Telehealth is increasing in popularity. But figuring out when to see an in-person or virtual doctor with some health concerns can be stressful or confusing.

Telehealth is a great avenue for many non-emergency health-related concerns and mental health services. But, in fact, some situations require an in-person visit. We'll be the first to say it.

Consider the following as we explore ways to know when an in-person or online doctor is a better choice.

1. Online doctor: You might be contagious

Whether you think you have a common cold or COVID-19, you don't want to get other people sick. This can be a good reason to opt for an online doctor visit.

A primary care or urgent care center would handle most situations where the condition may be contagious. And these are two types of services you can get online through HealthTap’s subscription service. Our online doctors can even write you an online prescription if needed.

You don't want to be sitting in an urgent care or a primary care waiting room waiting to be seen when all you really want to do is sleep anyway. You could be speaking with your trusted online doctor from the comfort of your home in this situation.

2. In-person visit: You suspect you'll need a physical exam

If the issue is likely to require a physical exam and tests, you may be better off seeing an in-person doctor.

Some examples include visits where the doctor might need to:

• Listen to your heart and lungs.
• Treat a suspected broken bone.
• Perform a breast exam.
• Perform your annual women's health exam or men's prostate exam.

3. Online doctor: You need labs

Your online doctor can order lab tests just like an in-person doctor. You will, however, need to go into a lab for a blood draw, etc.

Attending an online doctor visit is a great way to stay up-to-date on important blood tests like:

• Total cholesterol.
• Triglycerides.
• Sodium/potassium.

They can order labs to check your iron levels, thyroid, Vitamin D, and blood sugar. Talk to your online doctor about risk factors, so you know which tests you may need.

4. It depends: You have an undiagnosed chronic condition

If you suspect you have an undiagnosed chronic condition, then an in-person visit is probably your best choice. That's because they need to physically examine you.

However, some chronic health conditions like diabetes, allergies, and arthritis don't require in-person exams. You may need extra testing at a lab. But that would be true in an in-person clinic or online.

If you think you might have a chronic condition, we recommend that you visit your online doctor first because this will usually save you money.

They can recommend you see a specialist if needed. They can then manage your chronic care on an ongoing basis to save you even more money.

5. Online doctor: You're managing a chronic condition

An estimated 117 million adults have at least one chronic health condition, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

More than two thirds of healthcare costs go to managing chronic conditions. So anything that can reduce that cost is a good thing.

Chances are, if you have a diagnosed chronic condition, you probably dread having to go to the doctor 2-4 times a year or more. Have hope, there is a better way!

An online doctor visit can address most chronic conditions from asthma to high cholesterol. Even if you have something like high blood pressure, you can use a home cuff and share your results with your online doctor.

Your online doctor can review your medical history from your in-person doctor and manage your ongoing treatment. They can write your new online prescription, change your dose, and evaluate how well-controlled the condition is- all virtually.

6. It depends: You need women's healthcare

Sadly, an online doctor can't perform a woman’s wellness exam remotely. But they can help manage a lot of women's health issues like:

• UTI.
• STI.
• Yeast infections.
• Skin, nail, and hair issues.
• Birth control.

Online doctor: You need men's health

The same goes for men's health — some conditions will require an in-person exam. A doctor can talk to you about STI prevention and offer treatment.

An online doctor visit is a more comfortable way to talk about issues with erectile dysfunction, bladder or bowels.

They can order tests to verify the cause of the symptoms and manage treatments.

8. In-person visit: You need scheduled drugs

Because of the risk of dependence and federal regulations, your online doctor can't write you an online prescription for certain scheduled drugs like:

• Opioids/opiates.
• Anti-psychotics.
• Benzodiazepines.

If you need these kinds of medications, you'll need to see your in-person doctor for those prescriptions. However, you can still attend a virtual doctor's visit for other medical and mental healthcare.

9. It depends: You need help with your mental health

You can speak with a doctor via video chat about your mental health challenges with full confidentiality. Online doctors can discuss lifestyle interventions for mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

If needed, they can offer you an online prescription and/or recommend you attend online therapy.

However, if you are experiencing severe symptoms such as panic attacks, or other emergency situations, it is best to see an in-person doctor or go to the nearest hospital as soon as possible. 

10. Online doctor: You want to stay healthy and well

Of course, no doctor can guarantee wellness. Too many lifestyle factors come into play. 

But your online doctor can make sure you get your necessary screenings. They can help you evaluate your family history and risk factors.

And if you want to make lifestyle changes to reduce your risks, they'll guide and support you with services like:

• Weight counseling.
• Nutrition.
• Stress management.

This list is not all-inclusive. You can find a more comprehensive list of what we treat here.

The short of it is this: The majority of people can manage most primary care services through an online doctor visit. Subscribe today and start saving on quality, convenient virtual care.