Patients can now consult with a variety of doctors without leaving their comfort of their home thanks to telemedicine. However, this does not imply that in-person doctor visits should be completely abandoned.

Finding the right balance between virtual and in-person consultations can be crucial in receiving the best possible care.

Here’s what you need to know about which type of care may be most suitable for you and in what situations.

WHAT IS TELEMEDICINE?

Telemmedicine typically involves the remote diagnosis and treatment of patients. This is usually conducted via a secure video connection provided by the doctor's office, and can be accessed using a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Additionally, telemedicine can entail exchanging secure messages with a healthcare professional from your doctor's office to discuss test results or further steps following an appointment.

It is also used to diagnose new health issues and to monitor existing, long-term conditions such as diabetes.

WHAT’S THE BUZZ?

These virtual consultations can save time and provide patients with a wider range of doctor options. This is especially beneficial for individuals who live in areas with limited in-person care options or for patients who cannot take time off work to visit the doctor or do not have access to transportation.

The popularity of telemedicine surged after the onset of COVID-19 in 2020. Although it has slowed down since, it remains more popular than it was before the pandemic, especially in specialties like dermatology or mental health care.

Telemedicine services are available in every state. Moreover, many companies offer subscription-based models focused on virtual care. With these services, patients pay a regular fee for doctor visits and mail-order prescriptions to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, anxiety, or hair loss.

WHAT ARE THE KEYS TO A VALUABLE VISIT?

Before your virtual visit begins, ensure that your phone or tablet is ready. You will want to verify that both the audio and video functions are working properly. You might need some time to adjust your device settings.

Make certain you are in a room or location that provides privacy, especially for therapy sessions. A work cubicle, library, or restaurant with public Wi-Fi are not suitable options.

Refrain from driving, walking, or eating while speaking with your doctor. These activities are not only unsafe but can also prove to be distracting for both the patient and the physician, according to Dr. Jay Lee, a family physician who conducts both in-person and virtual visits.

WHAT ARE THE LIMITS?

Telemedicine requires a stable, high-speed internet connection, and some patients or doctors may not have the necessary technology for a virtual visit.

Certain physical examinations can only be conducted in person.

For instance, someone seeking assistance for a urinary tract infection, which can be treated via telemedicine, might actually have gallbladder issues. An ultrasound would be necessary during an in-person visit, notes Lee, a board member of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

There may also be limitations to receiving telemedicine from doctors outside your state. Pandemic emergency declarations that eased these restrictions have since been lifted.

This can complicate follow-up care if a patient travels to see a specialist.

"There aren’t that many pediatric specialists available for all the different conditions that can affect children," said Krista Drobac, the founder of the Alliance for Connected Care, which advocates for the use of telemedicine.

WHAT’S THE RIGHT BALANCE?

The appropriate balance can depend on a patient's comfort level with telemedicine and the nature of their treatment needs.

In some cases, there may not be a balance if a patient does not have access to an in-person option or if scheduling such a visit is challenging.

If possible, Lee suggests starting with an in-person visit followed by telemedicine follow-ups. He believes that initial in-person visit is essential for any doctor or specialist you expect to see frequently.

"Both the physician and patient need to determine whether they ‘click,’ that they can get along and that they can work together," he said.