Are you worried about going to the doctor’s office right now? If so, you’re not alone. With experts telling us to stay home during the pandemic, many doctors’ offices have reported seeing fewer patients recently.

If you’re among those worried about going out, or just hate the hassle of going to the doctor, there is an alternative. Telemedicine could be just what you need to get medical advice without sitting in an actual doctor’s office.

But what is telemedicine exactly? Read on to find out.

What Is Telemedicine?

So what is telemedicine? Telemedicine is simply a way to speak to a doctor using a telephone or video conference call software — like Skype or Zoom.

Through telemedicine, patients can ask their doctor questions and describe symptoms without having to physically be with the doctor. Through video, patients can even show their doctor any problems or issues, just as if they were in person.

What Are the Benefits of Telemedicine?

There are many benefits to using telemedicine. First and foremost, telemedicine can allow patients to avoid getting medical attention without having to go out during the pandemic.

This is so important because people who think they might have COVID-19 will probably be in that doctor’s office and waiting room to talk about their symptoms. If you’re trying to avoid coronavirus, the doctor’s office can feel like the last place you want to go.

Second, telemedicine is great for people who don’t have easy access to transportation or don’t live near their doctor.

Through telemedicine, people who can’t drive and people who live in rural areas don’t have to worry about finding a way to get to the doctor. Telemedicine can bring the doctor to them.

Third, telemedicine provides a way to see the doctor for those who have to work while their doctor’s office is open. With telemedicine, you don’t have to worry about taking time off to travel to the office and then sit in the waiting room for an unknown amount of time.

Instead, you can speak with your doctor during a lunch break or even after hours, depending on what options are provided for telemedicine.

Lastly, telemedicine is not a new, unreliable practice. Telemedicine has actually been around for decades, and doctor’s offices will use a telemedicine consultant to improve this part of their practice.

If you decide to use telemedicine, you can feel confident that you will be provided with excellent care.

Should You Use Telemedicine?

If you need to talk to a doctor, but are afraid of going out in the pandemic, telemedicine might be right for you. If you are unable to go to the doctor’s office during work hours or just hate sitting in the waiting room, telemedicine may also be right for you.

What is telemedicine? Basically, telemedicine is a convenient way to get medical advice without having to leave your home. If you’re interested in this, look to see if your doctor provides telemedicine as an option for care.

Do you have more questions? Find more answers by checking out our other articles.