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6 Things You Didn’t Know You Can See an Online Doctor For

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6 Things You Didn’t Know You Can See an Online Doctor For

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Over the last couple of years, your options for accessing healthcare services have shifted considerably. Gone are the days when an office visit was the only way to see a doctor to discuss your health and wellness concerns. Today, advances in telemedicine access make it possible to chat with a doctor via any internet-connected device.

Telehealth allows you to speak to a licensed and experienced medical professional from the comfort of your home. Online doctors can treat several health concerns from infections and acute pain to mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. But, because certain conditions may require in-office testing, getting online care may not be possible for some health issues.

So which health conditions can you use telemedicine for? Here are six things you didn’t know you can see an online doctor for.

1. Mental and Behavioral Health Concerns

Not all mental and behavioral health concerns can be diagnosed and/or treated online. However, it’s possible to get assessments, diagnoses, and prescriptions for certain conditions via telehealth.

If you believe you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or excessive stress, you can discuss your concerns with an online doctor. You can also speak with a primary care provider about alcohol dependence issues, sleep issues, and chronic fatigue. If you have a history of mental or behavioral health concerns, chatting with a licensed therapist online is also possible.

Depending on your diagnosis and medical needs, a telehealth doctor can prescribe or refill certain medications you may require. If you’re dealing with serious, potentially life-threatening concerns like suicidal thoughts, drug addiction, or psychosis, an office visit is necessary.

2. Children’s Health Concerns

If you’re a parent, finding the time to take your little ones to the doctor’s office can be a challenge. Luckily, it’s possible to see an online doctor for many of the most common health conditions your kids may experience.

Whether your child needs a routine check-up or treatment for allergies or asthma, an online physician can handle that. A telehealth doctor can also treat your child’s gastrointestinal issues, minor injuries, skin concerns, and ear, nose, and throat concerns.

Vaccinations and immunizations, fevers, and flu-like symptoms can also be diagnosed and treated via your internet-connected device. If you’re concerned your child may be experiencing mild behavioral or mental health issues, an online doctor can help you with that, too.

3. Sexual Health Concerns

If you’re uncomfortable speaking about sensitive sexual health issues in person, telehealth can help you get the care you need. An online doctor can treat you for a variety of sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia, herpes, trichomoniasis, and genital warts.

Through a telehealth visit, your doctor can provide treatment for urinary tract infections and preventative care for hepatitis B. If you’d like to start or change your birth control, you can get online counseling on various birth control options. If you need a new birth control prescription or need your current one filled, a telehealth visit can take care of that, too.

Other sexual concerns, such as low libido, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation can also be treated online. Yeast infections, unusual vaginal discharge, and vaginal itching can be treated through telehealth as well.

4. Lifestyle and Preventative Healthcare

Seeing a doctor for routine care designed to prevent health issues is an excellent way to maintain your well-being. But if you live in an area with limited healthcare access, going to the doctor may not be an option. The same idea applies if you don’t have health insurance and can’t afford high-cost care out of pocket.

Fortunately, online physicians offer affordable care and can help you with a wide variety of general health and wellness concerns. Through telehealth, your doctor can give you:

  • Health and wellness screenings
  • Fitness and nutrition guidance
  • Weight counseling
  • Lung, heart, and muscle conditioning advice
  • Hair and skincare suggestions and prescriptions
  • Vitamin and supplement recommendations
  • Stress reduction counseling
  • Treatment for minor injuries, such as knee pain, foot pain, shoulder pain, certain sports injuries, and minor sprains

5. Care for Chronic Health Conditions

If you live with a chronic health condition, managing that condition historically required several office visits over many years. Luckily, times have changed. Today, you can see an online doctor who can help you manage a wide range of chronic conditions, including:

  • Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
  • Diabetic nerve issues and other potential complications
  • Prescription medication management for diabetes
  • Dyslipidemia
  • Cholesterol management and medication management
  • Blood pressure concerns, such as hypertension and blood pressure management
  • GI disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD)
  • Chronic bronchitis
  • Asthma
  • Allergies

While an online physician can help you with any of the conditions above, there are certain things that can’t be done through telehealth. Post-surgery care, medical equipment orders, HIV management, and disability certification will require an in-office visit.

6. Primary Care Visits

Whether you’ve been searching for a new primary care doctor or need a routine check-up or follow-up, telehealth can help. An online primary care doctor can provide you with a wide variety of healthcare services, including:

  • Mail-in lab tests and a breakdown of your results
  • Annual general health check-ups
  • Review of your health and medication history
  • Evaluation of potential COVID-19 symptoms and vaccination advice
  • Treatment for coughing or wheezing related to COVID-19 or general colds
  • Prescriptions for new and existing health concerns
  • Prescription refills and medication management
  • Pre- and post-travel care

You can also make a telehealth appointment for certain urgent care needs and get medical advice and specialist referrals online. Generally speaking, if you have a health concern that doesn’t require extensive testing or imaging, you can see an online doctor for help.

Whether you live in a healthcare desert, have high deductibles, don’t carry health insurance, or need convenient access to ongoing care, telehealth can help you. You’ll receive the same quality of care you’d get at an office visit for a much more affordable price. And the best part? You can speak with a doctor from the comfort of your couch!

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