Virtual appointments benefit both health and patients. More healthcare providers are offering to “see” patients by computer and smartphone. In a virtual appointment, a doctor videoconferences with a patient or client remotely.
The benefits of virtual appointments and other virtual care tools include:
1. Less exposure to diseases
Conducting virtual visits can reduce the incidence of healthcare-associated infections. Remote appointments have been shown to help limit the spread of disease or viruses through clients and care providers. This is especially true during flu season, health pandemics, or a situation where a client has a compromised immune system.
2. Better patient care
With virtual visits, patients can address health concerns and learn about treatment options in minutes. Studies have shown that adding virtual visits to any health care strategy improves the quality of care for patients and overall health by improving timeliness of care. Virtual tours are also especially helpful in managing common chronic conditions.
3. Profitable
Virtual appointments save a lot of time and reduce overall costs for both patients and healthcare providers. According to one report, increased use of virtual care could mean billions in healthcare savings in the US and Canada.
4. There is no time to travel or wait
With virtual visits, patients don’t need to worry about finding transportation or guessing how long they spend in a waiting room, and doctors don’t need to worry about running late.
5. Fewer missed or late appointments
The risk of missing appointments is much lower with virtual visits, as patients do not need to travel or deal with any factors that would cause them to be late or miss an appointment. Wait times for appointments are also reduced as professionals can streamline their workflow. Virtual tours have been shown to significantly reduce the number of missed appointments and help keep appointments on time.
6. Flexible appointments
Virtual appointments, compared to traditional office appointments, provide much more flexibility for patients and providers. Doctors can see more patients than they would normally be able to see in a conventional office, and patients can also make last-minute appointments on short notice or planning.
7. Less need for childcare
With virtual tours, parents with young children don’t need to worry about coordinating and paying for childcare. Studies have shown that remote controls with healthcare providers help improve access to healthcare and lower the cost spent on childcare.
8. Stronger patient-provider relationship
Your patients may feel more confident talking about their personal health in a virtual appointment than in a traditional office. In a recent study, participants noted that they felt more comfortable talking to their doctors within the privacy of their personal space.
Related Notes:
How to know if COVID-19 affected the sexual performance of the patient?
Experts warn that 30% of those killed by COVID were diabetics
No symptoms? Signs that someone may have had COVID-19