When deciding between telehealth and seeing an in-person medical provider, prospective patients often wonder — what’s the difference? Does the convenience of accessing healthcare from home have any downsides? 

We at HealthTap have a comparative guide on the pros and cons of telehealth vs. in-person health care so patients can decide which is the best option for them.

The benefits of telehealth

Telehealth has deep roots, as it has been around for nearly as long as technology has allowed. Although the technology that drives telemedicine is evolving — medical professionals have gone from providing care through the radio to over the phone to smart devices like tablets, smartphones and laptops — the basic premise behind how it works has remained the same. 

For many patients, convenience is the most significant benefit of telehealth vs. in-person health care. Many factors can create hurdles to seeing a provider in the office, including childcare, the cost of gas, location and work schedule. Telehealth visits remove many hurdles, allowing patients to be seen anywhere as long as they have just a few minutes and privacy.

Telehealth also allows patients greater access to doctors, especially if they don’t live in a larger city. Instead of choosing from a small selection of providers in medical fields like women’s health, travel medicine, and senior care, telemedicine opens up opportunities to get specialized care from experts in their field. 

In addition, telehealth providers like HealthTap can function as a primary care office. Instead of just using telemedicine for acute care, patients can also have their annual preventive visits virtually, allowing them to manage their chronic diseases and most medications via telehealth. 

However, with all forms of telemedicine at HealthTap, patients can reach their doctors after their appointment to ask additional questions or receive follow-up care, recommendations and advice.

The option to see a provider virtually can also increase the likelihood that patients reach out for the care they need. In some situations, a stigma is associated with sitting down and talking to a medical professional about their issues — especially those related to sexual performance. 

Addressing these concerns through a telehealth appointment can remove some of the embarrassment people might feel about bringing up these topics, allowing them to get treatment for the things that matter. 

And finally, telehealth is often “safer” than in-person visits. Instead of going into an office and being exposed to additional germs (especially during cold and flu season), telehealth allows patients to stay in the safety of their own homes. 

While everyone can benefit from less potential exposure, young children, older adults, and people with compromised immune systems will benefit most. 

The benefits of in-person healthcare

Telehealth will never be able to completely replace in-person health care, though. There are limitations to what HealthTap and other telehealth doctors can safely assess, treat and manage.

For example, anyone seeking care for emergent issues like chest pain, seizures, and severe burns must go immediately to their local hospital for in-person care. Our doctors also cannot prescribe certain controlled medications, including ADHD medications, anxiety medications, antipsychotics, and hormones. An in-person appointment is required to have any of those medications prescribed (or managed). 

Technology can also play a part in the telehealth vs. in-person care discussion. While telehealth websites and mobile applications are very user-friendly, some people (especially older patients) still feel uncomfortable with technology. 

For patients who don’t have a family member or caretaker available to help them navigate the necessary technology, in-person healthcare may be a better option. Some people also just feel more comfortable seeing a doctor in person. 

For these patients, the social interaction they get by leaving the house and heading to the office is an important part of their day — telehealth may not be as satisfying for these people, and in-person would remain the best option. 

However, especially post-pandemic, the social contact people can get virtually continues to grow. Many of the same connections can be made through a smartphone screen as in person.

So, telehealth vs. in-person — which is better?

The decision on whether to seek care via telehealth or schedule with an in-person provider is individual — one option isn’t necessarily “better” than another. Ultimately, it comes to how comfortable a patient is with technology and their health care concerns and chronic issues. 

In terms of cost, patients don’t usually notice much difference between an in-office copay and the fee charged for telehealth services. Patients should always check with their insurance before scheduling any medical appointment to verify coverage and out-of-pocket costs, as these differ between companies. 

Most people find the cost of a telehealth visit is similar to their copay for seeing an out-of-network provider. Plus, the money that can be saved in gas money (especially for people who live miles away from their doctor) can defer much of the difference between costs.

Patients worried about the quality of healthcare they’ll receive can also rest assured that there is no difference between telehealth vs. in-person providers — it’s the knowledge and experience of the provider that makes the difference, not the method of delivery. 

Choosing the best fit is essential. In fact, studies have shown that patients who have a higher level of trust in their healthcare provider also tend to have better health outcomes. HealthTap allows patients to be more particular when choosing a doctor to develop a relationship with, and that relationship is just as crucial to quality care as the care itself. 

Whichever method of health care a patient chooses, they should find a doctor they feel comfortable with and who has the skills to manage their specific health conditions.