How Online Doctor Visits Make Healthcare Easier to Obtain

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In the last few years, advances in video conferencing have made it possible for many traditionally physical services to be offered virtually. Healthcare is one of the biggest industries to take advantage of the video boom, with virtual doctor visits gaining in popularity.

There are a number of healthcare apps offering online doctor visits, including Amwell, Health Tap, Doctor on Demand and Insta Doc (compare Amwell and Health Tap, or any combination of apps, on our compare page). While virtual doctor visits may be a little more complicated to deliver than other virtual services — both patient and service must be using a reliable connection and the service must be HIPAA compliant — there are huge benefits to using a virtual healthcare service. In this article, we’ll explore those benefits and the companies that are changing the face of healthcare as we know it.

Peace of Mind and Expertise

When you book a virtual doctor visit, there is no need to worry about security or experience as virtual doctors and the platforms they work through have these elements in abundance. However, before working with any online doctor service it is important to ensure that it complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This will ensure that all personal data you divulge or that is collected from you digitally is kept private and secure.

Easier Prescription Process

Obtaining a prescription from your regular doctor can sometimes be a time-consuming process. With a virtual doctor service, on the other hand, your prescription can be sent to you remotely and can be processed at any pharmacy near you. It should be noted that at the time of writing some states prohibit the processing of remote prescriptions and that virtual doctors will not usually prescribe medication that requires an examination in person.

Cost Effective and Convenient

The great news is that most online doctor services accept most forms of health insurance. This allows patients to receive a visit at an affordable rate or free of charge. They also offer a cost-effective solution for patients who do not have health insurance.

Virtual doctor appointments are also extremely convenient for the busy patient or the patient who has difficulty with mobility. Appointments can be made instantly face-to-face on a tablet, mobile phone or PC and the relevant advice or prescription given within moments.