Be Careful of These 7 Telehealth Myths

Virtual medical visit options have been around for several years, yet the general knowledge of this alternative is still filled with misinformation. Perhaps this is because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rush of patients who may otherwise have visited in person; now we have a whirlwind of assumptions circling the world of healthcare and medicine.

Regardless of the reason, as a proponent of telehealth virtual visits and the quality care that comes with it, we at The Urgency Room would like to squash these more prevalent myths once and for all. Stick around to learn more.

Myth 1: You’ll Get Better Care in Person

Comparing in-person care and virtual visits is a bit like comparing apples and oranges. Of course, there are evaluation opportunities at your disposal in person that—initially—you may not get when you visit online. But that doesn’t mean the care is any better or worse.

At The Urgency Room, your medical professionals still treat the virtual visit with the same sincerity that they would an in-person visit. If they think your symptoms are beyond what a virtual visit or an in-person visit at one of our locations can attend to, they will instruct you to call 911.

Myth 2: Medical Provider Cannot Write You a Prescription During a Virtual Meeting

Our medical team can write prescriptions from just about anywhere once they’ve determined the best course of action for your medical treatment. There’s no law or regulation preventing them from authorizing your medicine or medical devices when meeting virtually.

Myth 3: Using Telehealth Is Complicated

While we can’t speak for the complexity of other clinics and healthcare companies, The Urgency Room’s virtual option is meant to be simple. You visit our telehealth page on our website and follow the directions (just a few easy steps).

If it’s your first time, you’ll need to create an account. Once you’ve finished your account creation, you’ll only be a few clicks and a short wait away from meeting a medical professional.

Myth 4: Telehealth Isn’t Private or Secure

The Urgency Room makes your privacy and information security just as important online as they do in person. Just as your files are confidential, so are your virtual meetings. In fact, in some cases you could argue that telehealth is more secure—at least on the visibility front—because you won’t be sharing a waiting room or have your information overheard by other patients or employees as you check in.

Myth 5: Only Very Mild Symptoms May Be Assessed or Treated

It’s certainly true that serious symptoms will likely require in-person visits for a more thorough examination and testing. However, medical providers in a telehealth visit are able to evaluate a wide range of symptoms. Some of these symptoms include:

• Eye irritation
• Congestion
• Sore throat
• Stable COVID concerns
• Urinary tract infections

Myth 6: Online Medical Services Are Expensive

Virtual visits are not inherently more expensive than in-person visits. Thanks to technological advances, urgent health care services have become more and more accessible and easier for everyone to use—cutting down on overhead costs and increasing efficiency.

At The Urgency Room, an estimated charge for a virtual visit comes out to around $138.00. Of course, prices can vary depending on additional services or if testing is involved. If your physician believes it’s necessary for you to come in, your telehealth fees will be waived.

Myth 7: It’s Easier to Misdiagnose in a Virtual Visit

Your telehealth provider knows what to look for in their patients, what questions to ask, and how to treat you. In fact, studies even suggest virtual platforms do not result in higher rates of misdiagnosis or a failure to treat patients during their online visits.

The Urgency Room – Emergency Care 365 Days a Year

From COVID-19 testing to treating infections or broken bones, The Urgency Room is well-equipped to take on your urgent medical needs. We have three locations around the Twin Cities: Eagan, Vadnais Heights, and Woodbury. Give us a call or connect with us for more information.

Still unsure or wondering what is telehealth, exactly? Visit our FAQ page to learn more about virtual services.