Since the 2020 pandemic, the concept of working from home has taken the world by storm. While remote positions have been around for a long time, they never entirely dominated the job market as they do now. Some people love the ability to work at home as it allows more flexibility, a curated space to work, and the ability to work from anywhere in the world. However, for others, working remotely brings its own challenges, such as isolation, enhanced distractions, and the inability to speak to people face to face.
This is all to say that there are advantages and disadvantages to being in the same room as someone else when it comes to sharing information. This is true in the workplace, and it’s true when it comes to your healthcare. So how can you know when is the right time to see your doctor via telemedicine versus in person?
Telemedicine
There are some issues that a doctor can identify and treat from a mile away, literally. For example, were you ever pretty certain you had a basic cold, went all the way to the doctor for them to tell you that you had a basic cold, and then went to the store and picked up some cold medicine that made you feel better the next day? While it can be beneficial to get a doctor’s advice just to be safe, when it comes to non-emergency medical issues like routine check-ups, minor illnesses, or renewing prescriptions, telemedicine can be a great option.
If you are a generally healthy person who rarely needs medical attention outside of minor illnesses, having access to telemedicine services can be a great advantage. Removing the step of having to go see the doctor in person can be a great relief for those looking for a simple fix to a basic problem.
In Person
In the recent 2022 film Ambulance, an EMT who has been taken hostage in an ambulance has to perform emergency abdominal surgery on a person who has been shot in the spleen. To do this, she is given instructions by actual surgeons over a computer video call. As they shout instructions at her, the computers eventually lose power leaving her to finish the operation on her own, which she ultimately does successfully.
Let’s start by acknowledging that this is one of the most ludicrous situations someone could conceive. However, it can also be used as a clear example of why there are some situations where you really want to have the expert in the room with you. If you have a broken bone, punctured organ, or need a physical diagnosis, seeing a doctor in person makes much more sense for your well-being. This allows a doctor to properly understand the cause, see the extent of the damage, and offer a more cohesive solution to get you back on your feet.
While all this may seem obvious, you’d be surprised by what your brain says you can fix after watching too many movies.
Telemedicine is an incredible technology that is extremely useful in the proper context. However, it can never truly replace the value of getting in-person advice from a medical expert, especially regarding unusual or emergency physical injuries. At AgentLink, we want to make sure that you have the right coverage for you, keeping in mind your medical history. You may find that some of your appointments would serve better as a telemedicine call! Questions about what is covered with your insurance? Contact us today!
