Considering seeing a doctor via screen? Here’s everything you need to know about telemedicine and in-person visits. We’re open daily.
In today’s fast-moving world, healthcare is becoming more flexible and more digital. Telemedicine has been on the rise for years, but since 2020, it’s grown exponentially in popularity. People are more receptive than ever to the idea of seeing a provider from wherever they are.
Sitting in the Dunkin’ Donuts parking lot on Decatur Pike or waiting for your kid’s sports event to start at McMinn County High School? With telemedicine, patients can meet with physicians without interrupting their schedule.
But that doesn’t mean traditional, in-person care is going anywhere.
So, how do you know which one is right for you? Let’s break it down.
What Is Telemedicine?
Telemedicine is healthcare delivered virtually, either by phone or video. It’s a convenient way to connect with a provider when you’re not feeling well, need a follow-up, or have general health questions without having to leave home.
Telemedicine is ideal for things like:
- Minor illnesses (cold, allergies, mild stomach bugs)
- Medication refills
- Follow-ups on previous visits
- Reviewing lab or test results
- Questions about chronic non-life-threatening health conditions like asthma or eczema
Pros and Cons of Telemedicine
Telemedicine comes with a lot of benefits, especially for non-urgent issues.
Pros:
- No driving, no waiting room. You can talk to a provider from anywhere.
- Great for simple and common concerns like rashes, nausea, or follow-up care.
- You’re given online portals to view patient history, and E-prescriptions can be sent directly to your pharmacy.
Cons:
- A virtual visit can’t replace a hands-on exam. Your provider can’t check your lungs, listen to your heart, or physically inspect injuries.
- It’s not for serious conditions. Fractured toe, eye injury, or burn? Skip the screen, come straight to AFC Athens.
- It relies entirely on the digital landscape. No internet or trouble with video? That can make the process frustrating.
Pros and Cons of In-Person Care
Even with the growth of telemedicine, in-person care remains essential, especially when things get more complex. At AFC Athens, our urgent care clinic is happy to provide top notch in-person care for our community.
Pros:
- Thorough physical exams: Some conditions (like back pain, asthma flare-ups, or abdominal pain) just can’t be diagnosed through a screen.
- At AFC Athens, we offer rapid testing for flu, COVID-19, strep, and RSV, plus X-rays and lab services, all in one place.
- Immediate treatment: Need help with a cut or an abscess? We can tend to you right away.
Cons:
- Between the drive and possible wait, in-person visits can require more effort.
- Not always necessary: For something like mild nausea or allergies, a full visit may not be worth the time and energy.
Let’s Compare the Two
Choosing telemedicine or in-person care boils down to the seriousness of the medical issue and the patient’s preferences. Ultimately, different levels of care are provided, so it’s important to keep these main things in mind.
Convenience & Cost
- Telemedicine is very convenient, but only if you have reliable technology. Save money on gas and save time by not having to commute.
- In-person care is moderately convenient. You might have to leave the pajamas behind and drive to AFC Athens, but we’re open daily, have extended hours, and the option to save your spot in line.
Type of Care Needed
- Telemedicine is good for minor issues, follow-ups, and questions. While tele-video can be used to diagnose some skin conditions, if a physical examination is required consider heading to urgent care.
- In-person care, especially at our clinic, offers a wide variety of physical examinations and onsite lab services ranging from sports physicals to hepatitis testing. If it’s urgent it’s for us.
Final Thoughts
Got a case of the sniffles, but not wanting to leave the house after a long night bowling at Classic Lanes? Then telemedicine is a fine alternative. But if bowling a score of 200 might have given you a broken finger, consider checking into AFC.
Still having doubts? Visit our clinic. There’s just something about face-to-face care that builds trust and comfort. It can make a big difference in how you feel about your health. At AFC Athens we will make you and your health the priority.
