After the pandemic, the healthcare industry is going through rapid technological changes. Patients are introduced to a new facet of medical service, i.e. online consultations. Pre-COVID, no one even thought of booking an appointment with a doctor through online platforms. They used to visit the clinics or hospitals for a face-to-face discussion. This posed major restraints for patients who lived in far-off places.
The whole idea of online consultation is to bring doctors and patients together for better access to healthcare facilities. After the pandemic, patients mostly prefer reaching out to top healthcare providers through video or phone.
Still, there are some patients who ponder over the fact whether they should opt for an online consultation or an in-person visit. It is to be noted that each method has its distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Here, we will have a comparison between the two and understand which one option is suitable to address your disorders. Before that, we will discuss the key details of online consultation.
What is an online doctor consultation?
Online doctor consultation refers to accessing medical care and facilities through digital technology by using essential applications such as mobile, desktop and other software. The main aim of online consultation is to make health services accessible to all irrespective of location. To seek treatment, patients are not required to leave their homes. They can contact top providers with just a few clicks.
Comparison of online consultation & in-person visits
Now, let’s have a look at the advantages of both methods.
Pros of online consultation
Convenience: Convenience is a major advantage of online consultations. As a patient, you are not required to travel or wait for your turn to talk with your doctor about the discomfort. Most of the time, it becomes challenging for patients with chronic conditions to have frequent visits to the chamber.
Accessibility: There are places in rural areas where medical facilities are hardly available. So, online consultation is a boon for patients living in those areas. They can easily get in touch with specialists through video conference or simply call.
More confidential: At times, discussing specific problems might seem uncomfortable for patients. For instance, women might be a bit conscious while discussing gynaecological issues or men also hesitate to talk about sexual problems. In both cases, online consultation provides the added advantage of open communication with your doctor without facing any kind of embarrassment.
No risk of infections: With online consultation, you don’t have a risk of getting exposed to infections. In a clinic or hospital, there are many patients with different disorders. So, you have a higher chance of transmission of contagious diseases.
Pros of in-person doctor visit
Easy medications: When a patient visits the doctor directly, it leads to a detailed examination. Your doctor will examine you thoroughly to understand your system. For example, he will check your pressure, and pulse rate as well as look for some physical cues for a more accurate prediction.
Connection with the doctor: By having a face-to-face conversation, you can easily build a good bond with your doctor, fostering a personal connection.
Which one is better?
To determine which one is the better choice depends upon your medical condition and severity. If you need immediate attention, it is always better to go for an online doctor consultation. Ultimately, the choice between the two entirely depends upon your requirements, ensuring that you receive the best care.
