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1. It’s convenient: The year is 2018, and we’re living in the future. No longer do we need to schedule an appointment, jump into the car, head across town, and wait several hours for a doctor to see us. Online doctor consultations are flourishing- and there’s a reason.
At any hour, any day, you can send in texts, photos, and even videos, discussing with your doctor any concerns you may have. In this day and age, there’s no excuse not to see the doctor when something is on your mind. In short, medical consulting has progressed to the point where new mothers, worried about a bump on their baby’s head, can send in a snap and receive professional advice without having to leave the comfort of their home.
It’s as convenient as it gets. This is even more valuable for situations where you just aren’t sure if it’s worth the trip- a low grade fever, a scratch that probably doesn’t need stitches? Peace of mind is found at the touch of a button.
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2. They can solve medical problems earlier: Seeing the doctor even when you’re healthy is all about preventative care. Studies show that wellbeing exams, such as an annual physical, can help solve medical problems in their early stages. This is especially true with chronic illnesses arising from lifestyle choices, such as smoking tobacco and physical inactivity. In cases such as these, counseling from a doctor can nip these problems in the bud, meaning a longer and healthier life for you.
Or, let’s say you’ve made all the right choices- you’re living a healthy lifestyle, keeping active, eating well, and avoiding any vices. Unfortunately, disaster can come to the best of us, and regular contact with your doctor can mean that illnesses, such as cancer or lung disease, are caught in the earliest stages possible.
A qualified professional can recognize symptoms and give you a proper medical diagnosis- even when you don’t know that something is wrong.
3. It’s cheaper: There’s a reason we’ve coined the term “rising medical bills.” People who only go to the doctor when they’re feeling ill usually head to the emergency room, where prices skyrocket.
The average cost of an emergency room visit in the U.S. was $1233 in 2013, which is 40% more than the average American pays in rent each month. Seeing your doctor regularly means less cost, when it matters. This is true not only in urgent cases, but with those appointments mentioned above, where catching problems in their early beginnings mean less treatment and less money out of your pocket.
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4. It’s quick: The average waits time for an appointment in the U.S. is 24 days for a regular exam, and longer if you need a specialist. This can often deter people from seeking appointments- after all, how do you know in a month if you’re going to be sick? But with online doctor consultations, wait times are erased. Expect a response in hours or minutes, instead of days.
Even better, you can ask questions from anywhere, so the days of taking off work in order to make to your appointment are over- their professional advice is sitting in the palm of your hand.
What do you guys think about seeing the doctor when you’re healthy? Sound off below!
Author Bio:
Ala’a Alkhatib is a passionate digital content marketer based in Jordan who has previously worked in a variety of industries including software, transportation and aeronautics. She is currently helping people live healthier by integrating their doctors into their day to day schedule more efficiently. She is also a frequent user of Cura app having been known to book and receive medical consultations in all kinds of place – even while on the bus!