Why Virtual Care is Sometimes Better Than In-Person Care
Written by Leslie K. Hughes
Medically reviewed by Dr. Monique White-Dominguez
The recent increase in the popularity of virtual care seems like it’s not just a trend, but is something that is here to stay.
Though the global pandemic is what shot virtual care into the first place choice for many patients, it remains a strong option for people as concerns with COVID slow down. A recent survey showed that 93% of doctors plan to continue to use virtual care in the future.
There is no denying that virtual care is here to stay, and we think that’s great news.
There are some key reasons why virtual care can sometimes be a better option than in-person care, so read on to find out more.
Why Virtual Care May Be Better
It is important to first note that virtual care is not the best option all the time. There are instances in which visiting a doctor’s office in person is absolutely necessary, and we fully support that. Some care just cannot be given over a computer, phone, or tablet.
However, a lot more care can be provided virtually than people may think. As more people warm up to the idea of virtual care, more people see the great benefits that this method of care offers.
In fact, there are some instances in which virtual care is the preferred option. Here are some of them.
More Accessible
Getting to a doctor’s office is not an easy option for a lot of people. Some people live in rural areas where the nearest doctor is hours away. Other people are elderly and have a hard time getting to see a doctor in person.
Virtual care provides a more accessible way for patients to still get treatment, and it provides treatment to others who might otherwise not receive it.
More Affordable
If the price of care is a concern, then virtual care will almost always be a less expensive option. There are many resources involved in seeing a doctor in-person including the facility itself, assistants, equipment, and more.
When you meet with a doctor virtually, you don’t have to pay for those extra things, so the cost of virtual care is typically much more affordable.
A virtual therapy visit with Sameday Health costs just $100 and an urgent virtual care appointment costs just $50.
Doctors Are On-Board
As we mentioned in the survey above, doctors are happy with the concept of virtual care and thus will continue to use it. That means that they see it as a new approach to solving health issues that doesn't necessitate you seeing them in person.
Virtual care is not only more convenient for the patient, but it is also more convenient for the doctors, so they are likely to opt for this type of care when they can.
Reduced Exposure
Ever since COVID entered the world, the concept of exposure has become a major concern for people. Visiting a doctor’s office always puts you at risk of exposure to a range of different illnesses, not just COVID.
Thus, by meeting virtually, you erase all the risk of exposure. You meet from your own home and have no need to interact with anyone in any way that may lead to exposure to illness.
Better Mental Health Care
Mental health issues are on the rise ever since the pandemic and more and more people are seeking help to cope. Studies show that, since the pandemic started, 40% of adults in the U.S. suffer from symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder. So, making mental health care accessible to people is very important.
And that accessibility has been a success. Mental health services are often the most common reason for virtual care appointments. Patients find that they feel more comfortable discussing their mental health concerns from the comfort of their own home rather than heading to the foreign and potentially uncomfortable environment of a doctor’s office.
Preferable for Everyday Care
Though virtual care is not appropriate for every health concern, it works for many and is an easier way for people to get everyday care. This makes it more likely that people receive the care they need for all sorts of issues, as going to a doctor’s office can take up time and cause stress.
Access to Specialists Outside Your Area
When you see a doctor in person, you are limited to those who are in your area (unless you’re willing to travel long distances).
With virtual care, however, you are given access to doctors and specialists that may not be in your area but may be able to provide you with the care you want and need. This opens up the doors to more possibilities for better care, especially if you live in an area where your care options are limited.
Virtual Care at Sameday Health
Sameday Health proudly offers a wide range of virtual care to provide you with the help you need to get your mental and/or physical health on track.
Our Sameday Health Virtual Therapy service connects you with a licensed therapist that will meet with you and create an individualized treatment plan to fit your specific wants and needs.
Our therapists can help with concerns, including:
Anxiety
Depression
Stress
Substance abuse
Relationship issues
And more
And the Sameday Health Virtual Urgent Care service is here to help you with any wellness concerns you may have, including:
Cold and flu symptoms
Travel medications
Urinary tract infections
Skin rashes
Yeast infections
Nausea
Prescription refills
Rashes and itching
Minor aches and pains
Allergies
Migraine therapy
And more
All you need to do is fill out an intake form and a Sameday Health doctor will discuss your concerns with you virtually and come up with a tailored treatment plan specifically for you.
To learn more about the future of healthcare and the role that virtual care plays in that, be sure to check out this Forbes article.
