Consumers expect convenience with just about everything they do these days – from streaming TV shows on-the-go to ordering groceries without ever walking into a store. But many people don’t realize that seeing a doctor may be just as simple.
Telehealth, or virtual visits is helping make access to health care more convenient. People can see and talk to a doctor through their smartphone, tablet or computer, meaning they don’t have to go to a doctor’s office or sit in a waiting room. Instead, they can visit with a doctor from the comfort of their own home.
Beyond the convenience, virtual visits may also save consumers time and money. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), a virtual visit may save consumers more than an hour of their time. These visits may cost much less than a trip to urgent care or an emergency room.
Some examples of health issues that can be addressed with a virtual visit include:
- Allergies
- Bladder or urinary tract infections
- Bronchitis
- Coughing
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Migraines or headaches
- Pink eye
- Rash
- Seasonal flu
- Sinus problems
- Sore throat
- Stomachache
There are times when an in-person visit may be more appropriate. Virtual visits is not intended to address chronic or complicated conditions, a health issue that may need a hands-on exam, lab test or X-ray or an emergency medical need.
Telehealth services may be covered by your insurance, so check with your health plan to see if it’s covered for you. For more information on virtual care, click here.
