10 benefits of an online doctor visit
Today, setting up an online doctor, telemedicine, or virtual care visit is as easy as walking through the door of your general practitioner’s office. In fact, it’s easier — even for those who don’t consider themselves computer savvy.
With an online doctor visit, you don’t have to drive to the doctor’s office or clinic. You don’t have to park your car or walk to the building (are they all 15 minutes away from the parking garage??). Not to mention you don’t have to sit in a waiting room when you’re sick. Now you can make an appointment to get healthcare from the comfort of your own bed or sofa.
Ready to learn more about the benefits of online care? Here are 10 to consider today!
1. Online doctor visits are not just for the computer savvy
Many people erroneously assume that since an online visit involves a computer, it is hard. That’s not the case. Although the phrase “telemedicine” can be a bit daunting, an online doctor is just that, a doctor who is online. You can get primary care, urgent care, prescriptions, and other forms of healthcare from these regular physicians. You can meet with an online doctor via text, phone, or video visits.
2. You can visit with a doctor from anywhere
One of the best things about an online doctor visit is that you can do it from absolutely anywhere. Short on time? Schedule your online doctor visit at home before or after your busy workday. Have a long lunch? Do it from your office or car, if you have one, or from a park bench if you don’t. As long as there’s a reliable internet connection, you should be fine. No internet? That’s okay; set up a call instead.
3. You’ll save money on transportation
Unfortunately, many people end up missing out on medical care due to a lack of transportation. If you don’t have a car, don’t fret. Now you can “get to” that faraway specialist’s office with an online doctor visit. Forget borrowing cars, getting rides from family, or submitting to hours-long public transportation journeys. Your online doctor visit will get you there in literal seconds.
4. There is no need to take time off from work
Another reason many people love an online doctor visit is it significantly reduces time off work needed. Even if you do need to take an hour here or there to get the right primary care appointment slot, that’s it. In most cases, an online doctor visit won’t even require that. You can schedule it to match up with your lunch break, a day off, or a weekend. For those whose work isn’t accommodating, this is a real blessing. Doubly so for folks who have kiddos and have to use the time off for their appointments as well.
5. You’ll keep your germs to yourself (and vice versa)
We all intuitively know that doctor’s offices can be germy places. Whether you’re sick or trying to remain illness-free, a physician’s office isn’t the place to be during cold and flu season. With an online doctor visit, you can steer clear. That means if you’re sick, you do the decent thing and keep your germs to yourself. If you’re well, you increase your chances of staying that way.
6. There is no need to overexert yourself when sick or injured
Going to the doctor is often the last thing you want when you’re sick or hurt. Showering, dressing, driving, parking, sitting in the waiting room — Who needs it? You’re much better off sipping fluids and watching Netflix from home while you wait for your online doctor visit. As soon as you’re done? Boom. You’re already “back” in bed.
7. You’ll spend less money
An online doctor visit saves considerable money. On average, you’ll spend about half as much as you would going into a physician’s office. Virtual services can save you even more because they automate processes on the physician’s end as well. This allows them to pass those efficiency savings on to you. Memberships with online medical services such as HealthTap often cost less than your favorite streaming service.
8. Online prescriptions can be filled from home
Many people try an online doctor visit for the first time when they need an online prescription filled. Many prescriptions are available online, for patients of all ages. It’s true that you may have to come into an office for some controlled substances. However, an online doctor visit can take care of most routine prescriptions once you’ve completed a virtual visit.
9. You can secure that doctor’s note
Sometimes you require a consultation in order to get an online doctor's note. This is a simple process in which doctor and patient meet, review health history, and discuss the patient’s accident or illness. At the end of the visit, they’ll send you a digital doctor's note. It will contain details such as what happened and when and how long you need to stay off your feet. It will also include a return-to-work date and the doctor’s signature. Easy peasy.
10. You can start TODAY
That’s right. No need to wait to set up an online doctor visit. HealthTap is here to help, with real-time access to quality healthcare you can access at home, at work, or wherever you are. Our physicians are available by phone, text, or video. They are experienced professionals with long tenure in the healthcare profession. Each visit is accompanied by thorough notes that get added to your patient file. Online or off, we follow all patient privacy laws.
Never again do you have to worry that cost, efficiency, documentation, or privacy will conflict. It’s time to get the care you need for yourself or a loved one, for a price you can afford.
