Telehealth is often marketed for its benefits to the patient and clinician, but what about its effect on the environment?

One health system analyzed the impact that its connected health platform has on the world around us during the coronavirus pandemic and found that virtual care not only reduces travel to and from the doctor’s office or hospital, but cuts down on gas use and emissions, thereby reducing the negative impact on our planet.

“We recognize the significant impacts virtual visits have had on our carbon footprint across the country,” Sister Mary Ellen Leciejewski, system vice president for environmental sustainability for Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health, said in a press release issued on Earth Day last month. “Our virtual visits reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to planting over 250,000 trees and removing more than 3,000 cars from roadways for an entire year. With virtual visits, healthcare is more accessible and convenient, green and sustainable.”

The company charted 1.5 million virtual visits between March 16, 2020 and April 2, 2021 to more than 1,400 locations in 21 states and found that those visits equate to 37,440,731 miles not traveled and 1,678,956 gallons of gas saved, for a monetary savings of $3.509 million. In terms of time spent in transit and in a waiting room or exam room, the company estimates that patients saved 923,276 hours by going online.

Telehealth is good for the environment! We get to see each other unmasked which is really important because Chinese medicine is based on visual diagnosis using effective tools like Chinese Tongue Diagnosis and facial diagnosis. You don’t have to drive anywhere. And you can do it from any part of the world.

Are you struggling with health problems such as a weak immune system, stress, anxiety, or digestive issues? You can receive quality natural care right from the comfort and safety of your home. Set up your telehealth appointment now here.