Try our new Telemedicine service for even greater time savings.
Not feeling well? Limited on time? Not looking forward to braving the weather when you’re sick? Then Telemedicine is your answer! Set up an appointment to speak to one of our providers over the phone.
Telemedicine is today’s advancing medical technology. It’s defined as the practice of medicine occurring when the patient and his/her health care provider are widely separated using two-way voice and visual communication to improve a patient’s health. Telemedicine is a cost-effective and time-effective solution for both the patient and the provider – saving money for you, the patient!
Widely Accepted and Growing
Today, states throughout the country continue to advance telemedicine by adopting new laws and policies to improve physician access to patients. For example, in New York, the law does not dictate where the provider or member must be located to provide or receive telemedicine; it only mandates the doctor and patient be in different places. Similarly, with regard to Medicaid product lines, the provider must be located in New York and the patient can be in his or her home, at the office, or in another temporary location in or outside of New York.
In 2017 research firm Markit estimated that telemedicine visits in the United States would increase from 23 million to 105 million by 2022. An in-person visit is always recommended, but today’s busy schedules and commuting times demand an alternative. Telemedicine can provide patients with fast and quality healthcare services needed for them to begin feeling better the same day. Imagine getting your illness answers in less time than it takes to drive home from your doctor!
The healthcare benefits of using telemedicine are many: same-day physician communication, lowered visit costs, time savings, and seamless follow-up for patients. The Alliance for Connected Care study found that in 2014 less than 1 in 5 telemedicine patients needed follow-up and patients on average were saving $126.00 for a telemedicine visit with a provider verses an in-person office visit with a provider.
As patients begin to utilize telemedicine more and more, it becomes more affordable. Plus, it results in less crowded waiting rooms, shorter wait times, and less exposure to other individuals who may be contagious.
When to Consider Telemedicine
Telemedicine is recommended for patients who are fighting mild illnesses. For example, if you are questioning whether your illness is viral or bacterial and if you need an antibiotic, a telemedicine consultation with one of our providers will be able to provide you with further instructions on your healthcare.
Here are some examples of medical conditions where telemedicine is a great alternative: allergies, arthritis, asthma, respiratory infections, bronchitis, headaches, sinus infections, common cold, flu, sore throats, heartburn, low-grade fever, diarrhea or constipation, nausea, vomiting, topical infections, insect bite(s), rashes, sprained or strained joints, sports injury(s), bladder infections, urinary tract infections, eye infections, pink eye, and multiple other mild illnesses.
You may be reluctant to have a “doctor visit” via the phone, but after a few virtual visits, you will see that it can be just as effective as seeing your doctor in person, in most cases.
When NOT to Use Telemedicine
Telemedicine should never be used during any type of emergency. Shortness of breath, chest pains, high-grade fever or any other serious injury are all conditions that need an in-person visit with a doctor. Appointments for occupational examinations like DOT or CDL physicals, school physicals, x-rays, immunizations, and other similar services still require an in-person visit with a doctor at your local UrgentWay location.
If at any time you feel your condition is an emergency, call 911 immediately!
If you are ill and you believe a phone consultation will provide the diagnosis and treatment you need, click on UrgentWay’s Telemedicine Access link below to enter our virtual waiting room for your next visit and start feeling better today.
