Since the coronavirus pandemic hit, telemedicine visits have become more of the norm rather than the exception. While virtual visits with doctors did not start because of COVID-19, they have become much more prevalent over the past few months as both practitioners and patients try to curb the spread of the virus and avoid potential exposure.
While there has been some critique about telehealth and telemedicine — such as technological learning curves and limitations on medical care — Americans are increasingly embracing this type of connection with their healthcare providers, according to a recent poll conducted by J.D. Power.
According to survey results, patient satisfaction levels with telehealth have been increasing throughout the current health crisis. More specifically, overall customer satisfaction for telehealth scored 860 out of 1,000, marking one of the highest levels that the data analytics company has seen in the healthcare and insurance industries.
It’s easy to understand why Americans might appreciate telehealth compared to traditional in-person doctor visits. While telehealth appointments do not allow doctors to take a hands-on approach to patient care, they can still make diagnoses, prescribe medications, and answer questions that patients might have about a specific health issue.
Rather than having to make the trip to their doctor’s office and waiting until being called into an examination room, patients can save plenty of time and hassle by “visiting” their doctors from the comfort of their homes via video conference or telephone chat. Patients who may be concerned about visiting a medical facility for fear of being exposed to the virus can more comfortably connect with their healthcare practitioners through telemedicine.
Telehealth Offers Convenience and Savings
While some medical facilities are offering a choice between telemedicine and in-person visits, others are closed completely and only offer the opportunity to connect with a doctor via telehealth. Thanks to technology, patients don’t have to forego appointments because of ongoing COVID-related shutdowns.
In addition to saving time and providing convenience, patients can also take advantage of cost savings with telehealth compared to traditional medical visits. More specifically, telemedicine visits cost about $79 on average compared to regular office visits which cost an average of $146.
Health Sharing Ministries Offer Telehealth Benefits
More than 2 million Americans have made the switch from traditional health insurance to health sharing ministries in recent years, and that trend shows no signs of slowing down. Not only do health sharing programs typically save families significant money when compared to the price of traditional insurance premiums, but many health share programs also offer telehealth services at no additional cost to program members.
Are you ready to eliminate the increasing expense of traditional health insurance and take advantage of all the things a Christian health sharing program has to offer, including telehealth services? Share the health today.
