Bypassing Doctors and Getting Health Care From Online Services: Is It Worth It?
Virtual Healthcare Services A Popular Option for Affordable Medical Care
Online healthcare services may be convenient, but older adults are skeptical about bypassing doctors for their health needs.
💡 Fun Fact: Did you know that online-only health care services have become the new trend in receiving low-cost medical attention? These websites offer a flat fee for services and don’t require a referral or health insurance. They evaluate symptoms, make diagnoses, and even prescribe medication. But are older Americans buying into this trend? Let’s find out!
According to a recent survey conducted by the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging, only 7.5% of people between the ages of 50 and 80 have used direct-to-consumer health care services online. Interestingly, middle-aged individuals (50-64) were more than twice as likely as those over 65 to have tried these online services (10% vs. 4%). Surprisingly, almost half of adults over 65 admitted to never having heard of such companies. But hold on, there’s more!
The Curious Case of Older Americans and Online Health Services
While the survey revealed that only a small percentage of older adults have utilized online health services, it also showed that nearly one-third of them expressed interest in using such services in the future. This number increased to over 42% among individuals ages 50 to 64. Dr. Mark Fendrick, a primary care physician at the University of Michigan, believes that as time goes on, more seniors will be attracted to the convenience of online care.
🔬 Contrasting Viewpoints: Some experts predict that the increasing number of online vendors, coupled with the shortage of primary care clinicians, will further boost the use of online health services in the future. However, concerns have been raised regarding patient safety and continuity of care. Providers, insurers, and regulators need to pay attention to how patients are using these services and their impact on care quality and safety.
Convenience at Your Fingertips
These virtual health care sites, such as Amazon Clinic, Sesame, Roman, BetterHelp, Rosy, Lemonaid, and Hims & Hers, offer convenient access to health providers online. It’s like having a “doc-in-a-box” at your fingertips! Even membership-based organizations like Weight Watchers and Costco are hopping on board, offering access to these direct services. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in the increased popularity of these sites, as people turned to telehealth while practicing social distancing.
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📚 Digging Deeper: A study conducted by the University of Michigan found that 58% of individuals who had used online health services began doing so in 2020, 2021, or 2022. Convenience seems to be the primary driver for older adults. In fact, more than 60% of users received a prescription, mostly for one-time treatments. However, only a third of them informed their regular doctor about the prescription. This raises concerns about potential drug interactions and the lack of access to a patient’s full health history.
A Closer Look at Online Health Services
When it comes to the type of care obtained through online health services, the survey results were quite interesting. Nearly half of older Americans who used these services sought general health care, such as allergy treatment, sinus infections, pink eye, or acid reflux. Other common reasons for seeking care included sexual health issues (15%), mental health services (12%), skin care (9%), weight management (6%), hair loss (5%), and pain management (5%).
🔍 Scientific Findings: It’s important to note that online providers do not have access to a patient’s complete health history or medical records, which limits their ability to check for potential drug interactions. A study led by Dr. Fendrick highlights the need for open dialogue and transparency between patients and providers regarding the potential benefits, risks, and uses of online health services. Maintaining contact with primary care providers is crucial to ensure accurate medical care.
Q&A: Addressing Your Concerns
🌟 Q: Are online health services safe for older adults with existing medical conditions?
🔎 A: While online health services can provide convenience, it’s essential for individuals with existing medical conditions to inform their regular doctor and consult with them regarding any prescriptions or diagnoses received online. This can help avoid potential drug interactions and ensure continuity of care.
🌟 Q: Should I rely solely on online health services for ongoing primary care?
🔎 A: Online health services may be suitable for one-time treatments or minor health issues. However, it’s generally recommended to maintain contact with your primary care provider for ongoing care. They have comprehensive knowledge of your medical history, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
In Conclusion
The use of online health services is gradually gaining traction among older Americans, albeit slowly. Convenience seems to be the main driver, along with the need for immediate care and lack of access to regular doctors. However, caution should be exercised to ensure patient safety and continuity of care. As this sector of health care continues to grow, it is crucial for patients and providers to maintain open dialogue and transparency regarding the use of online health services.
📣 Calling All Readers: Have you tried an online health service? Share your experience below! And remember to inform your regular doctor about any online prescriptions or diagnoses you’ve received. Let’s keep the conversation going and ensure the best care for everyone.
🔗 References:
- University of Michigan – News Release
- Direct-to-Consumer Online Health Care
- The 18 Most Expensive U.S. Medical Conditions
