Managing chronic conditions through telehealth
Telehealth treatment options vary depending on the condition and the patient’s needs.
On this page:
Telehealth video appointments to manage chronic conditions
There are several ways telehealth video appointments can be used to treat and manage chronic conditions, including:
- Follow-up appointments to see how a patient is doing on a new diet, medications, or other modification
- Telebehavioral care and therapy
- Routine check-ins for patients with certain cancers, rheumatological diseases, diabetes, and migraines
- Explanation of test or imaging results
Tip: There are some instances where patients will need in-person appointments.
Asynchronous telehealth care for chronic condition management
Patients and providers can share important information without having to set up an appointment. This could include a patient filling out a form to gauge their symptom progression or improvement. It could be messaging updates through a secure portal. Examples of asynchronous telehealth care for chronic conditions include:
- Patients sending information on their symptoms and their severity
- Sending X-ray images or lab results through a secure messaging portal
- Patients uploading their food or exercise logs
Tip: Make an emergency plan to prepare for any situation that may arise when taking care of a chronically ill patient.
Provider-to-provider telehealth
Providers can also use telehealth to collaborate with other providers involved in the patient’s care. This could be done via video chat, phone conversations, or asynchronous communication. Providers can also use telehealth with other providers for tele-mentoring on new, updated, or complex topics.
Remote patient monitoring
Many serious chronic illnesses require frequent testing and monitoring to keep the patient stable and feeling well. Remote patient monitoring options for chronically ill patients include:
- Blood sugar levels
- Blood pressure
- Pulse oximeter readings
- Weight scales
More information:
Asynchronous direct-to-consumer telehealth — Health Resources and Services Administration
Patient Resource: How can I use telehealth for diabetes care? — Health Resources and Services Administration
Patient Resource: How can I use telehealth to manage chronic conditions? — Health Resources and Services Administration
Synchronous direct-to-consumer telehealth — Health Resources and Services Administration
Telehealth and remote patient monitoring — Health Resources and Services Administration
Telehealth Intervention to Improve Chronic Disease — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention