Telephone Consultations With Doctors or In-Person Visits: Which Should You Choose?

Because of the pandemic, telemedicine services have been on the rise. Telephone consultations with doctors offer convenience and health safety while social distancing. It’s helpful to know what circumstances are best for a telephone consultation with a doctor and when you should make an in-person visit. Here’s everything you need to know.

When You Should Use Telemedicine Providers

Telephone consultations with doctors are ideal when the risk of serious illness is relatively low. For example, around half of all common cold symptoms show up during spring and fall. If you experience these symptoms, you could simply call a doctor and get treatment over the phone. It’s beneficial for repeat prescriptions for pain management, contraception, or long-term illnesses. Telemedicine can also be used to explore diet, physical activity, and mental health issues.

Certain chronic conditions such as high blood pressure can be handled remotely at home if the patient has the right equipment. They can take their own readings and give them over the phone to the doctor. Viral infections such as COVID-19 may be either handled over the phone or in-person, depending on the individual circumstances.

When You Should Visit a Family Practice Doctor In-Person

There are certain circumstances where it’s wiser to visit a doctor in-person. If you need to have your temperature taken or have a skin condition that needs to be physically looked at, you’ll need to make a doctor’s visit. Procedures such as injections or smears also must be handled face-to-face.

Tips For Using Telemedicine Services

When making an appointment with a family medicine doctor, ask about what telehealth options they have available. You could save time and money by speaking to the doctor over the phone first. The physician can always book an in-person appointment for you if necessary. Be aware that blood test referrals and prescriptions can be a bit awkward by telehealth. Many doctors are using a complex system of phone calls, emails, and faxes to get urgent prescriptions to pharmacists, so you’ll need to be patient with the process.

Telephone consultations with doctors can be a convenient and affordable alternative worried about the rising costs of healthcare. You may want to consult with your insurance provider regarding coverage for telemedicine providers in Florida. Make your health your top priority by scheduling a call today!