This article is going to focus on how telemedicine can benefit those looking to get help with non-emergency health issues and what telehealth can do for you.
Sprinkled throughout the white house coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic is a call for patients and healthcare systems to utilize and expand access to telehealth and telemedicine platforms.
Even though telehealth and telemedicine has been around for a while now, this emerging healthcare frontier may be new for some Americans who have just heard these terms for the first time.
While some telehealth and telemedicine agents are looking into just how this medium can be used directly for COVID-19 virtual screenings and advice for those concerned about their virus-like symptoms, this article is going to focus on how telemedicine can benefit those looking to get help with non-emergency health issues unrelated to the virus during this time, and what telehealth can do for you.
While most doctor’s offices are deemed necessary businesses during this time, taking a trip out to an office for a routine checkup or to take care of less complicated health issues might impart some extra risks to people that they don’t want to take right now.
With a telemedicine visit for less serious issues, you are able to sidestep leaving the house altogether, and the questions that now come with it - Should I wear a mask? Is this something I can just get checked out later? Can I read the communal magazines in the waiting room?
Usually, if you end up getting something prescribed from that doctor’s visit, there is now another stop you need to make - at the pharmacy.
And, again, while most pharmacies are still open for business, if you can avoid stopping into one of the places frequented by people who don’t feel well, you should.
A lot of telemedicine platforms can get rid of that pharmacy trip altogether, by having doctors send any required prescriptions over to the pharmacy directly and arranging for your medication to be shipped quickly to your door all in one safe, legal, discreet, and efficient step.
“Social distancing” or “physical distancing” are the new trending terms being used to help emphasize the importance of staying away from others as much as you can at this time.
And, with the chance of this virus spreading silently and potentially taking a while to produce symptoms once it is contracted, these steps need to be taken whether you are feeling ill or not.
By using telemedicine for non-urgent medical issues unrelated to COVID-19 you are able to get medical attention for your issues without being exposed by or exposing others at the doctor’s office or pharmacy. This also helps protect and prevent exposure to your limited and essential health care providers (many of whom are still reporting to work daily for the good of the community.)
Just because you are self-quarantining or social isolating doesn’t mean that your non-emergency medical conditions have to be ignored, pushed off for another time, or don’t matter.
With all this extra stress of keeping up with what’s going on in the world you may be dealing with a flare-up of your rosacea, a stress-induced cold sore that won’t quit, or some particularly rough acne breakouts. You may also just have a lot of extra time on your hands right now and you want to spend some of that finally trying out a prescription to get rid of those acne scars, looking into what treatments are available for some hair thinning you have been noticing, or refilling your ED prescription for some romance with your significant other.
These health issues may not be quite as acute, concerning, or dangerous as COVID-19, but they still matter.
For non-emergency medical issues like these, telemedicine can help you get the high-quality medical consultation and treatment that you deserve, while still abiding by your shelter in place recommendations.
One of the best things about telemedicine is that the platforms normally include a way to quickly get a follow-up or have your questions answered, and it is normally included with your original visit.
This is in stark contrast to the normal in-person follow-up appointments or questions for your doctor which require calling with long wait times, requesting a follow-up call, or rescheduling another follow-up appointment that you may or may not have to pay additional for.
Follow-ups are ingrained into the telemedicine structure, and can normally be just as simple and quick as the initial visit.
Telemedicine works great for certain conditions and situations, but it may not be appropriate for every medical issue, such as things that require medical imaging, extensive testing, blood work, or may be critical or complicated.
Different telemedicine platforms may specialize in certain conditions or aspects of medicine, and generally explain which conditions can be treated with them right on their website.
Here at Strut Health, we specialize in sexual health and skin conditions.
With Strut Health’s telemedicine platform you can receive a medical consultation and potentially treatment for erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, hair loss, cold sores, rosacea, scars, acne, toenail fungus, and skin aging concerns.
Every telemedicine platform may be set up slightly differently, but here at Strut Health we have 3 simple steps:
Step 1: Complete a 10-15 minute consultation questionnaire so that we can learn more about your health issue, current medical conditions, and overall current health.
Step 2: Our U.S. licensed doctors will review your information and reach out to you within 24 hours if more information is needed. If a prescription is required, our doctors will develop a custom treatment plan for you.
Step 3: If a prescription is required, your medication will be put together by a U.S. licensed pharmacy and shipped with free 2-day shipping to your front door.
Afterward: Contact us directly if you have any concerns or questions about your therapy during treatment, or you need a refill.
Right now medical health professionals like doctors and pharmacists are some of the busiest people on the front lines, so limiting their exposure and workload is critical.
The overcrowding of offices and pharmacies is a very real possibility right now, so by staying home (for minor ailments) you are helping protect yourself, your community, and your medical professionals.
If you need to get something non-critical checked out, look into telemedicine first.
And, whether you are staying in or not, wash your hands!
Telemedicine can be a helpful tool to help people get help for certain medical conditions remotely.
During this time where everyone needs to practice social distancing and physical distancing, telemedicine can fill in the gaps to help you get medical attention for less-complicated health conditions that can be safely tended to at home.
Self-quarantining doesn’t mean that you have to ignore or put up with more minor health issues that are bothering you - they still matter, and telemedicine platforms are here to help you get treatment for them (in the comfort and safety of your own home.)
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