Even though telemedicine is not a brand-new technology, it does continue to evolve at a rapid pace. As such, patients are becoming more aware of it and showing an interest in seeing their doctor virtually, as opposed to at a crowded, brick-and-mortar medical clinic.
For said patients, the COVID-19 global pandemic has shown them how convenient, safe, and easy online doctor's appointments can be. Moving forward, many of these individuals will expect this type of treatment option from their doctor.
In fact, according to Forbes, 20% of patients say they would switch doctors if virtual appointments were not offered.
Dr. Richard Tytus, Co-Founder and Medical Director of telemedicine solution Banty Inc., offers virtual consultations regularly, and believes doctors who don't could wind up losing patients, because:
Needs are not being met: Even if a patient has been visiting a particular doctor for years, over time the expectations for how they're cared for changes. When a doctor opts to only conduct in-person appointments, patients who feel strongly about having a virtual option will be frustrated by this. Inherently, they will feel as if their medical needs are not being met. This could lead to them switching to a doctor who offers online treatment options
Sitting in a waiting room is more uncomfortable than ever: There is a segment of patients who have always felt uncomfortable sitting for long periods of time in a medical clinic's waiting room. The COVID-19 global pandemic brought with it a need to stay physically distant from others, as well as patients gaining even more insight on how germs are spread. As a result of this all, some patients will aim to avoid in-person waiting rooms at all costs
People move away: When a person moves, one of the first decisions they need to make is whether to keep their current doctor, or find someone in their new locale. If a doctor is still in relative driving distance but also offers virtual appointments, a patient could forgo making a switch. However, if virtual medicine services are not being used, a doctor swap could be made
Patients could get the wrong impression of their doctor: If a doctor is not willing to evolve as it relates to treatment options, the patient could be taken aback by their physician's unwillingness to progress. It's very reasonable, then, for a patient to wonder: "Is my doctor doing everything in their power to provide the best treatment possible?"
"Not offering virtual medicine services at your medical clinic in 2021 is a very questionable decision," adds Dr. Tytus. "By making this choice, doctors are not just missing an opportunity to improve upon how they care for patients, they're also giving these very same patients an excuse to find a new physician."
Thanks to Salisbury Post for this coverage of Banty!