Virtual vs. In-Person Care: When Each Option Is Right for You

Is Virtual Care Right for You?

While house calls may be a thing of the past, virtual care brings the doctor’s office to you. Whether by phone or video chat, physicians can assess and treat a variety of conditions — all from the comfort of your home. Let’s take a look at when you should – and shouldn’t – seek virtual care.

When Virtual Care Isn’t the Best Option…

Telemedicine has surged in popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic, but that doesn’t mean it’s appropriate for every condition.

As a rule of thumb, symptoms that require your doctor to check by hand or hear directly should be evaluated in person. In those cases, physicians need to evaluate your symptoms up close to make an accurate diagnosis and design a treatment plan that’s going to work.

Stomach issues, rashes and skin lesions are some of the most common conditions fitting this bill. Shortness of breath and twisted ankles are others.

Your care team will determine if your symptoms require an in-person appointment.

…and When It Is

Telemedicine is a convenient care option in many cases, especially when information is being exchanged or your symptoms can be examined visually.

Good candidates for virtual care include:

• Blood pressure management
• Discussing abnormal test results
• Diabetes management
• Mental health support
• Evaluating cold symptoms 
• Follow-up appointments for many chronic conditions

When it comes to paying for virtual care, most insurance plans treat it the same as an in-person office visit. Contact your insurance provider to learn about your plan’s virtual care coverage.

How to Have a Successful Virtual Care Appointment

Virtual care can save you time and money – if you know how to use it. Here are four steps to getting the most out of your virtual care appointment:

1. Use video if you can: While audio-only calls can work, body language and eye contact are invaluable when interacting with your physician.
2. Make sure your device works: The quality of your virtual care visit depends on the technology you’re using, so make sure your device can support video communication.
3. Look for texts and emails: Your care team is likely to send an access link via text or email, so keep an eye out so you know exactly how to enter your appointment.
4. Avoid distractions: That includes entering your appointment while driving. Being distracted could cause you to miss critical information.

Remember that most states require doctors to have a license to practice in the place where you are staying to provide virtual care. Not every provider can do virtual care outside of Massachusetts. Your provider will know best whether virtual or in-person care is right for your situation. Talk to them to know what options are available to you.