Very few people actually enjoy going to the doctor, but luckily in this day and age of high technology, it’s easier than ever. There was a time when you had to take an entire afternoon off (perhaps at no pay) just to see a GP about a rickety knee or if you thought you were coming down with the flu. How does it make sense to be forced out of the house when you’re feeling your worse? Luckily, the days of the doctor coming to you have come full circle (kind of).
The idea of “going to the doctor” is actually rather new. Even 50 years ago, it was most common for doctors to make house calls. It makes sense: Why should the ill person be the one trekking across town? Then came the advent of patients being forced to see their doctors even feeling their worst. However, thanks to technology, we’ve finally come back to our senses with online doctors becoming very popular and with good reason.
Here are the top ways technology has improved the patient-doctor relationship for good.
1. Online appointments
Whether it’s a GP, mental health therapist or a specialist, more and more doctors are offering online appointments to make things easier on everyone. This also leads to lower overhead, so your doctor bills might (eventually) not be as high especially if you’re paying out of pocket. You go online for everything else, from finding a date to a job, so it just makes sense that seeing your doctor should be on your tablet.
2. Better, more accurate and faster results
Medical technology is always advancing, and seemingly every day you can get better test results faster. There are gadgets for diabetics to check their insulin levels virtually pain-free, and top quality machines for sleep apnea that are much less intrusive than just a few years ago. Technology has vastly improved care in nearly every realm.
3. No wait times
Some specialists are so popular that you might be stuck waiting a month for the next appointment. However, when doctors offer virtual checkins or over the phone “appointments” you can get your “fix” right away. Maybe you simply need to re-up a prescription that’s common for you or have a quick question about whether or not a symptom is normal after a procedure. Checking in virtually helps you connect better.
Technology can be a great thing, but only if wielded correctly. There are still instances where it’s best to see a doctor in person, and patients who prefer building a close relationship with their care providers the old fashioned way. However, for those who are on the go or looking for a quick connection, technology has made life easier.