How can a telemedicine visit be better than an in-person visit?
It isn’t about which is better; it’s about availability and access. Ideally, everyone would have unlimited access to personalized healthcare, but we do not live in an ideal world. Telemedicine bridges those instances when distance, access, and special needs interfere with the provision of healthcare and preventative measures, like diabetes management.
You woke up with a red gooey eye. Or you have a fever, cough, and feel very tired. Or maybe you simply want an expert to answer some medical questions for you. If you can’t get an appointment with your primary care physician (PCP) for 2 weeks, what can you do? Is a telehealth appointment safe? Will you get good care?
If you've never had an online psychiatry visit before, you might have some questions about how the process works. Dr. Churi, Amwell’s staff psychiatrist, shares answers and helpful information about telepsychiatry.
In February 2020, as COVID-19 began to spread and surge across the United States, the CDC advised physicians and the public to engage in social distancing and seek care virtually via telehealth when needed. Since March 2020, the use of telehealth has risen by over 50% compared to that same time period in March 2019, and it continues to rise.
Congratulations; you’ve made the decision to consider online therapy. My goal here is to provide more clarity about the experience from my perspective as a therapist, my professional experiences working with individuals online, and what you can expect from an online visit.
