A person's relationship with their health is complex. While most people want to be healthy, it can be difficult getting there. Depending on an individual's upbringing, experiences, and understanding of care options, their feelings about going to the doctor can vary. 

Thankfully, the availability of telehealth services through modern healthcare providers like HealthTap is making high-quality care a reality for an increasing number of people. Patients are receiving more focused, thoughtful care from their doctors, which can result in better health outcomes.

1. Providers Spend More Time With Patients Thanks to Enhancements in Efficiency and Access

One of the chief complaints about doctor's visits is the amount of time it takes to get care. First there's the time that elapses between scheduling and appointment and going to it. Then upon arrival, it's common to do a lot of waiting on-site. In fact, patients spend so much time cooling their heels that the waiting room has become a doctor's office standby. 

In contrast, patients using HealthTap are able to meet with their provider on time, thanks to virtual visits. Appointments can be attended from the comfort of home or wherever it's convenient. And during appointments, providers are able to dedicate their time to listening and understanding their patients' needs. 

In a traditional office setting, there may be layers of care, making it easy for providers to get behind schedule. But in a virtual setting, appointments are well-structured and allow ample time for patients and doctors to connect. When doctors are less rushed, patients have the time to remember important details and ask questions. Doctors, in turn, have the opportunity to develop more well-considered care plans. 

After a telehealth visit, patients receive care summaries that offer an overview of what was discussed and the next steps they should take. Digital access to relevant documents provides improved clarity for patients. More detailed information helps them better understand any diagnoses, see their medications at a glance, and take note of any follow-up appointments. This structure allows for greater transparency and helps establish trust between the doctor and patient. 

2. Virtual Visits Can Reduce "White Coat Syndrome" and Other Fears

Some patients have had unfortunate experiences with doctors, making them wary of getting the care they need. Others may experience nervousness when in the presence of a medical professional, making appointments less effective than they should be. 

"White coat syndrome" refers to the tendency for a patient's blood pressure to spike in a doctor's office setting. Obviously, this impacts the accuracy of health data, at a minimum. But a larger issue arises when the anxiety some patients experience in a doctor's office negatively impacts care. 

In a telehealth scenario, patients can attend appointments from a more comfortable place, like their home or a private office. Not having to make the trek to a doctor's office means patients can engage with doctors with fewer distractions and less stress. And at a time when people are highly conscious of exposure to viruses, virtual visits can help ensure they don't skip medical care. 

Moreover, the level of connection that doctors and patients can achieve virtually is vastly different than in an office. When engaged in an on-screen visit, both provider and patient are almost forced to make eye contact. Ironically, a virtual visit can result in more face-to-face interaction than an in-person one! This can lead to a better read of the patient's body language and facial expressions, thereby improving care.

3. Centralizing Care Options Through HealthTap Makes Comprehensive Care Widely Accessible

Patients today demand the same level of convenient access to their doctors as they receive in other areas of their lives. When dinner is only a few finger swipes away on DoorDash, patients' expectations for other needs have changed, too.

Waiting weeks or even months for a primary care visit is no longer tolerable. With HealthTap, patients have access to a broad range of physicians, making getting care one of the easiest things they can do. 

If a patient needs a comprehensive checkup, they can pinpoint the type of provider they require. And if a specialty provider is what they're seeking, they can research doctors, read reviews, see ratings, and identify the right expertise. Patients can use the HealthTap platform to find the right fit for their needs, situation, and preferences.

For those in rural areas, telehealth appointments make getting expert care possible. Patients with busy schedules can easily squeeze a long-overdue checkup into an already packed calendar. Simply put, eliminating barriers to receiving excellent care can improve health outcomes for all kinds of people. 

Telehealth Puts Providers on the Cutting Edge of Care and Improves Health Outcomes for Patients

Patients are looking for the same level of technology and access in their medical care as they enjoy elsewhere. Updating care delivery practices isn't just good for business - it's good for patient health. 

Reducing the friction in getting care can lead patients to identify health issues when they can improve them. Doctors can share more health data directly with patients, instead of keeping it locked up in file cabinets. And with a better understanding of their health factors, risks, and outlook, patients can live healthier lives.