In-person doctor visits consultation
As COVID-19 took hold in March, U.S. doctors limited in-person appointments — and many patients avoided them — for fear of infection. The result was a huge increase in the volume of remote medical and behavioral health visits.
Doctors, hospitals and mental health providers across the country reported a 50- to 175-fold rise in the number of virtual visits, according to a report released in May by the consulting firm McKinsey & Co.
The COVID-fueled surge has tapered off as patients venture back to doctors' offices. But medical professionals and health experts predict that when the pandemic is over, telehealth will still play a much larger role than before.
We provide a full range of in-person care. We will assess your care needs as well as safety factors related to COVID-19 to determine if you should be seen in-person or by a video visit using telemedicine. Some examples of in-person care — which we have provided throughout the pandemic — include baby and childhood immunizations and disease management such as infusions and dialysis. We are now offering many more in-person visits across all of our outpatient clinics and community-based practices.
Virtual visits make healthcare more readily accessible for patients, particularly those who don’t live near a doctor’s office. By using this service, patients have the ability to schedule appointments at a time that’s convenient for them and in a setting where they feel most comfortable. It also allows patients to avoid time spent commuting and in a waiting/exam room.
The only technology required for virtual visits is a telephone, tablet, or computer. In advance of a video appointment, it will be important to check that your device has speakers, a microphone, and built-in camera or webcam.
With only a few exceptions, Dr. Konowitz says that just about every condition he’s seen can be first dealt with in a virtual visit. Dr. Watts and Dr. Konowitz say that many common problems like eye allergies and sore throat can be treated 100% virtually, saving the patient and the doctor a lot of time.
