoid interruptions.

4. Check Your Internet and Devices

Ensure your phone, tablet, or computer is charged, and your internet connection is stable. Use headphones for better sound quality.

5. Ask Questions

Don’t hesitate to clarify your doubts. Whether it’s about the diagnosis, medications, or next steps—clear communication leads to better care.

6. Follow Up

After your appointment, follow your doctor’s instructions and attend any scheduled follow-up calls. Keep track of your symptoms and share updates if needed.

Telehealth and Lab Testing

Telehealth is not just about talking to a doctor. Many platforms, including SecondMedic (powered by Thyrocare), allow you to book lab tests online, get home sample collection, and receive results digitally.

Here are some tests you can book via telehealth for complete care:

  • Full Body Checkup

  • Diabetes Profile

  • Thyroid Function Test

  • Vitamin Deficiency Test

  • Liver & Kidney Function Test

  • Heart Risk Screening
     

These tests help doctors monitor your health remotely and adjust treatments without needing a physical clinic visit.

Who Should Use Telehealth?

Telehealth is suitable for:

  • Working professionals with tight schedules

  • Elderly patients with mobility issues

  • Parents needing pediatric advice

  • Patients with mental health concerns

  • People in rural or remote locations
     

However, it may not be ideal for emergencies like severe injuries or conditions requiring immediate physical examination.

Conclusion

The healthcare industry is evolving fast, and telehealth is leading this change. It offers a safe, efficient, and flexible way to access medical care. With the right approach and trusted platforms like SecondMedic, patients can get quality healthcare without stepping out of their homes.

Whether you need a general check-up, specialist consultation, mental health support, or lab tests—telehealth has got you covered.

 Ready to experience the future of healthcare? Book your consultation now and discover the advantages with The Rise of Telehealth: Benefits and Best Practices on SecondMedic!

Read FAQs


A. Telehealth is a method of delivering healthcare services remotely using technology like video calls, mobile apps, or web platforms. It connects patients and doctors without requiring in-person visits.

A. Yes, for many conditions such as follow-ups, general illnesses, chronic disease monitoring, and mental health consultations, telehealth is highly effective and often more convenient.

A. Some major benefits include time savings, lower costs, access to specialists, better chronic disease management, and comfort of consulting from home.

A. Ensure a stable internet connection, find a quiet space, have your medical records ready, and list your symptoms and questions in advance.

A. Yes. SecondMedic offers lab test booking, home sample collection, and digital report delivery—all integrated into your telehealth experience.

Read Blog
How Early Screening Saves Lives in India

How Early Screening Saves Lives in India

Most people in India visit a doctor only when symptoms become obvious. But diseases like diabetes, hypertension, cervical cancer, breast cancer, and oral cancer often develop silently for years. By the time they show clear signs, treatment is harder, more expensive, and less effective. Early screening changes that story. It detects illness before it advances, saves lives, and reduces the long-term burden on families and hospitals.

Why Early Screening Matters

Catching diseases early offers multiple benefits:

  • Improved survival - A patient diagnosed with breast cancer in Stage I has a survival rate above 90%, but in Stage IV, it drops below 20%.

  • Lower costs - Treating diabetes at a prediabetic stage is far cheaper than managing kidney or heart complications later.

  • Better quality of life - Early treatment reduces pain, disability, and stress for families.

  • Stronger healthcare system - Screening reduces emergency admissions, freeing hospitals for critical cases.
     

According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), awareness and participation in cancer screening remain worryingly low across many Indian states. In fact, only a small fraction of eligible women have ever been screened for cervical or breast cancer. This shows the huge gap between policy and practice.

Challenges India Faces

Despite clear benefits, India struggles with:

  • Low awareness - Many families are unaware of free or subsidized screening programs.

  • Stigma and fear - Especially around cancers and mental health.

  • Infrastructure gaps - Rural areas often lack labs, machines, and trained staff.

  • Data limitations - As noted in NITI Aayog’s Vision 2035 report, India needs stronger health surveillance systems to track, integrate, and act on screening results.
     

These challenges explain why late diagnosis is so common and why early screening hasn’t yet become routine practice for most Indians.

Innovations in Early Screening

The good news is that India is moving forward.

  • AI-based tools like Thermalytix are being piloted to detect breast abnormalities at lower cost, even in mobile camps (Nature study, Punjab pilot).

  • Mobile health camps bring oral, cervical, and breast cancer screening directly to villages.

  • Telemedicine platforms allow people to consult doctors about screening needs and book diagnostics online.

  • Policy support through programs like NPCDCS (National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke) integrates population-based screening into primary health centres.
     

These advances are bridging gaps and making screening more accessible to Indians across age and income groups.

A Call to Action for Families

If you are 30 or above, especially with a family history of lifestyle diseases, it’s time to act. Book an annual health checkup, ask your doctor about cancer screening, and encourage your loved ones to do the same. Early steps can save not only lives but also years of financial and emotional stress.

Book your preventive screening package with SecondMedic today ? https://www.secondmedic.com

Conclusion

Early screening is not just about tests — it’s about giving yourself and your family the best chance at a healthy future. With India facing rising rates of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, prevention and early detection are the smartest investments anyone can make. The numbers already show how much difference early action makes. Now it’s up to individuals, families, and communities to take that first step.

India’s healthcare system is evolving, but awareness and participation are key. By using available programs, health surveys, and digital platforms, we can turn early screening from a missed opportunity into a nationwide habit — one that saves millions of lives.

The Numbers Behind the Story

  • NFHS-5 shows cervical, breast, and oral cancer screening uptake is still below 10% in many states.

  • NITI Aayog projects that stronger surveillance and early detection could reduce preventable deaths by over 20% in the next decade (Vision 2035 Report).

  • IAMAI surveys reveal that more than 70% of urban Indians are now open to digital health platforms, which can accelerate screening adoption.

  • India’s telemedicine and screening market is projected to cross $5.5 billion by 2025 (NITI estimates).
     

Useful Platforms & Surveys

AI-based Breast Screening Study in Punjab (Nature Digital Medicine): Study Link

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