Is virtual care as good as in-person care?

Virtual care has become a popular way to receive healthcare, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. But many people may still wonder: Can a virtual doctor’s visit really be as good as seeing the doctor in person? The answer depends on your health needs. In many instances, virtual visits can be more effective than in-person visits, but for others, going to the doctor’s office may still be necessary. Let’s dive into how virtual care works, including when it’s a great option and when you may need to see your doctor face-to-face instead.

What is virtual care?

Virtual care, or telehealth, allows you to meet with your healthcare provider through a phone call or video chat instead of going to their office. It’s especially convenient for people who have difficulty getting to in-person appointments, such as older adults or those with chronic health conditions, or when you’re not feeling well. At the same time, virtual care provides flexibility for adults who are on the go or frequently travel. In both instances, convenience is what matters. 

A McKinsey & Company study found that telehealth use has surged to nearly 40 times what it was prior to the pandemic. Now that virtual care is mainstream, many people are left wondering: Is it as effective as in-person care? The answer may surprise you.

When virtual care is effective

For many healthcare needs, virtual visits work just as well as in-person visits. Here are some examples of when virtual care is highly effective:

1. Managing chronic conditions

If you have a chronic condition like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, you know how important it is to have regular check-ups. Virtual care makes it easy to have follow-up appointments from the comfort of your home or when you’re traveling. Your healthcare provider can check in on how you’re feeling, review your medications, take your blood pressure and even listen to your heart and lungs during a video visit.

A study in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that telehealth helped improve management of chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. It’s also easier to stay on track with your treatment plan when you can have more frequent check-ins without needing to travel to the doctor’s office. This makes it faster (and easier) to get answers to questions, share recent readings on things like your blood pressure or sugar levels, and talk about how you’re feeling if you recently added or changed any medications without waiting for an appointment that might be months away. 

2. Supporting your mental health

Mental health is an important part of our physical health, especially as we age. The two really cannot be separated from each other. Studies are very clear that addressing mental health issues gives us the best chance for improved physical health, greater life satisfaction, and longer lives in general.

Virtual visits are especially helpful for mental healthcare. Whether you need therapy, counseling, or a psychiatric consultation, virtual care works just as well as in-person visits for many people. In fact, many people find it easier to open up when they’re in the comfort of their own home. 

According to the American Psychological Association, teletherapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for treating conditions like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Virtual mental health care can be a lifeline, especially for those who may feel uncomfortable going to a therapist’s office, or who simply prefer the convenience of visits at home – or wherever they are.

3. Managing medications

For many people, keeping track of medications can be a challenge. Virtual care makes it easy to meet with your primary care provider to review your medications, discuss side effects, and make any necessary adjustments. This is particularly helpful for older adults who may be taking multiple medications and need regular reviews to avoid harmful drug interactions. Simply have all the medications and supplements you are taking handy and show them to your healthcare provider during your video visit. You can discuss what you’re taking and why, if the drug is working and / or you are experiencing side effects, and if the medication is even needed based on your health status and goals.

4. Preventive care and wellness check-ins

Routine check-ups and preventive care visits are an essential part of staying healthy. Many preventive services — like discussing nutrition, exercise, or quitting smoking — can be done effectively through virtual care. Virtual wellness check-ins also make it easier to get advice on how to stay healthy without needing to leave your home. And, these discussions can just as easily happen with your healthcare provider over the phone if you prefer that to a video visit.

5. Addressing minor health issues

If you have a minor illness or injury — like a cold, rash, or infection — virtual care can avoid delays and save you a trip to the doctor’s office. During a video visit, your healthcare provider can assess visible symptoms and recommend treatment. Many minor conditions can be easily diagnosed and treated through a virtual visit, without the need to go to an office or clinic. These visits may include a nurse who is with you at home while you meet with your primary care provider together via video. This way, you’ll get eyes-on, hands-on care at your convenience. If you’re sick and not feeling well – or don’t have transportation – a virtual visit can be especially helpful, particularly if you need to to be seen that day.

When in-person care is still needed

While virtual care is convenient and effective for many health needs, there are some situations where you may need to meet with your healthcare provider in person. Here’s when in-person care may be more effective:

1. Certain physical exams and hands-on procedures

For certain conditions, your healthcare provider may need to perform a hands-on exam – such as cleaning and dressing a wound or checking a lump or swelling – to look for issues that can’t be fully assessed and addressed over a video chat.

While these situations and others, including drawing blood, taking x-rays, or getting a shot can’t be done virtually, they can be done at home, with many service providers able to come to you at your convenience. Likewise, a nurse can visit you at home, and together, you can loop in your healthcare provider via a video visit to discuss symptoms and treatment, as well as answer questions. 

It can be hard to gauge when a health concern is an emergency. In the event of a life-threatening situation, such as a heart attack, stroke, or severe wound, call 911 immediately. Otherwise, first check in with your provider before you incur a potentially costly ambulance ride or visit to the emergency room. Instant access via telemedicine is great for understanding if something is a real emergency or not, as well as for starting treatment before a condition gets out of hand.

2. Comprehensive care

In-person visits are invaluable for providing comprehensive care, especially for older adults. These visits allow clinicians to observe nonverbal cues, assess physical mobility, and detect subtle health changes that might be missed in virtual appointments. In-person interactions also build a stronger patient-clinician relationship, creating a sense of trust and comfort that encourages open communication about health concerns. Additionally, physical exams provide an opportunity to evaluate things such as skin health, gait, and reflexes, all of which contribute to a well-rounded understanding of a patient's overall health. 

3. Mobility and home safety assessment 

We often hear from our patients that they want to stay independent and live at home as they age. In-person home visits allow their care team to work together to understand what it would take to meet this goal, whether it is anticipating home safety issues or addressing the need for mobility equipment such as a walker or shower chair.

Seeing patients in their home environment can help to determine if there are any safety issues or falls risks in the home, and allow the care team to get a feel for the general living conditions – including cleanliness, access to food and prescription medication management. If there are gaps, an in-home visit affords providers an opportunity to help address them. This wouldn’t be possible in a clinic or doctor’s office. 

How technology is making virtual care better

The technology used in virtual care has improved greatly, making it even more effective and accessible. Here are some examples of how tech is helping to bridge the gap between in-person and virtual visits:

Remote monitoring devices

You can easily monitor your health from home using devices that measure your blood pressure, blood sugar, heart rate, and more. These devices send real-time data to your doctor, allowing them to keep track of your health without needing to see you in person. Or, you can keep track of your results and share them with your provider during an appointment or through online messaging in between visits. These help track important health measures over time and present a more complete picture of what may be happening with your health.

Wearable technology

Smartwatches and other wearable devices can track your heart rate, physical activity, and even detect irregular heart rhythms. This information can be shared with your doctor, helping them stay informed about your health on a regular basis vs. once or twice a year.

Telehealth platforms

The platforms used for virtual care are secure, easy to use, and often connected to your medical records. This means your healthcare provider has access to all the information they need during your virtual visit, just as they would in the office.

Virtual care is everywhere you are

Even though virtual care became popular during the pandemic, it’s becoming an effective alternative to traditional doctor’s office visits. Both patients and providers appreciate the convenience, flexibility, and cost savings that virtual care provides.

For many people, especially older adults and those in rural areas, virtual care is a valuable option for getting the healthcare they need. It allows patients to stay on top of their health without the challenges of traveling to a clinic or doctor’s office, and is a great option for people who travel or spend part of the year away from home. Care at home is not something that’s only for those who are frail or may have limited mobility – it’s convenient and an option for anyone since it aligns to their lifestyle and can provide additional insights into care.

Virtual care is effective — when used appropriately

Virtual care is a highly effective option for many healthcare needs, from managing chronic conditions and getting mental health support to treating certain illnesses or simply staying healthy. The convenience of seeing your healthcare provider from home, combined with advancements in technology, has made virtual care more accessible and comprehensive than ever.

However, some situations still require in-person care. The key is to understand when virtual care is appropriate and to work with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your individual health needs. Virtual care is not a replacement for all scenarios, but for many, it’s a convenient and effective way to manage your health, offering a modern, flexible approach to living independently at home.

Making healthcare easier for you

Good health is one of the most important things in life, but your needs change as you grow older. Patina can help. We’re a medical practice that focuses specifically on adults 65+. We take a highly personalized and comprehensive approach that supports your total health and well-being – no matter your health status or goals. You’ll enjoy proactive care that goes beyond annual exams and sick visits, helping you manage conditions and stay healthy, coordinate with specialists, navigate care, and more. All through your own dedicated care team that’s always there for you. And, Patina can serve as your primary care provider or work alongside your existing doctor. Enjoy the same great benefits – no extra cost!

To learn more, call us at 855-478-8310 or share your contact details below.