At Matthews Internal Medicine, we want to help our patients even when they can’t get to our office. That’s why we’ve begun offering virtual appointments, also known as telehealth services. Telehealth services can be used to help patients with a number of ailments, including some that might surprise you. There are actually some benefits to this type of virtual appointment as well, so don’t just write it off as some temporary gimmick.
How Telehealth Services Can Be Used
Treat Cold, Sore Throat, or Cough
Many mild colds or coughs don’t require a physical trip to the office. In a telehealth visit we can ask some screening questions to rule out more severe conditions or seasonal issues like allergies, and if you need more assistance with a serious health issue we can move forward from there.
Skin Conditions
Due to improvements in video technology, it’s easier than ever for doctors to evaluate skin conditions during a virtual appointment. Your internist can see if a condition is getting worse and if a trip into the office is necessary.
Hypertension
An in-home sphygmomanometer can sync up with a doctor’s virtual care platform and give your physician the info that they need about your blood pressure. Alternatively, your doctor can simply see your readings on a video call.
Post-Surgery Follow-Ups
Traveling after surgery can be a pain, but a telehealth appointment can be sufficient for some types of post-surgery follow-ups. Your doctor can see how you’re doing while you relax at home.
Benefits
Less Stress
Virtual appointments can also offer patients some big benefits. For one, they can be less stressful than an in-person appointment. You don’t have to worry about driving to an office, finding parking, or stewing in a waiting room. You can talk to a medical professional from the comfort of your own home.
Less Chance of Disease Spread
Many colds and diseases are contagious, so telehealth appointments can stop you from spreading or catching something. This is especially important when there’s a pandemic, like COVID-19, where social distancing measures are a must. A virtual appointment can allow you to contact your doctor while keeping you and others safer.
Better Care for Patients in Remote Areas
Telehealth medicine can also be a game changer for patients who live in remote areas. If the closest doctor to you is an hour or more away, you might not make medical appointments a priority due to the sheer inconvenience. Virtual appointments solve that problem and make it easier for people to get the medical advice and guidance they need, no matter where they are.
More Comfort for Patients
Some patients might be more comfortable at home than they are in a doctor’s office. A telehealth appointment might be preferable for many, especially when it comes to services like talk therapy.
No Worries About Child or Elder Care
If you care for children or an older relative, going to a doctor’s office can require the help of another caregiver. If finding one isn’t always an easy option for you, a virtual appointment can allow you to get the medical attention you need without leaving any vulnerable family members without care.
Patients Can Recover at Home
One of the best things about telehealth medicine is that it can allow patients to recover from various ailments or surgeries at home, without a need for travel or added stress. Doctors can check in with their patients with a quick video chat and keep them on a path to recovery.
Whether you’re interested in telehealth appointments or you want to come into our office yourself, we’re ready to help you! Contact Matthews Internal Medicine at (704) 750-2329 today!