Using Telehealth During COVID-19
Telehealth has been around for years now. It allows doctors to “see” patients either over the phone or over a video call. Telehealth appointments are great for patients who are able to describe their symptoms and don’t need a physical examination.
Telehealth Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has become increasingly popular since it allows patients to speak with their doctors without risking being exposed to the coronavirus. Patients are realizing that telehealth provides a convenient way to speak with their doctors, often without a copay. It’s perfect for patients in need of prescription refills, antibiotics, birth control, and many other health-related concerns. Telehealth can even be used for some visual consultations like moles, rashes, etc. This form of medicine has grown more popular in recent years and is seeing a new spike during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many doctors are now using telemedicine as a way to check in with their regular patients without putting them at risk of getting the coronavirus.
Advantages
Another advantage to telehealth is that it’s often cheaper than an actual doctor visit or a visit to urgent care. This can be very appealing to patients without insurance. Many providers are even offering a free COVID-19 assessment, which can be a great first step if you think you might need to get tested for the coronavirus.
Even if having COVID-19 isn’t your concern, you can still make a telehealth appointment for most non-urgent medical needs that you may have during the pandemic. To make a telemedicine appointment, you can check with your insurance’s website if you have insurance to see a list of covered telehealth providers. If you don’t have insurance, you can do a google search for private pay and concierge-style doctors. These doctors will often give you a better deal than the larger companies if you are uninsured.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Even after the pandemic has passed, telehealth is still a great option for those looking for a convenient and often less expensive way to get medical attention. If you feel your medical concern needs to be addressed immediately or you feel you need to be seen in person, it’s best to reach out to urgent care or your doctor.
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