Teledoc Health: Taking Care of Your Medical Concerns Online

Telemedicine is an always changing and advancing field of healthcare, but one that is an important evolution in accessible healthcare. Years ago, if you had questions or concerns about your and your family’s health, you would have had to call your doctor’s office, or if it was after hours, try your luck at an urgent care facility. Today, teledoc health is a widely accessible and affordable option that combines the best of health innovation and modern technology to successfully connect patients and doctors all over the country, at any time they need it.

What is Telehealth?

Telehealth is a practice that has been around for over 50 years and is changing how people experience healthcare. With our ever-changing and evolving world, the global population has generally become more dependent on their cellphones and personal computers; telehealth is where these technologies that have become so much a part of our everyday lives and healthcare collide. Technically, telehealth expands past telemedicine and is the broad scope of healthcare services that can be offered over the internet using technologies such as videoconferencing and wireless communication platforms. Telemedicine falls under telehealth, as it refers specifically to remote clinical services. Although virtual healthcare services are not a complete replacement for seeing a primary care provider, they are a great option in most scenarios.

Teledoctors, otherwise known as virtual or online doctors, are licensed and certified to perform healthcare over the internet. The virtual nature of telemedicine allows healthcare professionals and physicians to discuss, evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients using technology and video calling. It is becoming a widely used and widely accessible option for receiving treatment.

Although virtual medicine services vary from provider to provider, generally, the services offered by telehealth providers include:

• Follow-up visits after something like a surgery
• Chronic condition management
• Refilling prescriptions, and medication management
• Consultations with specialized medical providers
• Preventative care support, such as weight loss and smoking cessation
• Informational and educational appointments, such as using an asthma inhaler or diabetes management
• Diagnosing and treating common conditions, such as allergies, the cold, the flu, and anxiety
• Diagnosing and treating minor skin concerns, such as acne, rashes, and rosacea
• Writing new prescriptions for medicines, as long as they are not controlled substances or illegal to be prescribed virtually
• Counseling sessions with mental health professionals addressing concerns such as depression and panic disorders

The Benefits of Telemedicine

Not only can a virtual health consultation benefit your physical health, but it can also benefit your financial health. Instead of an expensive trip to the emergency room, the visit alone costing over $1,000, telemedicine services are typically under $200. There are a variety of reasons that someone may not want to leave their house to get medical help, especially in the times of a global novel virus pandemic when staying home is a safer option for hundreds of millions of Americans. Regardless of why, telehealth allows you to avoid unnecessary exposure to other sick patients and to speak with a doctor, dermatologist, or therapist from the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Teledoc health is also a widely accessible option nowadays. Although specific states and localities may have varying legislation and regulations, especially regarding online prescriptions, the COVID-19 pandemic has quickly altered much of the legislation, and almost anyone in the United States can schedule appointments with online healthcare providers. Check with your state laws and health insurance coverage plan before scheduling an appointment to determine what your specific financial obligation might be for a meeting with a teledoctor.

Depending on which telemedicine provider you choose, you may not even need insurance to schedule an appointment. Virtual medical consultations may also offer a more diverse network of specialized providers so that those in rural areas can have access to lifesaving consultations from medical professionals all over the country.

There are several telehealth providers that are also open 24/7 and will offer immediate appointment availability, or you can schedule an appointment that fits into your busy schedule. This means that teledoc health is a fast option, perfect for busy schedules or on the go, as opposed to an in-person doctor’s visit, which might take up your entire afternoon. Patients who have already utilized what telemedicine has to offer will commonly say that they feel like the doctor is more focused on them during a virtual appointment and walk away from the consultation feeling like they were heard and that all of their questions were answered.

What Should I Expect from a Teledoc Health Appointment?

A meeting with a teledoctor is actually quite similar to what would happen during an in-person appointment or visit to a doctor’s office, emergency room, or urgent care facility. Virtual doctors hold the same certifications and licenses as “real” in-office doctors; in fact, in many cases, they hold special certifications and have undergone unique training to be qualified for treating and prescribing over the internet.

Most telehealth providers will require that you create an account or sign up for their services, so it may be useful to have your insurance information (if you do, indeed, have insurance) close by when filling out personal information. After you have an account, it is easy to schedule an appointment that works for you. The patient may be required to answer several questions prior to a consultation so that the doctor will have a full understanding of the symptoms and relevant medical history to provide an accurate diagnosis and, therefore, an appropriate treatment. Before your appointment, be prepared to discuss your current medications and a timeline of your symptoms. You may also want to prepare any medical tools, such as a thermometer, blood pressure monitor, scale, etc., and have them on hand in case the doctor asks for vitals.

When the time has come for the virtual teledoc visit, a patient should follow the included instructions and links to be connected to a doctor via secure, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing technology. The doctor will have a patient’s chart in front of them, just as they would in-office, and they will discuss symptoms and ask any further questions they may have. Always be sure to answer questions during a virtual consultation thoughtfully and in detail; because the doctor cannot perform a physical exam, it is important that the descriptions give them a full picture of what’s going on with a patient’s health.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I see a doctor in person?

You should always see a doctor in person if you are experiencing life-threatening or emergency symptoms, including symptoms of a heart attack or a stroke. In these cases, you should seek immediate attention from a medical professional or dial 911. Telemedicine is also not appropriate for diagnosing and treating more complex conditions that may require diagnostic imaging, lab testing, or a hands-on physical exam. If you’re not sure, you can always schedule a virtual appointment, and if they cannot help you or write a prescription for a variety of reasons, then the teledoctor will be able to point you to other solutions and further treatment options.

Are there risks to telemedicine?

There are several risks, as there are with anything, but telemedicine is normally just as safe and effective as in-person medicine, maybe even safer in certain cases. Because of the digital nature of virtual medicine, doctors are not able to perform physical exams, so there is a chance that a doctor might miss a symptom or misdiagnose a more complex situation. There is also a risk that your personal and private information may be misused or lost. You should always ensure that your chosen telehealth provider uses a safe and secure platform and that their doctors are board-certified, background-checked, and certified in specifically online medical treatment.

What do I need for a teledoc health appointment?

You don’t need much! Most telemedicine providers only require high-speed internet and a smartphone, tablet, or computer to access their secure video conferencing medium. You may want to find a private and quiet room or area for the appointment and have your insurance ID card, medications, and any medical instruments you may have (a thermometer, a stethoscope, a weighing scale, a blood pressure monitor, etc.) to ensure your consultation happens quickly and seamlessly.

What is the Best Teledoc Health Service?

Why wait to get the medical care that you need? If you’re experiencing irritating and worrying symptoms, as long as it is not a life-threatening situation, then scheduling a virtual health consultation is an easy and safe option. Easy, user-friendly, and affordable, the best teledoc health platform for you might be Telegra MD.

When you’re choosing where to sign up to start your virtual healthcare experience, consider utilizing Telegra MD. Telegra MD is a popular, fast, and uncomplicated service that offers access to quality healthcare providers online. Visit the Telegra MD network of friendly and caring board-certified doctors, dermatologists, pediatricians, therapists, and expert staff. They use a convenient and secure platform that anyone can figure out. With a wide variety of services offered, you can have confidence knowing that Telegra MD puts your and your family’s health at the top of its priority list. From the comfort of your own home, the best doctors are just a click away.

Avoid high costs, crowded waiting rooms, and inconvenience by signing up today.