Can We Use Video Visit Services During Urgent Health Situations?

Life doesn’t exactly wait for you to be healthy. As diseases get more common nowadays, one moment you’re feeling fine and the next, you're dealing with a sudden fever and stomach cramps. But now it’s an era of technology where everything is possible, and healthcare services become more accessible now. During the pandemic, the whole world went remote and most of them are turning to virtual doctor visits instead of spending hours in a waiting room. But the question is, when things feel urgent, can you rely on video visit services to get the care you need?

Urgent situations are different from regular checkups. Patients are in serious condition and can’t wait to reach hospitals, especially in rural areas. But in this situation “is that video visit the right move? Let’s get the answer and discuss when video visits make sense when they don’t, and how to get the most out of your virtual care when you’re not feeling your best.

What Is a Video Visit?

A video visit, also called a virtual visit or telemedicine consult, is when you connect with a healthcare provider through a secure video platform, usually through your phone, tablet, or computer instead of physically going into a clinic.

This video visit is totally HIPAA-compliant and a lot more professional. Simply providers just evaluate all the symptoms, ask relevant questions, give advice, and prescribe medications. They give more time and more attention to video visits as compared to physical checkups. So video visits are the best option, especially for those who live in rural areas and access to healthcare is very limited.  

What’s Considered Urgent?

Before going to the main question of whether video visits are the right choice during urgent health situations, let’s define what we mean by urgent.

Urgent health issues aren’t life-threatening but they do need quick attention. It is like:

Basically, it’s the case that’s not an emergency but still can’t really wait many days for a primary care appointment.

When Video Visits Work for Urgent Situations

Let’s talk about the situations where virtual care is actually needed. 

Respiratory Symptoms

If you’re suffering from a sore throat, cough, or mild shortness of breath then video visit services can be very helpful. Providers can walk through your symptoms, look at your throat, and decide if you need testing, antibiotics, or something else. During cold, flu, and COVID seasons, it is better to live and stay at home. 

Skin Issues

If you feel Weird rash, Bug bite, or possibly infected cut then a video visit is perfect for this. In this situation, people are in a very bad mood and can’t wait any longer in a hospital room. But with video visits, they can easily get the treatment in the comfort of their home. Your healthcare provider can easily diagnose the issue right there on the call and can prescribe a cream or antibiotic if needed.

Mild Digestive Problems

In the situation of nausea, diarrhea, or a mild stomach ache a provider can often help virtually—especially if it’s something you’ve dealt with before and can describe clearly. They’ll ask the right questions to rule out anything serious and guide you on what to eat, drink, and take to feel better.

Medication Refills and Quick Questions

Need a refill for an allergy med? Want to talk about switching your birth control? Curious if that side effect is normal. These are the kinds of things that don’t require an in-person visit but still need a medical opinion.

Mental Health Check-Ins

A virtual session can also help you connect with a provider quickly if anxiety spikes or feeling depressed or overwhelmed. Mental health services have embraced telehealth in a huge way as people prefer to take their sessions in their comfort so they feel more relaxed.

When You Shouldn’t Rely on a Video Visit

Still, there are some things that can’t be handled over video like in some life-threatening conditions you can’t even think to open your phone. So in these situations, it is better to go to urgent care or the ER at the right time. You need in-person care ASAP in situations like:

These aren’t the situations to wait and see the kind of issues. Virtual care just isn't equipped for these scenarios.

What Makes a Video Visit Go Smoothly During an Urgent Situation?

How can you make sure it actually helps? Let’s see a few tips to make things go smoothly:

Check Your Tech First

Make sure your device is charged, your camera works, and you’ve downloaded the correct app or link your provider sent.

Be in a Quiet, Well-Lit Room

You want your provider to see you clearly and hear you well. So try to sit near a window or turn on a lamp. If you’ve got a rash, position your camera so it’s visible.

Have Your Info Ready

They’ll likely ask for your current meds, your temperature (if you’ve checked it), and when symptoms started. So be ready for these questions. 

Ask Questions

Don’t be shy. Ask what to watch for. Ask if you need to follow up. Ask what to do if things get more serious. It’s your health so you’re allowed to be curious and can ask any question.

Benefits of Using Video Visits for Urgent Issues

No Driving, No Waiting Rooms

You can get care without leaving your house. That’s huge if you’re feeling crummy or can’t find a ride. Plus, no need to sit around a germ-filled waiting room.

Faster Care

Many telehealth providers provide same-day or even on-demand appointments. That's very helpful when your regular doctor’s booked out for days.

Cost Savings

Video visits are usually cheaper than urgent care or ER visits. Some insurance plans even offer them at no extra cost.

Accessible Anywhere

Whether you’re out of town or live in a rural area, as long as you’ve got a signal, you’ve got access to care. That’s a big win for folks who don’t live near clinics.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

We all know nothing’s perfect. Video visits also have a few drawbacks:

If you want the best video healthcare services but don’t know the right one then the iMed Urgent Care & Occupational Health Services is the best option for you. We believe that your health should be your first priority. That's why we have a certified team of professionals who know how to serve your healthcare needs. Our purpose is to provide the same quality you would receive in person, but with more efficiency and convenience. Your safety is our priority during virtual visits, so there is no need to compromise your health and connect with the best urgent care in Ohio. Choose iMed Urgent Care as your health partner.