Is Telemedicine Right For You?

Telemedicine technology is growing in popularity because it is proven to lower costs, and provide for effective medical care for many patients. Many people find it harder than ever to cram that medical appointment into tightly packed schedules, and doctors find themselves with more patients than they can possibly see in their offices on a daily basis.

Read on and find out if telemedicine is the right prescription for you.

• You are seeking to have high quality care for a reasonable cost

Telemedicine is typically much less expensive than a regular doctors visit, yet with all of the expertise and professionalism you would receive from visiting a doctor in person.

• You desire to avoid the inconvenience of travelling to a doctor’s office

Why spend time and fuel travelling to a doctor’s office or hospital when you can obtain quality medical care from wherever you are?

• You live in a rural area

If you live in a remote part of the country, telemedicine is a very convenient choice for treatment. You can avoid a long trip to the doctor and sitting in a room full of sick people.

• You are on vacation

If you are traveling for business or pleasure, it can be next to impossible to see your primary care physician. Telemedicine is the preferred way to get treatment for ailments such as the flu, or a common cold when you are on the road.

• You are low on regular medications and cannot schedule a doctor visit for some time

Some conditions such as high blood pressure need to be controlled closely. Telemedicine is also ideal for getting fast prescriptions for birth control, cholesterol, and asthma. There is really no need to go for an office visit if all you need is a prescription for one of these when you have already been diagnosed in person.

• Does your insurance cover telemedicine?

It is becoming more and more common for companies to completely cover the cost of telemedicine. Check with your employer if you have health care through your place of employment, or check online with Healthcare.gov if you have Obamacare to see if it is covered. If it is not, inquire as to why and see if you can get it included in your insurance package.

If you do not have health insurance, telemedicine is also a low-cost alternative to an office visit.

• Getting a 2nd opinion from a specialist

If you have a condition, and need a 2nd opinion from an expert, this is one of the strengths of telemedicine. It is a great way for a specialist to take a close look at an x-ray, MRI exam, or any other scan or test result your primary care physician may not be qualified to judge. It also works both ways, as your doctor can take advantage of this technology when they need the help of an expert in the field.

These are just a few of the ways that telemedicine can work for you, and help you to get better care, at a cost that is affordable.