Taking care of yourself is a full-time job. When it comes to your health, you may have to spend time going to appointments and picking up prescriptions. Everything from answering awkward questions to picking up supplies can be stressful. It often feels like it would be easier if you could take care of yourself from behind your smartphone screen.
Thankfully, in a lot of ways, you can. While virtual health services have been around for a while, they are growing in popularity and types of services provided. Through this article, we’ll cover ways you can stay behind your screen and still take care of your health.
1. Visit Your Doctor
The first way to virtually take care of your health is the most basic. You can have doctor’s visits without ever stepping foot in a doctor’s office.
Many individual doctors and several online health services offer visits via telephone or video conference. All you have to do is set an appointment and provide some essential information upfront. Different services will have different virtual setups, so you’ll need to check the specifics of your healthcare provider.
These visits can be general checkups or may address a particular topic. They can also serve as a stop-gap while you’re in between doctors. If telehealth works well for you, it can be the primary way you take care of your physical health. It all comes down to what you’re most comfortable with. And you never have to leave your home.
2. Get STI Treatment
One thing that is never comfortable to talk about is a sexually transmitted infection. Though you may feel ashamed when bringing up STIs, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.
Such infections are incredibly common, and it’s likely you know at least one person who’s had one. However, if the thought of discussing it in person makes you uncomfortable, there is another option. You can set up and manage STI treatment online.
A few places offer this service, though they may be specific to a type of illness. Nurx, for example, provides genital herpes treatment through an online ordering system and ships it to patients discreetly. Other providers take a more traditional pharmacy route but still allow for online ordering. Shame should never deter you from seeking the medical treatment you need.
3. Order Prescriptions
If you’re looking for more general treatments and medications, you can go through an online pharmacy. Several kinds have popped up in the last few years. Many of these are attached to more traditional pharmacies and others that are entirely online. Either can be a great choice if you’re trying to avoid going out in public.
No matter your choice of online pharmacy, getting your prescriptions will work in pretty much the same way. You’ll need to have a prescription written and sent to your pharmacy of choice. Then, you set up delivery, and you’re good to go. You may even be able to set up automatic refills for your prescriptions. This can save you time and effort in the long run.
4. Purchase New Glasses
Alternatively, sometimes you want to take all the time you need and not worry about slowing anyone else down. If you wear glasses, you know the stress of trying to pick the right pair while a full waiting room watches. It can be uncomfortable, especially if you’re indecisive or particularly self-conscious. Instead of putting yourself through that, just order your glasses online.
There are a ton of websites that offer this service. Warby Parker, for example, will even let you pick a few pairs to try on at home for free for a specific amount of time. That means you can make your decision at your own pace with no pressure from onlookers.
The only catch is that you will need to have a current glasses prescription. While online eye exams are available, you may want to see an optician in person for a full exam before you shop.
5. Have a Consultation
When a full exam isn’t necessary, you may want to do your consultation online. These are generally quick, easy conversations you can have with a medical professional before you pursue further treatment.
Often, you’ll have one of these alongside other online medical services to ensure you’re getting the proper care. They can usually be completed either through a video chat or messaging service.
You may also look into what consultation options exist through your insurance. Some health insurance providers offer online consultations for a much lower price than visiting a doctor in person. So, not only are online consultations convenient, but they may also save you money.
6. Talk With a Mental Health Professional
The cost of health services can often be a barrier for those seeking treatment. This is especially true of mental health services, which can be prohibitively expensive. When combined with the stigma that’s still associated with mental illness, many will put off getting the help they need. However, pursuing these services online may provide a welcome reprieve to the cost and the shame.
A few well-known apps and brands offer mental health services online for a much more affordable rate. Typically you start with these services by completing a quick self-assessment. From there, you’ll be paired with a professional and given guidance on how the services will proceed.
If you’re looking for help that’s a little more local, you may see what’s being provided in your area. In the last year, some therapists have added virtual meeting options or text features.
Many areas of the healthcare industry are embracing technology in interesting and beneficial ways. Take advantage of these advances to do the things you don’t want to take care of in person. There’s no shame in it, and often, the quality of care should not be any worse than what it is in person. You may find it’s better because you are more comfortable overall. Explore your virtual health options, and find the ones that work best for you.
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