How can an online doctor consultation benefit me?

If you need non-emergency medical care, virtual visits can come in handy. Here’s what to know about them.

You’re in bed with the sniffles and a cough. You could call your doctor’s office and schedule an in-person appointment. But that would mean you would have to get out of bed, put on clothes and go to their office — all while not feeling your best.

Telehealth could be an easy-to-use alternative. (You might also see this called telemedicine or virtual care.) That’s a way for you to securely talk with your doctor by using technology.

You could do that by way of a secure feed on your computer, tablet or smartphone. (Data rates may apply.) It’d be like having an in-person appointment, but you’d be in a private place in your own home — or maybe even your own bed.

Telehealth offers a range of benefits. Here are some pros of consulting with your doctor online compared to an in-person visit.

Looking for a health insurance plan that offers telehealth benefits? Call a licensed insurance agent at (800) 827-9990.

1. You can see doctors for non-emergency medical care.

Telehealth visits aren’t for every type of health issue. They’re most appropriate for routine, non-emergency health issues like:

• Colds
• Coughs
• COVID-19
• Mental health issues
• Migraine headaches
• Skin conditions

If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, like chest pain, or having a mental health crisis, it’s best to call 911 or go to an emergency room.

2. You can save time and money.

Telehealth has several pros, besides allowing you to consult with a doctor in your pajamas. It also:

• Allows you to see doctors who may be a good distance away from you or hard to access. That could be if you live in a rural area, for example. It can save you gas, transportation or rideshare fare.
• If you’re busy at work, it might be easier to fit a virtual call into your schedule. Whether you work in an office or from home, that could just mean finding a private room to do the telehealth call in.

3. You can have more privacy and comfort.

If you’re doing a telehealth visit from home, you may feel more comfortable talking about your health issues with a provider. The call will also be on a secure line and be private — sometimes, walls at doctor’s offices can be thin. Of course, you’ll need to find a private place in your home or apartment to make the call. You’ll also want to make sure if you share a home with somebody else, that they give you the space you need.

4. You can see doctors more quickly.

Telehealth makes waiting times shorter, whether it’s at a doctor’s office or even an urgent care center. Also, many telehealth services offer 24/7 availability. You can talk to a doctor after most doctor’s offices close.

Don’t get telehealth benefits with your health insurance plan? Call a licensed insurance agent at (800) 827-9990 to discuss your options.

5. You can book quicker follow-ups.

Let’s say you scheduled a telehealth call to talk with your doctor about your cold — but you didn’t get any better. Telehealth makes it easier to schedule follow-up appointments, too. Also, if you have a long-term condition, like diabetes or heart disease, virtual visits can make multiple doctor’s appointments more convenient. They can also help your doctor better monitor and treat you.

6. You can avoid other people’s germs.

If you schedule an in-person appointment, you might have to sit in a waiting room full of other people who have colds or worse. Telehealth helps you avoid the waiting room and other people’s germs that may be there.

7. You get wider access to providers and specialists.

Telehealth can connect you with a wider range of providers. These could include specialists who may not be available in your area. For example, many mental health providers, like psychologists and psychiatrists, offer telehealth services. (Psychologists typically have PhDs or PsyDs and specialize in talk therapy, which aims to help you “identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts and behaviors.” In some states, they can prescribe medication. Psychiatrists have MDs and can prescribe medication.) You could even connect with a skin doctor (dermatologist). They can treat skin-related issues, like adult acne and rashes.

8. You can update prescriptions.

You may be able to get prescriptions updated virtually and sent to your local pharmacy for pickup. For example, if you’re talking to a psychiatrist, they could write you a prescription for an anti-anxiety medication. You could either pick it up in person, or your pharmacy may be able to deliver it to your doorstep.

How can I access telehealth?

Many health insurance providers offer telehealth services as one of their insurance plan benefits. These include:

• Affordable Care Act (ACA)
• Original Medicare
• Medicare Advantage

Other plans may not have telehealth as an option — but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. Some insurance companies may offer access to telehealth through monthly or annual memberships. Please note, these memberships are not insurance. You can also call a licensed insurance agent at (800) 827-9990 to talk about health plans that include telehealth.

For informational purposes only. This information is compiled by HealthMarkets Insurance Agency and does not diagnose problems or recommend specific treatment. Services and medical technologies referenced herein may not be covered under your plan. Please consult directly with your primary care physician if you need medical advice.