With more medical practices integrating technology into their day-to-day operations, you may have noticed that many are now offering telehealth visits. If you have not yet scheduled a telehealth visit, you may be wondering what exactly they are and if they are a good fit for you.
Telemedicine is a new, secure way to receive medical care virtually without having to go into your doctor’s office. This can be done over the phone, on a video call, or through instant messaging. Although they are not as common as in-person appointments and not every visit can be done remotely, there are benefits of telehealth visits when they can be used to replace in-person visits. Read on to find out the benefits of telehealth visits and if they may be right for you.
Not Having to Leave the Comfort of Your Home
Possibly the biggest reason to schedule a telehealth visit is convenience. Your appointment can happen from anywhere you are. If you are someone who has a busy schedule and finds it difficult to schedule appointments, telehealth can be a great option for you. This also makes it easier to schedule appointments if your provider is far away and you don’t have the time to commute to them. If you have a child with a busy schedule, a virtual visit with their pediatrician can be easier to fit in between school and other activities. To find a pediatrician that offers telehealth visits simply search telehealth and pediatrician, as this is often listed on their website. Make sure to also include location information in your search, such as ‘pediatrician Rockwell, MD’ to make sure to find one nearby for in-person appointments as well.
Reduce Spread of Diseases
If you are sick with something that could be contagious, the last thing you or the other patients want is for you to show up at the doctor’s office. If it is an illness that could likely be diagnosed at home, a telehealth visit could be the best option for you. With other sick patients having the option to do telehealth visits as well, this can make the doctor’s office a safer space for everyone, especially those who are immunocompromised.
Reduced Wait Times
One of the worst parts about doctor’s visits can be long wait times to meet with your provider. Between scheduling the appointments and then waiting to see the doctor once you’re in the office, your doctor’s visit can be a long process. Telehealth visits can allow you to schedule your appointments sooner, which can make a huge difference in treating certain conditions. Virtual visits also reduce the wait times for you over the phone and if you do have to wait to speak with them, at least you can do it from your home. Giving the option of virtual visits also helps to reduce the traffic of patients coming into the office and reduces your wait times for your in-person visits as well.
Easy Access to Providers
If you’re someone who doesn’t have a long-term relationship with your general practitioner or you need a specialist, telehealth can give you quick access to all kinds of providers. Online, you can search through different specialties and often set up a quicker appointment than you would be able to for in-person appointments. For those without insurance, telehealth visits are often cheaper than in-person visits due to them being lower cost for the provider. Virtual appointments can also be cheaper for you due to not having to spend money on gas or child care.
Although telehealth can’t be used for every visit, it is greatly beneficial for when it can be used. If you haven’t used telehealth yet and still aren’t sure that it’s right for you, contact your provider with any questions you have about it. A good provider would be happy to schedule you for a telehealth visit if they believe it’s the right fit for you.
