Convenience has become a very important factor in most aspects of our lives. We’re all busy. We don’t have the extra time. We like things to be done fast and effectively. This can be seen in fast food drive-thrus, tap-to-pay transactions, ordering groceries online and never having to set foot in a brick-and-mortar store. Even doctor visits can be faster and more convenient while still being effective.
Considering that the average in-person doctor visit only lasts 7 minutes, digital appointments are likely to be longer, but much more convenient. Of course, there are limitations to virtual visits, a doctor can’t consult on some things without physical investigation. In all other cases, let’s break down some of the reasons why telehealth can actually be more effective than in-person visits.
Online appointments are convenient for both doctor and patient
For many patients living in rural areas, visiting a doctor is not so easy. Patients may need to drive to another city to see an appropriate doctor for their situation. This can be complicated by a lack of transportation, or not being able to take time off work to travel. There are many factors that stop individuals from visiting a doctor when all they may need is a simple doctor’s note or prescription.
Further, telehealth and telemedicine is being embraced by doctors and practitioners for the flexibility and convenience. Not only can they work from home, travel, and structure their days freely, doctors also benefit from the inherent social distancing. Medical professionals are not immune to viruses like colds and the flu; they appreciate the distance as much as you enjoy staying at home.
Online doctor visits means no more waiting rooms
In the same way that a doctor avoids infections and disease through digital appointments, patients also benefit. The last thing that you would want is to leave the doctor’s office worse than you went in. While studies suggest that waiting rooms are not as much of a petri dish as we might assume, nonetheless, there remains a higher risk for picking up a cold or the flu.
Telehealth offers the same high quality of care
All physicians participating in virtual doctor visits are licensed, board certified, have malpractice insurance, can order tests and prescriptions, and are assigned to patients based on location and specific medical needs. These health care workers have also received sufficient training and competency to ensure they are effective in providing medical advice via telecommunications.
Additionally, patients can take comfort in knowing that they will have access to their medical records and anything that was noted or documented during their virtual doctor visit. Further, these records are available to other health care professionals involved in ongoing patient care.
The convenience of telemedicine for doctor visits
Ultimately, patients are drawn to the idea of convenience and telehealth and telemedicine provide that explicitly. With healthcare services essentially coming to patients instead of patients going out to receive healthcare services, virtual doctor visits offer an appealing, effective, and convenient option.
