Welcome to the world of telehealth: physicians reaping significant benefits.

With helthcare cost and red tape spinning out of control, telehealth companies have come up with a way to streamline patient access to physicians 24/7/365 while giving physicians more flexibility and a chance to supplement their income. This article demonstrates how telehealth companies, like TelaDoc, make it increasingly possible for physicians to diagnose routine, nonemergency medical problems via telephone, as well as recommend treatment and prescribe medication when necessary. This simple and efficient approach enhances the role of primary care physicians, supports the "medical home" model, and improves patient access to care. Telehealth services offer a simple alternative for patients who want to avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency department; cannot otherwise overcome barriers to care; need greater access to preventive care services; and need short-term prescription refills.