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How does a virtual appointment with a doctor work?
Telehealth, or virtual visits is helping make access to health care more convenient. People can see and talk to a doctor through their smartphone, tablet or computer, meaning they don’t have to go to a doctor’s office or sit in a waiting room. Instead, they can visit with a doctor from the comfort of their own home.
Are virtual appointments good?
“Virtual visits allow us to address patients’ health concerns, safely and effectively. They’re especially important in this time of COVID-19,” says family medicine doctor Mark Rood, MD.
How much do virtual appointments cost?
On average, a telehealth visit costs about $79, while an office visit’s average cost is $146, a 2017 study from Health Affairs found.
Should I do a virtual visit with my doctor?
Virtual doctor’s appointments are best for minor problems like nasal congestion, coughs, colds, or rashes, says Sheldon Elman, MD, chairman emeritus and founder of Medisys Health Group. But telemedicine is well-suited for any medical issue where a physical examination might not be necessary.
What can a virtual doctor treat?
Here’s a short list of common conditions a primary care doctor may treat via telemedicine:
- Allergies.
- Arthritic Pain.
- Asthma.
- Bronchitis.
- Colds and Flu.
- Diarrhea.
- Infections.
- Insect Bites.
Do doctors charge for telehealth?
It’s a great way to reduce your healthcare costs. Plus, if you have health insurance, telehealth visits may be free. A 2017 study found that a telehealth visit costs an average of $79, compared to $146 for a doctor’s visit and $1,734 for an emergency room visit.
What are the drawbacks of telemedicine?
Some drawbacks of this type of care include:
- Insurance coverage: Not all insurers cover telemedicine.
- Protecting medical data: Hackers and other criminals may be able to access a patient’s medical data, especially if the patient accesses telemedicine on a public network or via an unencrypted channel.