Many of us are choosing to limit the number of places we go these days. Whether you’re trying to avoid the Covid variants still running rampant in our community or you have a weakened immune system that prevents you from leaving home, telemedicine offers you that option.
Telemedicine has evolved rapidly, especially since the pandemic began. It has become a truly amazing way to get excellent medical care. Dr. Alan Patterson explains more about how you can get great care without ever leaving your home.
Telemedicine is very similar to the experience of meeting with Dr. Patterson in the office. When you make a telemedicine appointment, you’ll get a link to download an app that will allow you to have a virtual meeting with Dr. Patterson.
Telemedicine allows you to have a video conference with your doctor. You can see everything the doctor says and he can see you, too. You have real-time audio as well.
In short, it really is virtually the same experience as being in the office with Dr. Patterson, with the limitation that he can’t physically examine you.
Telemedicine is gaining a lot of popularity for several good reasons. Some of the reasons that telemedicine is getting more popular include:
Even if you have excellent insurance, seeing a doctor can be quite expensive. Telemedicine consults typically cost less, which reduces the amount that you have to pay out of pocket. Saving money is always a good thing, but it can also increase the amount of care that you receive.
If you need to see the doctor, you probably need to block out some time for it. Even though we try to get patients in and out of the office quickly, you still have to allow time for driving to and from our office. Having a telemedicine visit means that you just see the doctor and then you’re done and can go ahead with the rest of your day.
Many patients don’t have insurance or have limited access because of high deductibles. Because telemedicine is cheaper, it makes it easier to access care if you don’t have insurance or if you have a high-deductible insurance plan.
Many patients have to deal with child care to come into the office. Sometimes, finding child care is a real challenge, and the alternative of bringing young children with you doesn’t seem any more pleasant. When you have appointments by telemedicine, this isn’t a worry. You can even schedule appointments during your child’s nap time.
Telemedicine has its limitations, of course. Some things simply can’t be treated without an in-person consultation. However, many situations can be addressed adequately by telemedicine. Among them include:
Many conditions that would ordinarily require a visit to the doctor can be addressed by telemedicine.
If you have any of the concerns that we can treat by telemedicine, you should try it for your next visit with Dr. Alan Patterson. You may discover that you actually love the convenience it offers. Contact him or request an appointment online.
