Find out how virtual visits can help you stay healthy while you’re stuck at home
Since we’ve been staying at home to flatten the curve, our lives — work, school, even happy hours — have gone virtual. So it’s no surprise that virtual medical appointments have seen a huge spike in popularity.
Telemedicine isn’t new, but it’s been utilized more than ever during this stressful time of quarantine and self-isolation. While virtual visits aren’t the answer to every medical problem, you might be surprised to learn that many conditions can be treated effectively from the comfort of your couch.
“Virtual visits allow us to address patients’ health concerns, safely and effectively. They’re especially important in this time of COVID-19,” says family medicine doctor Mark Rood, MD.
Never done a virtual visit? Dr. Rood explains how they work and what to expect.
Which medical conditions are suitable for virtual visits?
Getting examined by your healthcare provider via video chat is especially important if you’re experiencing milder symptoms of COVID-19. Staying home with your symptoms is the best way to avoid spreading the illness to healthcare providers or other patients. If you’re experiencing shortness of breath, dry cough and a fever, it’s best to seek in-person medical care.
Online, doctors are having consults with patients that cover a number of common illnesses and injuries. “We can treat lots of problems virtually,” says Dr. Rood.
These conditions include:
- Fevers.
- Rashes.
- Cold and flu.
- Aches and pains.
- Minor musculoskeletal injuries.
- Infections such as pink eye or strep throat.
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections. (Believe it or not!)