It’s flu season, folks. And that means lots of trips to the doctor…or does it?
Telemedicine has exploded in popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic‚ but it’s by no means a recent invention. In fact, telehealth services predate the internet by almost a century: as early as 1879, doctors relied on telephone and radio1 to check in on their patients and provide care to those who lived long distances away.
Of course, the days of waiting rooms and hospital gowns aren’t over by any means. But the rise of telehealth has made healthcare more accessible to our community, helping us live healthier and fuller lives, both physically and mentally.
Here are a few other reasons to give virtual appointments a try:
It saves you money
Yes, it’s true—a phone or video appointment is much cheaper than a trip to your doctor or the closest urgent care. In fact, a 2021 SingleCare survey found that 62% of patients paid, on average, $1-30 out-of-pocket per telehealth visit. And your out-of-pocket fee isn’t the only way to save: you also won’t have to take time off work or pay for gas and parking.
It helps prevent the spread of illness
When you make a telehealth appointment, you save yourself from the exposure you’d otherwise get in a germy waiting room. It also allows healthcare workers to screen you for contagious illnesses and provide treatment without you having to leave home—further preventing community spread.
It’s more efficient & convenient
It can be difficult to fit a doctor’s or counseling appointment into our busy schedules. But with telehealth, you can be seen from the comfort and privacy of your home or office. No waiting around, no travel time, and faster care from your doctor (the average telehealth visit lasts between 13-15 minutes2 ). We call that a win-win-win.
It reduces barriers to care
For some, telehealth isn’t just convenient—it may be their only means for regular or specialist care. By improving access to these essential services, telemedicine gives residents of underserved areas better access to chronic disease prevention, counseling, mental health specialists, and more, improving their quality of life and reducing the need for hospital admissions and ER visits.
At Bloomer, we believe that better connections strengthen our communities. And we’re dedicated to providing you with fast, reliable internet service that lets you take advantage of telehealth services—and so much more.
If you have questions about your service or would like to sign up for fiber-fast internet, call our friendly local team at 715-568-4830. We are here and happy to help!
Sources
1Institute of Medicine, 2012
2American Well Telehealth Survey, 2017
