For some people, seeing their doctor from the comfort of their own home has made accessing care easier. But, for others, the lack of in-person care makes managing their health difficult.

Telemedicine is unlikely to go away. As a patient, you need to know how to get the most out of virtual visits and when an in-person visit might be the way to go.

Pros of telemedicine

•  Fast and flexible access to care

•  Decreased exposure to other ill patients

•  No need to leave home when dealing with a minor illness or concern

•  Less time spent driving

•  Ease of follow-up for existing health issues

•  Less time lost at work

Cons of telemedicine

•  Insurance may not cover video visits; check your plan carefully

•  Not everyone has access to technology

•  Diagnosing a new condition may not be possible over video

•  Challenges in monitoring vital signs, like blood pressure, etc.

•  Loss of meaningful relationship with healthcare providers

•  Important symptoms may get missed

Get the most from telemedicine

•  Check your technology set-up in advance.

•  Keep your doctor’s phone number handy in case you get disconnected.

•  Write down a list of symptoms and questions.

•  Write down measurements your doctor may need (height, weight, blood pressure, etc.).

•  Have your medication list on-hand.

•  Choose a quiet room where you won’t be interrupted.

•  Be on time.

•  If your doctor recommends any tests or follow-ups, make those appointments right away.

When in-person is best

Not every situation is right for a telemedicine visit. Here are times when in-person may be recommended:

•  Pediatric visits

•  Emergency situations

•  Yearly physicals

•  Situations where a physical exam is needed