Virtual consultations and doctor's appointments have been around for a while. While not new, the COVID-19 pandemic showed how valuable these services are. Online doctors are similar to primary care and urgent care doctors. They can consult with you about your issues, provide a diagnosis, and give you various treatment options.

Online doctors can provide services to anyone but are especially useful for those:

• Who have chronic conditions.

• Who have transportation or mobility limitations.

• Who live a nomadic lifestyle.

• Who have a deductible for their office visits.

Online doctors provide patients with access to treatment that fits their needs. This allows them to maintain proper health. While you may understand how an online doctor works, you may be curious about what they can actually diagnose and treat.

Preventive medicine

An online doctor is not only there for when you are sick. They are there for preventive care as well. In many cases, an online doctor can be your primary care physician. Some of the preventive issues your online doctor can assist with include:

Healthcare screenings

• Online doctors can provide many routine health screenings, such as for high cholesterol, abnormal thyroid function and early signs of dementia in seniors.

Routine checkups

• No need to have a routine office visit every year. Your online doctor can order routine blood work and perform your annual health evaluation and checkup, all through a virtual consultation.

Nutrition and preventive information

• If you have questions or concerns about how to stay healthy, disease prevention or proper nutrition, your online doctor will be able to discuss these with you at your regular appointment.

Health conditions

Your online doctor will also be able to diagnose and provide treatment for a wide range of health conditions. Online doctors help manage chronic or long-term conditions and also handle urgent health concerns. Below are just some of the health conditions you can be evaluated for, and receive treatment from an online doctor.

1. UTIs: Urinary tract infections can cause painful and uncomfortable symptoms. These symptoms only get worse if left untreated. An online doctor can diagnose and provide prescription treatment for your UTI right away to prevent the infection and discomfort from becoming worse.

2. High blood pressure: High blood pressure is a chronic condition that needs monitoring. Your online doctor will be able to monitor your condition with your at-home blood pressure readings. They can also prescribe and adjust medications as needed to achieve and maintain control of your blood pressure.

3. Gastrointestinal disorders: Gastrointestinal discomfort can hinder your day-to-day activities, but if transportation or finances are an issue, you may put off being seen. Online doctors can treat a range of gastrointestinal conditions and discomforts, from constipation to chronic conditions like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).

4. Joint pain: Joint and muscle pain are common ailments for many people, with some issues being acute and others being chronic. An online doctor can help diagnose these conditions and provide medication management for injuries and even arthritis.

5. STIs: You can get a diagnosis and treatment for a variety of STIs (sexually transmitted infections), all in the privacy of your home.

6. Rashes: Through video conferencing and consultation, your online doctor will be able to determine the cause of many types of rashes. They can then provide you with treatment information and prescription treatment if needed.

7. Cold and flu: Cold and flu symptoms are common, especially among children. An online doctor can help determine if your child's symptoms result from the flu or a common cold. They may also determine if it is something that may require further testing or imaging.

8. Period problems: Mid-cycle spotting, painful periods, bloating, and other problems associated with your period can be diagnosed and treated online.

9. Erectile dysfunction: Online doctors can discuss with you the potential causes of erectile dysfunction. They can also order testing to determine any underlying conditions if needed, and prescribe appropriate medications if needed.

10. Diabetes: Your online physician can help treat Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes as well as conditions related to diabetes and diabetes medication management.

11. High cholesterol: An online physician can order blood work to check your cholesterol levels. They may also recommend dietary changes and prescription medications if necessary to help lower it.

12. Asthma and allergies: Your online doctor can provide guidance and prescription medication to improve your symptoms for many respiratory issues. They can treat seasonal allergies, specific allergen issues, bronchial problems, and asthma.

13. Skin and hair issues: An online doctor can diagnose and treat a number of conditions related to the skin and hair, such as acne, rosacea, and hair loss.

If you have any of the above conditions, seeking the services of an online doctor may be the best option. It may be the most timely, convenient, and cost-effective solution to your common health problems. 

Online doctors will provide you with the same consultation as you would have in a physician's office. They can even provide you with a note for your employer. They will be able to order any tests needed to confirm a diagnosis and then discuss treatment options with you. If prescription medication is needed, they will be able to write a prescription for your local pharmacy to fill.

Online primary care visits and urgent care consultations are covered by hundreds of insurance carriers and can also be paid out of HSA and FSA funds. This means your online visit will be just like your regular office visit, but with the added convenience of having the consultation at home.

 Consult with a HealthTap doctor online