Virtual care, or telemedicine, is a healthcare option that connects patients with health professionals remotely to provide care when and where it is needed. Patients avoid the wait or inconvenience of an in-person visit with their doctor and instead receive care via phone, video, or text.
You may have noticed that virtual care options have grown in popularity in healthcare over the past several years. And while this rise is due in part to COVID-19 and technology advances, there are other factors that have made the prospect of virtual care appealing to both patients and providers.
Here are some of the main reasons you might want to consider a virtual care option the next time you need to make a doctor’s appointment:
- Cost
It’s no secret that healthcare can be expensive. One benefit of virtual care is that it can lower costs significantly. Without the need for front desk support, exam rooms, and medical supplies, costs can be reduced for many primary care services.
- Access
With national wait times to see a primary care provider increasing, it’s getting harder for people to get the care they need in a timely manner. For those who live in rural areas and have limited primary care options available nearby, access becomes an even bigger issue. Virtual care makes it possible for people in more remote, less-populated areas to get treatment.
- Convenience
It’s hard to beat the comfort of your own home (especially when you’re sick). When you consider the different aspects of visiting a doctor like wait times and travel, being able to see a doctor from your home can be very convenient. In addition, some types of virtual care are available outside regular clinic hours, while others are accessible 24/7.
- Flexibility
Whether it’s childcare, work, or any other aspect of daily life, people get busy. Virtual care makes it quicker and easier to talk to a doctor without needing to rearrange your entire schedule around a visit to a primary care clinic.
While there are many health issues that can easily be addressed by a medical professional via virtual care, there are others that will require you to make an in-person visit. If you have questions about whether virtual care is right for your individual medical needs, consult with your doctor.
You can also contact the Premera 24-Hour NurseLine and speak to a registered nurse by calling the number listed on the back of your ID card. Calling the 24-Hour NurseLine is free, confidential, and a great first point of contact if you need help deciding which care option is best for you. For any emergency or life-threatening conditions, call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately.
To find out more about which virtual care benefits may already be available to you, sign in to your Premera account and review the details of your health plan.
