The state of Texas has seen relief efforts for the devastation from Hurricane Harvey improved through telehealth services, a health care provision that has not been used before during significant disasters. Technology vendors and hospitals are offering free telehealth treatment to those suffering after the disaster, with virtual providers offering treatment for fire ant, mosquito and bee bites and stings, as well as infected wounds. In Texas, more than 10,000 people have signed up for services offered by Telehealth, which is based in Austin, Texas. The help was provided through a three-month-old law that extended telehealth services to include treatments via video conference without a previous in-person consultation. The relief efforts post-Hurricane Harvey may prove to be the showcase necessary for establishing the benefits of telehealth services. The remote services could also help in providing mental health assistance in the aftermath of the disasters, which can lead to needs for psychological and social support.
The state of Texas has seen relief efforts for the devastation from Hurricane Harvey improved through telehealth services, a health care provision that has not been used before during significant disasters. Technology vendors and hospitals are offering free telehealth treatment to those suffering after the disaster, with virtual providers offering treatment for fire ant, mosquito and bee bites and stings, as well as infected wounds. Lost medications are also being replaced. The help was provided through a three-month-old law that extended telehealth services to include treatments via video conference without a previous in-person consultation. The relief efforts post-Hurricane Harvey may prove to be the showcase necessary for establishing the benefits of telehealth services. The remote services could also help in providing mental health assistance in the aftermath of the disasters, which can lead to needs for psychological and social support.