Being part of the delivery of medical care at Absolute Urgent Care, I can tell you from my experience that a major change is taking place in the delivery of medical care. The rather noteworthy increase in the use of telehealth especially in our Gainesville and Providence communities has been quite a talking point. I want to share with you some information about telehealth and in-person visits so that you can be able to identify what would be to your advantage when choosing your health.
What is Telehealth?
The term telehealth is used to refer to a type of healthcare service that can be offered at a distance through the use of digital technologies. At Absolute Urgent Care, we have taken technology into our hands so that people can get medical care in a more convenient and easy manner. Basically, the telehealth procedure consists of video conferences with physicians, telephone calls, or the exchange of secure messages.
Benefits of Telehealth
- Convenience: Access care from the comfort of your home
- Time-saving: No travel or waiting room time
- Reduced exposure: Minimizes risk of contagious illnesses
- Increased access: Especially beneficial for rural patients
- Limitations of Telehealth
- Physical examinations are usually limited
- Some patients may have difficulties using technological devices
- Some of the cases are not suitable for telehealth
Traditional In-Person Visits
Direct physical visits are closely interlinked with medical care through millennia. At Absolute Urgent Care, we continue to provide this traditional medical care service in combination with the telehealth service.
Advantages of In-Person Visits
- Complete physical examinations
- Direct interaction between the patient and the doctor
- Immediate diagnostic tests and treatments
- Especially good for severe or complex illnesses
Drawbacks of In-Person Visits
- Slow (traveling and waiting time)
- There is also a risk of exposure to other illnesses
- Patients with difficulty of movement may get hindered to come to the clinic
Comparing Telehealth and In-Person Visits
Accessibility
One of the reasons why telehealth is becoming more and more popular is that it is a great tool to reach out to people who are far away or who are having difficulties with transportation. For the patients in Gainesville and Providence, particularly those who live in remote areas or have transportation problems, the telehealth service of Absolute Urgent Care is their lifeline to medical care. However, highly specialized medical services still remain inevitable for cases that need a physical touch or lack the necessary technology for virtual visits.
Quality of Care
Although telehealth has really rolled a long way off, visits in person still provide the most excellent care for several diseases. Absolute Urgent Care is of the opinion that we should abide by high-quality medical drug in the two formats. However, some diagnoses and treatments simply demand an in-person touch.
Cost Considerations
Telehealth is, in general, much less costly than an ordinary doctor’s appointment because there are fewer expenses for the doctor’s office. Nonetheless, having telehealth as insurance often works out and cost savings can be directly transferred to patients. It is always suggested to consult your insurance provider in regard to the telehealth coverage. We at Absolute Urgent Care have made clear and disclosed costs to both Telehealth and in-person facility visits at our place.
When to Choose Telehealth
Based on my experience at Absolute Urgent Care, here are the situations where telehealth is most suitable:
- Simple conditions such as colds, flu, or allergies
- Therapy over mental health
- Follow-up appointments
- Medication management
- Review of test results
When In-Person Visits are Necessary
At Absolute Urgent Care, we guide our patients to choose in-person visits for the following cases:
- Physical injuries that need to be examined up close
- Managing long-term illnesses
- Diagnostic tests and imaging
- Pounnaciones and other procedures
- Emergency situations
The Future of Healthcare: A Hybrid Approach
At Absolute Urgent Care, we are orientated towards a hybrid model that is a combination of the best of one and the other. This way, we get to provide the individualized care needed by each patient according to his/her preference.
Integrating Telehealth and In-Person Care
We are busy working on ways to incorporate telehealth and in-person visits seamlessly. For example, a patient maybe has an initial telehealth consultation, goes for tests in the clinic and then follows up on the same type of service via telecommunication.
Technology Advancements
Advances in the newest technologies are closing the gap between telehealth and in-person care. We at Absolute Urgent Care have been considering various possibilities like a remote monitoring and data transmission device such as x-ray which can take accurate readings during the telehealth consultations.
Making the Right Choice for Your Health
In the final analysis, the choice between telehealth and in-person visits depends on various things. These are the questions I would advise our Gainesville and Providence patients to put to themselves:
- Should the condition, you have be taken into account in terms of its peculiarities, and the severity affect the decision?
- Have I ever used any technological devices or programs that can help me and would I feel comfortable using them?
- Can my schedule fit this option or do I have a transportation service available for my convenience?
- What would my healthcare provider tell me to do
Preparing for Your Visit
Telehealth Visit Preparation
For you to make the most of your telehealth visit at Absolute Urgent Care, do the following before the visit:
- Make sure you have a stable internet connection that won’t be interrupted.
- Look for a nice and cozy well-bright battery.
- Test your gadget. See if the camera and microphone are clear and audible.
Moreover, you should prepare yourself with a list of questions to ask the doctor regarding the symptoms and be ready to give definite information about your medical history while at it. Make sure you have a thermometer and any other devices you may need to measure your temperature and blood pressure.
In-Person Visit Preparation
For in-person visits to Absolute Urgent Care:
- Bring with you at least a list of current medications
- Put on a casual and comfortable style
- Come to the medical office where you have arranged an appointment some minutes earlier so that you can fill your paperwork intended for the visit.
- Also, bring with you any medical records or any test results relating to your case that you may have.
Our earnest goal at Absolute Urgent Care is to provide top medical care to our Gainesville and Providence patients, no matter whether it is through telehealth or in-person operations. Both options have their place in modern healthcare with the preference for either of them depending on respective individuals and situations.
And don’t forget, regardless of whether you decide to have an online consultation, or not, the specialist from Absolute Urgent Care will make your visit productive and comfortable. Above all, your health and welfare are of the utmost importance to us and we are bent on offering the most effective solution to all of your health care needs.
