Telehealth technology could significantly reduce death rates and other health problems associated with some of the most common chronic diseases, including diabetes and heart disease, according to a new study from the UK's Department of Health.

Researchers found that diabetes and heart disease patients who were treated through telehealth monitoring had 45 percent lower mortality rates. Furthermore, they were 15 percent less likely to visit an emergency room, 20 percent less likely to be admitted to a hospital and had significantly lower costs.

Telehealth tools may become even more valuable when they are linked up to a physician's EHR system. This can help create detailed accounts of a patient's health and make it easier for doctors to check on an individual's well-being.

The report says that almost no patient wants to be hospitalized if it can at all be avoided. By making wider use of telehealth technology and EHR systems, physicians can collect the information that is needed to help individuals learn more about their own health, take steps to improve their well-being and stay out of the hospital.