Virtual Health: Top 10 Real Benefits of Seeing an Online Doctor

Have you asked yourself, “should I see a doctor?” Or maybe you’re wondering how to see an online doctor.

Well, the excellent news is seeing an online doctor is easier than you think. And the numbers show that virtual medicine is not just a pandemic fad. Telehealth visits were up 33 percent in 2020 and continue to rise.

COVID-19 is here to stay for now, and we all need to keep aware of our health and hygiene.

If you need medical care but cannot see a doctor in person, visiting an online doctor is an attractive option. Keep reading this guide to find out the top 10 benefits of online doctor appointments!

1. Comfortable and Convenient

There may be times you feel a bit shy talking about embarrassing medical issues to your doctor face to face.

Sharing your concerns from the comfort of your own home improves communication and allows you to understand your diagnosis and treatment plan better.

Online portals can give a feeling of anonymity which is a huge selling point, especially when it comes to sexual difficulties or symptoms.

2. Medical Access if You Live in a Rural Area

One of the most significant benefits of seeing an online doctor is there are no restrictions based on where you live.

Country life has so many advantages, but unfortunately, quick access to medical care isn’t usually one. You might live many miles away from the nearest hospital.

The last thing you need to do while you’re sick is a drive for miles in the dark or a snowstorm.

Online medicine is beneficial if you live in an inner-city urban area, where hospitals and family medical centers are lacking.

3. Reduces Your Exposure to Germs

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, many doctors utilized online medical services. But the truth is this is true for any flu, illness, or infectious disease.

Especially if you’re immunocompromised, pregnant, elderly, or have a chronic illness.

Less exposure time from sitting in a crowded doctor’s office helps you and others too. With online appointments, you eliminate this risk.

4. Midnight Medical Care

What happens if you wake up in the middle not feeling well? Maybe you’re wondering if you do need to wander out under the dark of night.

With online doctor visits, you eliminate this problem before it even begins. There is also no need to travel and worry about catching a bus or filling your car with gas.

Virtual appointments are even more helpful if you have reduced mobility and no regular access to transportation.

5. Better Management of Chronic Conditions

If you have a chronic medical condition, regular visits to your primary care doctor are essential to your health!

An online doctor makes it much easier to connect with a doctor or practitioner, and often online systems are set to get an appointment with whoever is available next.

There are also at-home monitoring tools that can automatically transmit readings to your doctor, making it even easier to discuss new symptoms.

6. Online Mental Health Support

The pandemic has made it much more difficult for people to access supports for mental health. Feeling isolated can add to feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and depression.

There is a considerable benefit to meeting with a behavioral health provider right from your own home! Depending on where you live, you might not have geographical access to a mental health care provider. Online mental health support removes this barrier for everyone.

7. You Feel Less Anxiety

Some people don’t like going to the doctor. So much so that they will avoid it at all costs. Even to the point of putting their health at risk.

Sometimes you might have severe social and anxiety disorders that cause you to avoid most people and places. You might feel:

• Panicked and scared
• Trapped or stuck
• Very helpless
• Embarrassed and out of place

Being out in public can cause you to have panic attack symptoms like a racing heart and nausea. If you’re able to see a healthcare provider online, not only does this reduce your anxiety triggers, but accessing regular medical care makes you healthier overall.

8. Saves You Some Cash

If you think that virtual medical services are more expensive, then the good news is you’re wrong! Online doctor consultations are an extremely affordable solution.

The average cost in the United States for a visit to your doctor’s office is $85, compared to a virtual visit costing only $50. And if you have to take a trip to an emergency room or urgent care, you’re talking a lot more out of your pocket.

Also, an online doctors appointment saves you money by offering 24/7 access and options for other healthcare management.

9. Easier to Get Your Prescription

Many qualified and legitimate doctors prescribe medication to patients online. In addition, you can have your medicines sent to the pharmacy of your choice via an online portal.

Once you have seen a doctor who establishes your plan and schedule for taking prescription medications, you can then request a refill during a quick online consultation. Often this is a single-click process, they deliver your medication to your doorstep.

It just isn’t possible for some people to go out once a month or even more frequently to refill their prescription medications. Online doctor appointments make this much more convenient.

10. Private and Secure

If you aren’t familiar with talking to a doctor online, then you might wonder how secure the process is.

When you attend an online doctor appointment, you can have confidence that your information is secure!

Online doctors have to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), ensuring your medical information is kept safe. They use a secure system and servers to maintain confidentiality.

Reap the Benefits of an Online Doctor

Now you know the ten benefits of seeking a doctor online. There is no more reason to wait!

It is time to bring your medical appointments to the virtual age.

If you enjoyed reading this guide, check us out to find out what else you can learn!