podcast tracking

Telemedicine vs In-Person Appointment: What to Schedule

How do you know when you should go to a telemedicine vs in-person appointment? We’ve got the answers in our latest blog.

Telemedicine is more popular than ever. But there’s definitely a time and a place for in-person medical appointments too. So, telemedicine vs in-person? How do you know what type of appointment to schedule?

Here’s what to consider.

Telemedicine vs In-Person Appointment: What Do You Need?

So, you’re feeling under the weather, and you need to see a doctor. Do you schedule a telemedicine appointment, or do you go into your doctor’s rooms?

When it comes to deciding between telehealth vs in-person doctor appointments, it might seem tricky to know which is best for your situation. But unless you need to give blood or urine samples, have testing done, or if an in-person diagnosis is required, then telemedicine appointments will be sufficient.

Doctors can actually do a lot during a virtual consult. Here’s when to book a telemedicine appointment.

When to Book a Telemedicine Appointment

Getting examined by your healthcare provider via video chat is especially important if you suspect you have COVID – unless your symptoms get worse, and you start to experience shortness of breath, dry cough, and a fever. Then it’s best to go in.

Online consultations can cover a number of common illnesses and injuries, including:

  • Fevers
  • Rashes
  • Colds & flu
  • Aches & pains
  • Minor musculoskeletal injuries
  • Infections such as pink eye or strep throat
  • Uncomplicated urinary tract infections
  • Allergies and sinus problems
  • Annual wellness visits
  • Anxiety
  • Chronic conditions for established patients on a recurring schedule
  • Constipation
  • Depression
  • Diabetes
  • Follow-up consultation to imaging/lab work
  • Nausea & vomiting

It is also possible for your doctor to prescribe or refill medications during a telemedicine appointment. 

Some specialists also accept telemedicine appointments for routine follow-ups and check-ins, although these aren’t advised when there are emerging symptoms.

When to Book an In-Person Appointment

There are times when in person appointments are best. Instances include:

  • A possible (or known) broken limb
  • A laceration that requires stitches
  • Abdominal pain
  • Shortness of breath or chest pain
  • Severe difficulty breathing

So, the next time you need an acute diagnosis or treatment, a wellness exam, or just a routine check-up, consider a telemedicine visit. 

Not only does it save time and money, but it also allows you to speak candidly about personal issues in a safe space.


FAQs

What is Air Doctor?

Air Doctor connects travelers to local private doctors if they fall ill abroad, preventing unnecessary and potentially expensive hospital visits. Travelers are put in touch with the most appropriate doctor for their needs to set up either an online or in-person consultation. 

The Air Doctor app connects travelers to a global network of over 20,000 professional medical practitioners, including GPs, pediatricians, dentists, ophthalmologists, dermatologists, gynecologists, and orthopedic specialists, spanning 74 countries. 

Is the Air Doctor App Free?

It depends. 

If you’re insured with of our partner insurance companies you might be eligible for a completely cashless process, or a co-payement may be required. Even if your insurance provider isn’t partnered with Air Doctor, your policy might cover telemedicine anyway – if you are unsure, you should contact your insurance provider. 

Uninsured patients who wish to make use of Air Doctor, don’t need to pay anything, since a commission is deducted from the consultation fee you pay your doctor. 

Does Air Doctor Work with Insurers?

Yes, Air Doctor partners with some of the biggest insurance providers across the globe, including: The Phoenix, IRIS Global, Allianz Partners, ERGO Spain, ERGO Germany, and De Goudse.

Share

Jenny Cohen Drefler

Jenny Cohen Derfler

Air Dr CEO & Co-Founder

Jenny is the CEO and one of the Co-Founders at Air Doctor. She spent more than 20 years at Intel, most recently as general manager of its manufacturing facility in Israel and before that in various engineering and manufacturing roles in Silicon Valley. Air Doctor is her second startup having previously founded electric vehicle company ElectRoad.