What to Expect From Your Telehealth Visit

In 2022, 25% of patients utilized telehealth, far exceeding the 5% who accessed virtual care before the pandemic. Researchers say that percentage is predicted to rise in the years to come. Telehealth has emerged as a transformative solution that bridges the gap between patients and their providers—but it’s still new to healthcare.

Despite its rising popularity, several misconceptions continue to obscure its true potential. We’re here to unravel these myths and offer a clear and comprehensive understanding of the real impact of telehealth. 

Myth 1: Telehealth lacks personalized care

A popular misconception is that telehealth lacks the human touch that comes with in-person medical consultations. In reality, telehealth is designed to foster genuine connections between patients and healthcare professionals. 

Synchronous care, or video visits, often have just as much human touch as in-person visits. Patients still get that same face-to-face visit and can communicate with their provider or ask questions in real-time. The best part? Telehealth is often lower cost and can meet you wherever there’s a wifi or cellular connection. 

Through asynchronous care, doctors can assess your condition, provide personalized advice and even detect nuances that might go unnoticed through traditional means. At Agile, providers evaluate your responses and recommend a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. What’s more, Agile offers secure messaging options, enabling ongoing and personalized communication through your healthcare journey. 

Myth 2: Telehealth is complicated to use

If you’ve ever scheduled a zoom meeting or ordered something online, you’re already equipped to embrace telehealth. Most telehealth platforms are designed with user-friendliness in mind. All you need is a smartphone, tablet or computer with internet or cellular connection. 

Any personal health information is submitted beforehand to a secure platform and reviewed by a physician prior to your visit! No need for all the in-person paperwork. Telehealth was built to align with what works with your schedule. At Agile, we provide care for patients without even having to jump on a video call – no rocket science involved! 

Myth 3: Telehealth is only for minor health issues

Some might think that telehealth is only for minor ailments like the common cold or a rash. However, telehealth has expanded its horizons to cover a wide range of medical services, from routine check-ups to managing chronic conditions. 

Virtual appointments allow doctors to monitor your health and provide expert advice without requiring you to leave your home. Advances in technology such as remote patient monitoring (RPM) devices are helping telemedicine expand into new types of care. From weight loss management to hair loss and ED to migraine treatment, telehealth can offer patients a wide range of healthcare support.

Myth 4: Telehealth is not covered by insurance

We know healthcare expenses can be a concern for many patients (and rightfully so). Thankfully, telehealth’s mission to expand access to care includes its affordability. By reducing the overhead costs associated with physical offices, telehealth has been able to offer lower cost healthcare without sacrificing the quality of care you receive.

Many insurance companies now recognize the value of telehealth and provide coverage for virtual appointments too. The landscape of healthcare reimbursement is evolving, and more insurers are adapting their policies to include telehealth services. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage options and make the most of your telehealth benefits. 

Myth 5: Telehealth is a passing trend

Some skeptics view telehealth as a temporary solution only to fade away over time. However, the widespread adoption of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated its resilience and long-term viability. Virtual care has proven its worth by offering convenience, accessibility and efficiency, making it a valuable tool that’s here to stay and shape the future of healthcare. According to a report conducted in 2021 by Jones Lang LaSalle, 76% of patients who used telehealth services would prefer to continue care virtually in the future. 

Myth 6: Telehealth is not secure 

Telehealth’s security often raises concerns, but dispelling this misconception is crucial. Telehealth platforms, when designed and utilized in accordance with established guidelines, prioritize security. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) ensures that your sensitive medical information remains safeguarded throughout your telehealth journey. These platforms create dedicated, password-protected patient portals where virtual appointments take place and medical records are securely stored. 

The same HIPAA regulations that govern physical and electronic materials extend their protective umbrella over telehealth services. 

Telehealth’s enduring impact 

In a time of fast technological progress, calling telehealth just a temporary trend does not capture its full impact. Its resilience and documented results are underscored by the extensive adoption it witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth emerges as a beacon of clarity and empowerment, poised to redefine healthcare accessibility and patient well-being.

At Agile, our unwavering commitment to your health drives us forward. Through our intuitive platforms, we’re dedicated to delivering personalized, top-tier healthcare that transcends the confines of traditional in-person visits. 

We offer convenient, virtual care across the U.S. for your most common medical conditions. Our network of providers are ready to address your unique concerns to deliver effective, personalized treatment in a timely manner. 

To tap into fast, cost-effective care now, schedule a consultation with one of our licensed clinicians!