Online healthcare systems receive their fair share of mixed feelings. Some hailing praises about it while others are chanting critiques about it.
In today’s guide, we’ll look at some of the pros and cons of online health care. Further, we’ll discuss whether you should consider online health care or stick to traditional health care.
Pros of virtual health care
Convenience
Penciling in a lunch hour check-up with a doctor can be a tiresome chore. The time isn’t just enough, especially if you have to drive to the clinic and still get back in time for an afternoon conference. Online health care eases this problem through video calls, audio calls, text messages, and emails.
With online health care systems, individuals can enjoy face time with their physicians while still in the office. As such, there is no need to leave the office seeking medical service.
Virtual health care eradicates hospital queues
Hospitals are famous for their long lines and their waiting times. One reason behind this wait is the tedious paperwork needed for admission. Online health care eliminates this thorny registration process in minutes with its automated forms that assign you an online doctor upon registration.
Also, online health care systems have booking systems that make things easier. These booking systems allow patients to schedule appointments instead of visiting a physical hospital to book an appointment.
Virtual health care is cost-effective
An increasing number of physicians are charging less for online healthcare consultation than regular consultation. The use of virtual medical systems eliminates the use of hospital utilities that escalate hospital bills. As such, you’ll only be paying for the doctor’s services rather than paying for the hospital’s amenities.
In addition, virtual health care has zero travel expenses. Online health care allows you to see a doctor, minus visiting the hospital. As a result, you won’t spend money traveling to and from clinics, especially if you come from a rural area.
With virtual health care, you have a say in your treatment
Unlike traditional health care systems, online health care systems engage patients, thus resulting in better outcomes. Traditionally, health care systems were dependent on doctors who would dictate the best form of treatment. In turn, this meant that patients were less involved in the process.
However, with virtual health care systems, patients have a say in the form of treatment they see best. If a patient has questions or suggestions based on previous observations, they can easily share them with the online doctor. As such, this helps patients adhere to their medication more, thus resulting in better outcomes.
In addition to a better outcome, virtual care enables patients to feel in control of their health, boosting patients’ confidence and trust towards the medication. These two are vital for a speedy recovery.
Cons of virtual health care
Physical examination is limited
Virtual health care is not always better than the traditional form—it has some defects like any other system. For starts, virtual health care systems limit physical examinations. Doctors can’t conduct examinations, collect samples and even have a closer look at their patients. As such, this means that patients that need laboratory examinations must visit the hospital for proper care.
On the same note, online health systems bar patients from having a one-on-one with their doctors. This means that the system is heavily dependent on patients describing their symptoms and the doctor offering care in return. For this reason, diagnosis is rarely 100% accurate, sometimes leading to misdiagnosis and requiring subsequent emergency department visits.
The bottom line
The big question in all this is whether you should consider switching to online healthcare? And the answer is yes. Online health care systems have more advantages than disadvantages. Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean that it’s perfect. Having said that, one should use this system if they are following up on a prescription or when they are occupied. However, in cases of severe illness, one should instead visit a hospital.
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