What Are the Benefits of Virtual Care Appointments from Home?
Now, more than ever before, patients have a variety of options in how—and where—they can see a doctor for a medical consultation. With the advancements in secure online communication, virtual care for patients in Ontario is easier, more accessible, and more convenient. That said, let’s take a look at the benefits of virtual care appointments to better determine if they are the right option for you.
Which Medical Conditions Are Suitable for Virtual Visits?
There are many ailments that can be diagnosed and treated online. These include:
- Fever
- Rash
- Cold and flu symptoms
- Aches
- The pain of unknown origin
- Minor musculoskeletal injuries (best to consult a physiotherapist if symptoms are severe)
- Common infections like pink eye, strep throat, bronchitis, etc.
- And more
While virtual care appointments from home are a great option that allows you to consult with a doctor to get help with many symptoms, there are some conditions that are better served in person. As you’d expect, something like getting stitches removed can’t be done virtually. But aside from those discrete instances, virtual doctors in Ontario are adept at providing excellent care through online portals.
How Virtual Care Can Benefit Patients
Now that we know what virtual doctors are able to treat, we can examine the specific benefits of virtual care for patients in Ontario.
Treatment from Home
Nobody likes traffic. Nobody likes rushing off after work to make an appointment or having to take time off and falling behind during work hours. With virtual care appointments, you won’t have to worry about any of these headaches. You can get direct access to medical professionals from the place you feel most comfortable—your home. All it takes is an internet connection. What’s more is that this is a great way to continue to socially distance, which is critical if COVID-19 has another spike in cases.
24/7 Access to Quality Healthcare
One of the most difficult issues to navigate with in-person healthcare is that the hours rarely align perfectly with your schedule. Some close before the end of the workday, while others may not be open during your free time if you work during off-hours. Children and other after-work responsibilities can also make it difficult to carve out time to visit a clinic. In other words, it’s another hassle to work around. With virtual care appointments from home, you can schedule a visit with a doctor at any time that suits you. This type of flexibility is only available with virtual care. And for many, it’s the only practical way to get care.
Improved Care
When you go to an in-person clinic, you’re more or less stuck with whatever doctor is working that day. While these physicians are, of course, able to treat a variety of symptoms, sometimes you’ll need specialized care provided by experts in specific fields. That can be difficult to obtain when visiting in-person clinics but is much more accessible when getting care at home from a virtual clinic. That’s because they can link you with the most appropriate doctor from a much wider pool of physicians. This can, in turn, lead to improved health outcomes for patients like you.
No Waiting
One of the best things about virtual care is that you won’t have to wait! Say goodbye to those horrible waiting rooms with outdated magazines and muffled coughs of fellow patients. With virtual care, you can get access to a doctor at the exact time that’s listed. And even if there is a delay, you can wait out the time in the comfort of your own home rather than have to waste your day in a waiting room.
Encourages Patient Engagement
Patients like yourself are more empowered than ever to participate in their own treatment. This is called patient engagement and studies have suggested that the more engaged a patient is in their treatment, the better the outcomes. One of the best ways to increase patient engagement is via the tools available with virtual care. Being able to communicate via chat when needed (outside of appointments), notes being easy to share, recordings being available, etc.—all these tools can help encourage and enrich patient engagement, leading to better outcomes for you.
Book a Virtual Visit Now at MD Connected!
MD Connected is a leader in delivering quality virtual care as well as providing telemedicine clinics for patients who prefer a more in-person experience. Instead of searching for “virtual doctors near me,” get treatment from proven professionals and a top-tier service with MD Connected. When you choose MD Connected as your healthcare provider, you’ll get personalized care that will help you get the treatment you need for your symptoms. You’ll have access to telemedicine clinics across Canada that are designed to help you feel better, faster. Tens of thousands of Canadians have already benefited from MD Connected, accessing general consultations, prescription renewals, sexual health, mental wellness, travel health, and sick notes and forms. Our team is led by a diverse group of doctors with varying backgrounds, and we provide our specialty services in multiple languages. To learn more about MD Connected, contact us by visiting www.mdconnected.ca or e-mail us at mydoc@mdconnected.ca.
