Visiting a doctor in person can be a very good idea, but there are also many benefits to getting a medical consultation online. You can get a better and safer diagnosis and treatment, while saving money. It can also help you prepare for a pandemic, since you’ll be able to see a doctor online, before you experience a disease.

Safer than visiting a doctor in person

Having a primary care physician is essential to the health of you and your family. However, with all the advances in technology, a virtual visit is not only feasible, but can be made on a moment’s notice. It may be even more convenient for patients who live in rural areas. Telemedicine is a big business. It is estimated that 30 to 40 percent of all in-person specialist visits could be replaced by telehealth consults. If the aforementioned tally is correct, it could save billions of dollars a year. Telemedicine services must adhere to HIPAA privacy rules.

As for the telehealth business model, it is no secret that many physicians do not embrace such practices. This may be due to a lack of technological acumen or simply a lack of desire to change the status quo. It is a good idea to call 911 if you suspect your family is in dire need of a medical consult.

Better than traditional physical consultations

Compared to the traditional physical consultation, the Online doctor version is not only convenient and less expensive, but is also safer. You can get a full body check up without the risk of a trip to the emergency room. And with the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the nation, the teleconsult has risen in popularity.

For those with less than stellar mobility, the online version is a godsend. In particular, for the elderly, this type of health service has the benefits of being convenient and cost-effective. Plus, they are great for those in need of an on-call doctor.

The most obvious reason for this is that most patients can’t afford the time or inclination to drive or take public transportation to the doctor. The online version allows for more one-on-one interaction with the physician and the patient. As a bonus, you are likely to get a full body checkup without having to leave your couch. The online version is also a good way to get your cholesterol checked without having to make the trip to the emergency room.

Cost-effective

Whether you’re feeling ill or in need of a medical consultation, online medical services can save you time, money, and stress. Online doctor services are a great way to get the care you need without having to travel, and they can also offer discounts to help reduce the cost.

Some doctors charge a nominal fee for a consultation, and others offer a discounted first visit. Online services also offer insurance plans and subscriptions, allowing you to save money over time.

During an online consultation, you can ask the doctor questions about lab reports and investigations. You can also receive a prescription, which you can then take to a pharmacy of your choice. In addition, many online doctor services don’t charge for additional patient monitoring after the consultation.

For patients who need to see a specialist, online consultations are an affordable option. A doctorate-level therapist can charge $120 for a 40-minute video appointment, and midwives can charge $20 for a 10-minute video appointment.

Pandemic preparedness

Despite their serious health, economic and social impact, major outbreaks of pandemic-causing diseases are not adequately prepared for in the global health community. A recent study conducted by a consortium of global health experts revealed that there is a need to improve the preparedness of the health workforce in the face of such outbreaks. The findings suggest that a greater focus on global health in health professional education needs to be added to the current strategy of preparedness.

One of the most important factors identified was the need to ensure that human resources for health are adequately accounted for in health policy and preparedness plans. A second finding was that there was a high demand for global health education, particularly amongst preclinical students. As such, there is a clear need for further strategic action.

There is also an ongoing global challenge in managing epidemic-prone diseases in the context of fragile states and conflict. The WHO’s Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB) has warned that epidemic-prone diseases are often difficult to control in these circumstances.