What is your view on Telehealth / virtual doctor appointments?

[sportsman_MD]

I’m curious what the majority on a site like this think.

It is impossible to examine a patient thoroughly and accurately through a screen, but I do see the benefit if the patient has already been examined in person and continues to be seen regularly for the same issue. I think requiring that a patient’s first two appointments with the specialist be in person would be better. If there are no new issues then Telehealth / virtual appointments would be understandable.

I’m all for virtual appointments.

I don’t believe it’s as beneficial and is even more of a risk.

[Beckybooboo]

It's pointless. If they've been hospitalized, insurance usually requires you to give a "hands on" examination within 7 or 10 days. If they don't make that appointment, they're either reschedule or on their own... They're always welcome to call, which we encourage but regular, in person, appointments are to be kept. Whether every 3, 6 or 12 months.

[Nikki1989]

I don't like them. I would rather have a face-to-face conversation.

[NoDecision]

That's nice but sometimes it takes weeks to get an appointment.

[sportsman_MD]

@Nikki1989 Care to specify why?

[Nikki1989]

I don't trust doctors enough to give a credible diagnosis in a video chat.

[sportsman_MD]

Very valid. I don't believe anyone should be diagnosed through a video chat because the patient can't be examined properly.

[msc545]

In my specialty, I frequently encounter this situation, and I believe that even though I may miss some details, the impact is far less significant than if the patient hadn't come in at all. This often occurs due to the city's heavy traffic. Some information is better than none.

[sportsman_MD]

Yeah, the negative is that if something happens with the limited information you have afterward you might be at fault / responsible.

[msc545]

Good point and very true, unfortunately.

[msc545]

Thanks for MHO

[exitseven]

insurance companies just want to save money.

[sportsman_MD]

Yeah, we could write a book on this. lol

[exitseven]

a very fat book.

[exitseven]

Thanks for the MHO😎

[Static_In_The_Attic]

A doctor is a doctor & as for me when it comes to being seen I want to be seen face to face & not through a camera lens or phone call.

[NathanDavis]

I wouldn't trust that, would prefer it to be an actual and thorough assessment and appointment

[seeyounexttuesday]

I’m in total support of them. By the time you’re grown you kinda know your body. You can tell if you have a sinus infection, or other minor illnesses. Not worth the hassle to wait for an in-person doctor appointment.