In recent years, the healthcare industry has begun to embrace digital care solutions. These solutions offer a more convenient and affordable way to receive quality care.
The COVID-19 pandemic has driven the healthcare industry to innovate at an unprecedented pace. One of the most significant changes has been the rise of telehealth and virtual care, or providing care remotely via telephone or video conference. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among all adults aged 18 and over, 37% used telemedicine in the past 12 months, and the percentage increases with age. But when is virtual healthcare right for you?
What is virtual care?
Virtual care is a type of care that takes place over the phone or video conference. Patients can speak with their doctor and discuss health issues without having to physically visit an office. The doctor may ask questions, provide advice, and even order lab tests or other diagnostic services through the virtual platform.
When should you use virtual care?
Virtual healthcare is a good option for many types of appointments, such as follow-up visits after surgery, medication management, chronic disease management, mental health assessments, and more. It’s also great for those who live in rural areas or have limited access to transportation. Virtual healthcare can make it easier to get care when you need it most — quickly and conveniently.
Nao Medical offers virtual care to provide you with top-tier medical care that works with your busy schedule. Here are four times when our virtual care services can be right for you.
- When you need to see a provider fast. If you need to see a provider but can’t get an appointment within a reasonable timeframe, our virtual care services can help you get the care you need without having to wait weeks or even months.
- When you don’t have time for an appointment. If you don’t have time for an in-person appointment, our virtual care services can be a great option for you. With virtual care, you can receive the same high-quality medical care from the comfort of your home or office—without having to take time out of your busy schedule.
- When you’re traveling. If you’re traveling for business or pleasure, our virtual care services can help you stay healthy while on the go. With Nao Medical, you can receive comprehensive medical care no matter where you are—all you need is an internet connection.
- When you need urgent care services. If you need urgent care services but don’t have time to go to the emergency room or urgent care center, our virtual care services can help. With Nao Medical, you can easily book same or next-day appointments.
Before scheduling a virtual appointment, however, it’s important to take into account the type of care you need. Some conditions may require in-person visits or tests and procedures that can’t be done remotely.
What are the benefits of virtual healthcare?
Virtual healthcare offers a number of advantages over traditional office appointments. For starters, it eliminates unnecessary trips to the doctor’s office and can save time by allowing patients to receive care from the comfort of their own homes without having to travel. It also provides more flexibility when scheduling appointments, as doctors and patients can easily “meet” via video conference at any time.
Additionally, virtual healthcare can be more cost-effective than in-person visits. Many medical providers offer discounted rates for telehealth services, and many insurance companies are now providing coverage for these types of appointments.
Finally, virtual healthcare makes it easier to connect with specialists who may not be available locally. Patients can consult with a doctor or specialist from anywhere in the world without having to wait a long time for services or travel long distances.
What happens during a virtual visit?
During a virtual visit, you and the doctor communicate over a secure video conference. The same medical standards of care apply as with an in-office visit, so you can expect to answer questions about your medical history and any recent symptoms or concerns.
Your doctor may recommend tests or treatments that can be done remotely, such as blood work or x-rays, but many of these are not available through virtual healthcare. In some cases, your doctor may need to refer you for further testing at a local lab or hospital.
What conditions are appropriate for virtual visits?
Virtual healthcare is appropriate for many common medical conditions, such as colds, minor injuries, skin rashes, and other non-emergency issues. It can also be used to manage chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart disease.
However, virtual visits are not suitable for all cases. If you experience severe pain or difficulty breathing, you should seek immediate medical attention at a hospital or emergency care facility. Virtual appointments should also not be used in place of regular checkups with your primary care doctor.
What is the difference between in-person and virtual care?
In-person visits involve direct contact between the doctor and patient, while virtual visits take place over the phone or video conference. In-person appointments also allow doctors to perform physical exams and other tests that virtual care doesn’t offer.
Another difference is cost — virtual healthcare typically costs less than in-person visits. Insurance companies are increasingly covering virtual care, and many providers offer discounted rates for virtual visits.
Finally, virtual visits can be more convenient than in-person appointments. Patients don’t have to travel to the doctor’s office, and virtual appointments can often be scheduled with short notice.
When to seek in-person care
Although virtual healthcare has its advantages, there are times when an in-person visit is necessary. Emergency room visits or hospitalizations should always be handled in-person, as should medical conditions that require physical examinations or tests and procedures that can’t be done virtually.
It’s also important to note that some individuals may not be comfortable with virtual appointments due to a lack of familiarity with the technology. In these cases, an in-person appointment may be more appropriate.
What is another alternative to virtual care and in-person care?
Home visits by healthcare providers are another alternative to virtual care and in-person visits. Home visits can be especially beneficial for elderly or homebound patients who can’t travel to the doctor’s office due to mobility issues.
Home visits offer many of the same benefits as virtual appointments, including convenience and cost savings. Additionally, home visits provide an opportunity to assess a patient’s living conditions and provide personalized care in the comfort of their own home.
Book a consultation Nao
At Nao Medical, we understand that your time is important to you. That’s why we offer top-tier virtual care to provide care that works with your busy schedule. Our virtual care is made to get you quickly connected with a medical provider who will provide you with comprehensive virtual care while you’re on the go or from the comfort of your home. All you need is an internet connection and a webcam, and you can receive the same high-quality care that you would receive in our urgent care locations. So don’t wait, book your virtual care appointment today!
