Why You Should Go Virtual Instead of Delaying a GP Check-Up

Prioritising preventative GP check-ups or heading to the doctor for minor ailments can sometimes be hard to fit in, especially if you’re on a tight budget, living remotely, or juggling a busy schedule. But putting your health on the back burner can have serious consequences, from developing chronic conditions to higher costs down the road. Fortunately, telehealth offers a convenient alternative. It can help you look after your health while reducing some of the hassle.

If you are due for a preventive screening, are ignoring symptoms and waiting for them to improve, or can’t get a time slot that works, telehealth may be a good way to keep on top of your health. There are plenty of upsides that address some of the issues holding you back from seeing a doctor in person. Here is how telehealth can help:

1. Availability: If you are putting off seeing the doctor due to difficulties getting a suitable timeslot, a telehealth consult will allow you to see the doctor from the comfort of your own home and often 24/7 at short notice or at a time of your choosing.
2. Comfort and Convenience: Similarly, if you are avoiding the doctor’s office unless you are seriously ill, you may find it easier to attend visits from the comfort and convenience of your own home. It can also be less daunting for some patients to discuss sensitive matters, such as mental health concerns. Simply put, online consults will help you feel more comfortable during your consult.
3. Improved Access to Care: If travelling is an issue due to living remotely, mobility issues or limited transport, virtual consults give you easier access to health care. It also cuts travel, parking, and waiting room time, making healthcare more accessible.
4. Reduced Infection Risk: Perhaps you are holding off due to a compromised immune system or worries about exposing yourself to infectious diseases at the doctor’s office. By consulting virtually, you minimise these risks.
5. Continuity of Care: Often, patients prefer seeing the same doctor due to an already established rapport and greater continuity of care. However, especially check-ins for chronic conditions should not be delayed. Some telehealth providers offer patients the option to choose their health care practitioner so that they can have greater continuity of care. They also log notes in My Health Record.
6. Family Involvement: Sometimes, patients put off their appointments, as they need to coordinate family members or caregivers to take part. By using telehealth, this can be more easily and quickly arranged. It also helps.

Unfortunately, there are serious risks associated with delaying doctors’ visits. Not only can your benign-seeming health condition worsen or become chronic, but missing preventive screenings also means underlying conditions may be missed.

Ultimately, you risk paying dearly both physically and financially down the track. Treating advanced illnesses can become expensive and less effective.

Regular check-ups also become especially important as we age, as they can lead to early detection of serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers that may not have early symptoms. When you miss regular GP visits, gaps in your medical history may make it harder to get a complete picture of your health. At worst, you risk otherwise preventable hospitalisation.

Finally, undiagnosed mental health issues can lead to long-term problems, for example, physical symptoms of chronic stress or anxiety.

Using telehealth providers can help you take a proactive approach to managing your health. Telehealth often offers a cost-effective solution, sometimes fully bulk-billed or at a lower rate than many GP clinics.

In summary, telehealth has become more than just a convenient alternative; it can be a vital tool in managing your health. Telehealth lets you make seeing the doctor a priority without many of the barriers of traditional GP visits.

While finding the best provider for you may require a little work, MediCompare helps you make empowered choices. You can find both comparison tools and in-depth provider reviews on the site.

This article is for informational purposes only and is no substitute for professional medical advice. Please choose your provider with care. Always consult your doctor or a qualified health professional regarding any health-related questions or concerns.