The recent pandemic increased the popularity of virtual visits with healthcare providers. Now that there is more data, let’s compare telehealth vs. in-person healthcare services. There are benefits to both, but which one is more affordable?
Benefits of Virtual Visits with Healthcare Providers
The biggest advantage of a telehealth visit is that it allows people who live in remote locations to receive high-quality care. People living in rural areas or remote parts of the country benefit from virtual care. While it might not be the best option for chronic disease management, it’s better than no medical care at all.
Telehealth appointments are also great for people who have mobility issues or have a difficult time getting to appointments because of a lack of reliable transportation.
Telehealth visits are also an excellent option for those who need mental health counseling. Behavioral health visits are more private and confidential when you connect with a doctor virtually.
Finally, telehealth services are excellent for people who are immunocompromised. After all, you’ll never catch a bug when receiving telemedicine services, but you may while sitting next to sick people in a doctor’s office waiting room.
Benefits of In-Person Care
While a virtual visit is sometimes acceptable, some circumstances require an in-person visit with medical professionals.
Most routine medical practices, such as checking blood pressure and other vital signs, must be performed in person by a healthcare provider.
In addition, doctors can only feel lymph nodes or growths during face-to-face visits. Also, wound care, immunizations, lab tests, treatment for broken bones, and surgeries obviously can’t be done through video conferencing.
Finally, some people aren’t equipped for telemedicine visits, as it requires a basic understanding of technology and reliable internet service.
Comparing Costs of a Virtual Visit to a Face-to-Face Visit
For individuals without health insurance, telehealth is generally cheaper than in-person visits. This report states a virtual telehealth appointment typically costs around $40 to $50, while in-person care can cost as much as $176 per visit.
Telehealth Services Are Growing in Popularity
Whether you prefer in-person or virtual visits with your primary care physician, telehealth services are here to stay. AmeriPlan’s Telehealth Plus plan is an excellent option for people without an insurance provider. For less than $10 per month, your entire household can access certified doctors and pediatricians by phone seven days a week.
The same plan also gives you discounts on prescription medications. You can save up to 85% on most brand-name and generic prescription drugs and diabetic supplies.
Learn more about the Telehealth Plus plan offered by AmeriPlan by filling out this contact form. If you are having a medical emergency, go to the emergency room or an urgent care clinic. However, if you seek care for a non-life-threatening medical condition, consider signing up for an AmeriPlan package.
Key Takeaways About Telehealth vs. In-Person Care
- You can receive high-quality virtual care with telemedicine appointments.
- Telehealth services are excellent for those in remote areas or for people seeing quick advice for a medical condition.
- Sometimes in-person care is necessary.