The benefits of virtual visits through WH AnyWHere

The pandemic had many impacts on the health care industry. A lasting and beneficial effect: virtual visits. Born out of necessity, virtual visits provide a viable alternative for seeking health care.

What is a virtual visit?

This replaces an in-person visit and helps avoid spending time in a waiting or exam room. This is convenient for those concerned about COVID-19 and other health issues. Medical personnel also appreciate this. It removes barriers to providing care for those with challenges to get into an office for an appointment.

What are the benefits of a virtual visit?

For patients with new health concerns, or due for a well visit, it’s a great option. Here’s why.

1. Comfort and convenience

Whether it’s a temporary need or a new model for care, it’s the next best thing to a house call. Patients can receive care for common ailments, such as:

• Allergies
• Bladder infections
• Colds
• Coughs
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Minor injuries
• Pink eye
• Rashes
• Sinus infections
• Stomach flu
• Upper respiratory infections
• Yeast infections

Patients can receive instructions or prescriptions from a virtual visit, all from the comfort of their homes.

Graham C. Brown is a PA-C with Wilmington Health’s internal medicine department. He says virtual visits allow for safe interviewing. That’s important, with possible infectious symptoms, not limited to COVID-19.

“We can also touch base on ADHD, anxiety and depression, and other conditions,” Brown said.

TRY THIS: Choose a quiet, well-lit place for your visit, free of distractions. Be sure you have a strong cellular or Wi-Fi connection.

2. Time savings

Patients with busy schedules find favor in telehealth. No need to schedule in time for a commute and the possibility of unforeseen delays. A virtual visit fits into an itinerary like any other meeting.

Christopher McKibbin, MD, also with Wilmington Health’s internal medicine department, says it’s sometimes a patient’s only option.

“Sometimes surgery or injury incapacitates a patient,” Dr. McKibbin said. “They would have difficulty climbing in the car and coming down. Usually, we can meet virtually, then arrange for testing or interventions in person.”

TRY THIS: Before your visit, test your audio and video on the device with which you’ll connect.

3. Access the meeting from anywhere

Much of the convenience of a virtual visit stems from the flexibility to take the call anywhere. Depending on your circumstance, it could be from your bed, sofa, or even your office. Anywhere you can have distraction-free time and a good device, you can have a virtual visit.

Brown says it provides patients access to health care and advice without a long wait.

“Patients likely benefit by not having to take large amounts of time off for the virtual visits,” he said. “They can cut down on PTO needed and the ability to get answers to medical concerns in a quicker fashion.”

TRY THIS: Write down concerns and questions for your provider. Take notes! New questions will crop up during your discussion.

4. Helps avoid disruptions to your day

It’s not always a slow time of day or part of your week for a visit. An appointment through telehealth might help you avoid needing to take time off or arrange for child care as you might need to for an in-person visit.

Dr. McKibbin points out an interesting observation. Without virtual visits, some patients would have gone without medical care since 2020. That would be the onset of the pandemic.

“Our administration was quick to use technology and train providers and staff,” he said. “We’ve been able to continue to provide care for the most vulnerable and isolated people.”

TRY THIS: Answer pre-visit questions to the best of your ability. This allows your physician to better understand what’s going on and help you. Check your email for specific instructions for your virtual visit. Close out other applications on your device. They might interfere with your appointment.

What does Wilmington Health offer?

Meet WH AnyWHere, a full telehealth program that provides visits any day, and anywhere. It allows providers to offer care based on the patient’s terms and time constraints. Laptop computers and tablets with cameras work best, but mobile phones are a good option, too.

What if I don’t have video capability on my device?

Video isn’t the only threshold for telehealth. Wilmington Health providers can support the visit by phone call, too. The important point is access to care to optimize your health anywhere.

Through WH AnyWHere, patients can maintain preventive care and meet medical needs. In all, the hope is to keep patients on a regular path to health and avoid visits to the emergency room.