Are Online Doctors Any Good?
By: Deborah Palmer
What Is an Online Doctor?
Online doctors, telehealth, virtual visits, video visit although different names they essentially describe the same concept, medical care provided outside of the traditional brick and mortar doctors office. In light of a recent pandemic and ever growing time spent daily interacting online, from social media to emails and remote work from home it is evident that our interaction with technology is here to stay. The medical industry is evolving and digitizing, most everyone seems to have an EMR (electronic medical record) and patient portal. So it's not surprising that online doctors have gained traction over the last few years. Availability to an online doctors has allowed better access to care in areas that may have poor access to in person visits or for those patients who have difficulty, for whatever reason, making into the office for a visit. There is no replacement for a traditional office visit especially when a physical examination is needed, but there are areas that excel in this respect, take mental health care for example.
Online doctors have become popular, but you might have a lot of questions regarding online doctors. Although online doctors have become popular with the aim of providing better healthcare accessibility, there are restrictions.
Telehealth requirements
Policy changes during COVID-19 made it easier for those providing and receiving telehealth care, many of these policy changes were only temporary measures under the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration and are constantly changing. Telehealth policies and regulations are dictated by the individual state, during the pandemic many states allowed providers to deliver telehealth services across state lines.
How does an online doctor work?
Telehealth services allow access to professional medical advice in the comfort of your own home. Providers can choose to provide telehealth (phone or video visits) as part of the their regular office schedule, there are insurance regulations in regards to this. Additionally are specific telehealth companies that help connects doctors to patients through their platform. Once you setup your account, you will have the option of selecting the available provider or time based on your preferred preferences. Those who are new to the online care system should contact an agent via online contact. If your chosen online doctor is covered by your insurance you may input these data before confirming your appointment. Frequently Asked Question
What online services are available?
Primary care physicians and specialists in many areas of medicine now have incorporated some sort of virtual doctor service; patient portal messaging, telephone and video visits. The services vary greatly back on the online doctor you see. Online doctors can offer many of the same services as the medical provider you see for your in person appointments, but not all online healthcare professionals are created equal.
Common virtual services include primary care, urgent care, specialist consultations, chronic care follow-up, medication prescribing.
Mental health services has really flourished in the last few years, including psychiatry consultations and therapeutic services for individuals, couple and families.
What can online doctors treat?
The list of conditions that online doctor services treat is expansive. Medical care of minor illnesses and injuries, routine care, prevention are easily provided by telehealth.
How do online doctors treat & diagnose?
Online doctors work a little different than in-person consultations since the physical examination is limited; taking a good history is important and physical exam as appropriate. The ability to order further testing including labs and imaging studies or schedule a follow-up appointment or provide referrals is dependent on the provider or telehealth platform. You may be directed to seek further care in person when more information, testing, or further evaluation is needed.
Can online doctors prescribe medications?
Yes, online doctors are able prescribe medication, as appropriate.
Most doctors are able to send prescriptions electronically to your authorized pharmacy, unless there are restrictions on the kind of medication prescribed. Online doctors can prescribe medications that including antibiotics, antivirals, prednisone, inhalers, topical creams.
Certain medications that you may need to inquire about before you see an online doctor; these commonly include anxiety/depression medications, pain medication, sedatives, muscle relaxants, medications for erectile dysfunction, birth control, injectable medications. These medications usually require routine follow-up thus your primary care doctor or mental health provider is usually the one that should fill these medications.
Controlled substances?
Controlled substances are closely regulated, these medications include medications for pain and sedatives. Many online doctor platforms don't prescribe any controlled substances.
Prescription refills?
In some instances an online doctors may prescribe medication refills depending on the medication for specific condition. Refills will be for short supply unless ongoing care in provided by a licensed physician on the platform.
Scheduling an appointment with an online doctor
Most online doctor service allow you to schedule an appointment via phone or online.
First you will need to create an account and complete some basic questionaries include medial history, current medication, allergies. You will have an electronic medical record created, similar to your doctors office, which keeps your medical information securely accessible to both you and your provider. Depending on the platform your provider may be able to access noted from previous visits also. If your chosen online doctor that is covered by your insurance you will have to input your insurance information or payment method prior to the visit.
Once you setup an account, you will have the option of selecting the available provider or time based on your preferred preferences. When it's time for your online doctor appointment you will have to check in online and you will normally wait in a "virtual" waiting room until the doctor is ready to start your visit.
Where can I find a good online doctor?
If telemedicine is something your current doctor or specialist already offers, great, look no further! Unfortunately, it isn't always that easy to get into see a doctors, even your own primary care physician.
When looking for an alternative healthcare provider for urgent or ongoing care, doing homework is essential. Check out online doctors reviews. You want to see someone with the appropriate medical and state licensing, certification and compliance with all HIPAA requirements to ensure your privacy.
Check out our previous blog about how to choose a good doctor for you and your family.
Wait times?
One of the big selling point for telehealth is quick availability of an online doctor. Many companies offer same-day appointment booking and minimum waiting times. Most of the time you can schedule an appointment for your preferred visit time similar to your regular doctor office. Many telehealth companies provide access to video and phone consultations 24 hours a day, allowing unlimited access to care.
Online doctor cost?
The cost of online doctors visits are dependent on lots of factors, including what platform you use, your condition, do they accept your health insurance. If they don't take your insurance ask about what the cost would be if you self-pay. Flexible spending (FSA) and health savings account (HSA) should be able to be used to pay for services that may be out of network, but ask your insurance company to be certain.
Freedom Doctors accepts anyone regardless of their health insurance, call to inquire about pricing today.
Is an online doctor right for you?
At minimum you need to have access to reliable phone and/or internet connection. If you cannot access in person care for whatever reason (inability to leave work, transportation issue, difficulty with child care, etc..) accessing an online doctors can be a good choice for you
When is an online doctor not the right choice?
Telehealth is not intended for emergency calls; concern for heart attack, stroke, breathing difficulties, call 911 or proceed immediately to the emergency room. Check out our previous blog on when the emergency room is the right place to be.
Pros vs. Cons of online doctors:
Pros:
Doctor on demand
Speak with someone much more qualified at answering your health concerns than Dr. Google
Certain specialities really thrive in the online work, such as behavioral health care, since often times a physical exam in not needed
Same and next day appointments may be more generally available
Cons:
Lack of medical records including previous care plans, labs, imaging and specialist notes
Limited physical examination, for certain conditions an in person visit is required
Limited primary care services, inability to complete comprehensive annual exams
Lack of access to in office testing
Final verdict
Telemedicine isn't going anywhere anytime soon, online doctors have their role, but it is important to understand the limitations.
Ensure that you're seeing a doctor your trust or a company with a good reputation; ensure any medical provider is licensed and board-certified in the field they are practicing in and that they are able to provide care in the state where you are in at the time of the visit.
Other topics you’re interested in hearing about send us an email. Contact Us.