For the vast majority of patients, all they have ever known are in-person consultations with their doctor. As such, they have grown accustomed to not just being in the same room as their physician, but also the extensive effort it takes to make such an appointment happen.
According to a report from Forbes, 101 minutes is the amount of time a patient saves when having a telemedicine appointment, versus an in-person one. That's a lot of extra time a patient would normally have to take off of work, find childcare for, or make up when on a stringent daily routine.
Dr. Richard Tytus, Co-Founder and Medical Director of telemedicine solution Banty Inc., has spent decades treating patients who have hectic schedules, and have trouble getting to doctor's appointments. He has come to learn how offering a telemedicine option at a medical clinic can benefit individuals with busy lifestyles.
Less commuting: Depending on where a patient lives, it can take forever for them to get to a doctor's office. This not only burns a lot of fuel, but it also melts away a person's time and energy. Virtual visits do not require any travel, as a patient only needs a computer, tablet, or smartphone to enter an appointment
Delayed appointments are not as frustrating: While virtual visits can start later than planned, this doesn't create as much scheduling chaos for a patient as a delayed in-person consultation would. In a telemedicine environment, the individual can by-and-large continue with other tasks until their doctor is ready to see them. They will also not need to worry about factoring in those added minutes to a commute home, or back to work
Fewer scheduling headaches: If a person's schedule doesn't allow them much free time, a virtual visit with their doctor is ideal. Knowing how long it'll take for an online, face-to-face consultation with their doctor will make it easier for the patient to slot an appointment time into their schedule
Health will not be ignored: The amount of time it takes for an in-person doctor's appointment to take place can dissuade certain patients from coming into the clinic as often as they should. When a clinic has a high-quality telemedicine service that puts an emphasis on hosting quick, yet effective medical consultations, busy patients will find a way to carve out time for a check-up
"In medicine, we always have to keep an eye on the needs of our patients, including those with busy lifestyles," explains Dr. Tytus. "Offering virtual visits at your medical clinic not only minimizes travel time for a patient, but they also encourage more individuals to see their physician on a consistent basis."
Thanks to Quertle for this coverage of Banty!
