4 ways virtual healthcare can make your life easier

(BPT) – When you’re feeling ill, driving far and sitting in a crowded waiting room at the doctor’s office or urgent care is the last thing you want to do. With the average wait time to see a doctor at nearly three weeks, it could be a while before you even step foot inside that waiting room. This fact has more and more people looking for new healthcare options that offer quality treatment that is both timely and cost efficient.

Whether you have kids, a bustling professional life or both, it can be difficult to find time to see your doctor. But what if you could get the medical treatment you need from the comfort of your own home? Here’s where virtual healthcare steps in. With the advancement in technology and availability of free healthcare apps like Doctor On Demand, it’s easy to stay healthy no matter how busy you are.

Here are some of the major benefits of virtual healthcare:

See a doctor without leaving your couch. Whether you live far away or right next door, getting in to see your doctor is bound to be a hassle. Video healthcare applications eliminate the inconveniences of driving, finding a parking spot and spending time in the waiting room, so you can get well even faster. And if you’re traveling or without transportation, you’ll still have around the clock access to a medical professional via video.

Track your health. With health apps and fitness trackers, people are able to track their health better than ever before. You can record anything from blood pressure to nutrition intake and sleep patterns. For those with specific conditions, specialized tracking tools are available to help each person manage their health. For example, mobile trackers for diabetes help keep track of food information, lifestyle data and blood glucose levels to keep patients up to speed on their health.

Receive regular reminders. There are several services and apps that remind you to take medications, send appointment reminders and alert you when your prescription is ready. Even if your appointment is online or over video, these reminders help keep you engaged when it comes to taking care of your health. When you’re sick, there are even apps with virtual follow-up care to help you track how a treatment is working for you.

Get the help you need faster. There are a host of common conditions like pink eye, cold/flu, rashes, allergies and UTIs that can be quickly and effectively treated through a video visit with a board certified physician. With Doctor On Demand, patients are able to connect to high quality care via video in less than 90 seconds. You’ll receive speedy care that doesn’t lack excellence, and after a video visit with a physician licensed in your state, he or she will be able to electronically send your prescription to a pharmacy near you.

By 2018, an estimated seven million people will be using telemedicine and virtual healthcare services. To learn more, visit: doctorondemand.com.