Why college students should consider an online doctor
Many parents I know have children going away to college for the first time, or returning to college soon. When young adults begin college, they frequently find that they amount of free time they have greatly diminishes as the semester’s progress. Between rigorous class schedules, study groups, social and club/organization meetings, part-time jobs, etc. they really have to learn to use time management and organization skills. They and/or their classmates frequently have a lack of sleep, due to studying or partying, and when the cold and flu season arrives, students begin to get sick. Sometimes the sick students feel like they can’t miss class, which exposes other students to their germs. Once they start feeling bad, most who aren’t living at home will pick up the phone to call their parents to find out what they need to do, because they’ve never had to make a doctors appointment for themselves before – and if they’ve moved away, they may not have a primary care physician in their new college town.
Amwell is an excellent resource for anyone, but especially college students, in my opinion, to use, because of the 24-hour availability of a board certified doctor. It is VERY easy to enroll, and they store their information securely for future visits. Next, the patient is able to choose the doctor that best meets their need, with the ability to view the physician experience and ratings before they begin their visit. Once connected via the web-based service or mobile app using a secure, high-quality streaming video service, they can see and speak to a doctor, regardless of what time of the day it is. It can be very hard for students to find and select a traditional doctor for themselves that is accepting new patients at the last minute AND has availability immediately with a time that can fit into their busy schedules. Students in this day and age are very comfortable using technology and mobile apps for so many things in their lives that an online doctor should be a seamless fit for them.
Amwell is a very affordable service, currently priced at $59 per visit, which is likely lower than most traditional doctors office or urgent care office prices.
I encourage you to VISIT THE AMWELL WEBSITE and click on CONDITIONS at the top of the page to see the full scope of what they’re able to treat. It includes such things as Allergies, Pink Eye, Bronchitis, Sinus Infections, UTI’s, Strep Throat, Stomach Flu, Bee stings, nagging cough, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, nutritional advice, eating disorders, and more!
I love that they cover such an array of issues, many of which may be uncomfortable for anyone, especially young adults, to discuss. I feel like students may be more comfortable discussing things with an online doctor that maybe they wouldn’t bring up in a face to face visit, or even something that’s bothering them in the middle of the night that isn’t quite emergency room necessary, but will allow them to connect to a medical professional immediately to give them peace of mind. Stress and anxiety are so common in students, and being able to get help right away so they can get it under control and move forward to be as successful as possible is so important.
Amwell is a great service, available to ALL, not just college students, but I do think that it’s important for parents and students to educate themselves on why college students should consider an online doctor, and how an online doctor can best meet their needs!
Amwell doctors ARE able to write and send prescriptions to the pharmacy of your choice, and recommendations for over the counter (OTC) medications in most states, so patients can begin treatment right away. Additionally, they DO accept Insurance Coverage for select plans, to help reduce the cost even more. Our personal health insurance is provided through my husband’s employer, and we have Telehealth as a benefit. In fact, the cost of using Telehealth for illnesses is the company’s preferred choice and they offer us significant cost savings for utilizing the service when we are sick. You can enter your insurance information when you enroll with Amwell, and they’ll let you know if they are able to accept it at that time.
Know a new or expecting mother that could use some Breastfeeding Support and Lactation Consultant Services in the privacy of their home? Be sure to refer them to my post highlighting how Amwell can meet their needs.
This post was sponsored by Amwell when originally written, all thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own. Be sure to “Like” Amwell on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Don’t forget to also visit the Amwell Website and download the Amwell App to use the service on the go!
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