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Telemedicine is one of the most useful, accessible, and critical needs for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, telemedicine has helped millions of patients ensure that they have access to care during self-quarantine as COVID cases rise well beyond 1 million cases; soon approaching the 2 million mark. But there are still many patients that have questions about the usefulness of telemedicine.
Telemedicine, or telehealth, is the virtual delivery of urgent care services through a smart device or internet-connected platform. Telemedicine allows your provider to perform routine services, such as illness and injury treatment without the need for an in-clinic visit. Instead of having to travel to a doctor’s office, one can simply use their phone to consult providers for their needs.
Why would patients be more willing to use telemedicine if they’re already familiar with their doctor? What are some of the benefits of telemedicine during this challenging pandemic? Ultimately, telemedicine is poised to be a useful patient resource well-after communities are able to control the COVID-19 virus and manage infection risks:
Telemedicine is a low-cost medical service
The great news for most beneficiaries is that telemedicine is covered by most insurance companies and is affordable at a low co-pay. Since telemedicine expanded to many insurance companies and provider groups, almost all covered patients are eligible for a telemedicine benefit. Simply book a telemedicine appointment with your provider to go over symptoms and emergent healthcare concerns at little to no charge.
However, it is always reccomended to consult your health plan administrator to see if you have an active telemedicine benefit. But out-of-pocket rates for telemedicine are highly affordable and usually lower than the cost of an in-person visit.
Reduce Transportaiton Costs and Additional Child Care
A telemedicine visit allows patients to get care from right in their home, which means you no longer have to plan for additional child care needs or transportation costs if necessary.
Virtual telemedicine appointments add an extra convenience to the busiest parents and individuals because it is all done through internet-connected devices. Simply use a booking appointment app through your provider to find your appointment and wait right in your home for medical care! The extra costs of hiring a babysitter or nanny, bus ride or train ride, and other commuting needs can add up, which makes little sense for minor illness symptoms or check ups. Patients can now avoid these costs with a telemedicine visit!
Lower your chance of an illness through telemedicine consults
Patients that have mild or emergent illness symptoms could likely catch another illness if they are in a waiting room at a clinic. Other sick patients could likely spread viruses through contact, respriatory droplets, and other close-contact transmission risks, all while waiting for care. If you want to reduce your risk for additional infections or illnesses, then simply book telemedicine online.
Telemedicine is perfect for patients that need to check illness symptoms before going back to work, planning a trip, or visiting other relatives. Simple and immediate urgent care needs are what telemedicine is intended for, so go book an appointment and see how our urgent care team can help you!
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