Ask Our Expert: When Should I Use Telehealth?

Remote visits surged during the pandemic due to social distancing. Now, they're all about making health care more accessible and flexible for patients. Whether you have an acute issue or want to discuss your chronic care needs, you can attend your appointments from the comfort of your kitchen table using a phone or computer.  

“Sometimes with a traditional in-person appointment, you spend more time in the car than with your doctor,” says Natasha Withers, DO, a family physician at University of Vermont Health Network – Porter Medical Center. “From the patient’s perspective, telehealth can be a total win.”  

What Kinds of Appointments Work for Telehealth?   

While different practices have different guidelines for when to offer virtual visits, telehealth visits are often most suitable for:

• Annual wellness visits 

• Blood test results reviews 

• Addressing chronic medical problems 

• Medication management 

• Mental health counseling 

If you have an acute issue that requires a physical exam you will need to be seen in person. If you think you are having a medical emergency, then we recommend you be seen in the emergency room. 

How Prevalent is Telehealth?  

 A 2024 study shows that two years after the onset of the pandemic, telemedicine was still used by over 40% of adult patients in the U.S., especially among patients with more significant care needs.  Dr. Withers, who began offering telehealth services when she joined Porter Medical Center in 2016, says most of her patients prefer appointments by phone over the computer.   

"A phone visit is appropriate for most things, but occasionally we need to do a video visit if there is something we need to visualize," she says.  “For new patients, it’s nice to connect via video to see their face, but I don’t have a preference, it is really what is best for the patient.”  

How Do You Prepare for a Remote Appointment?  

Being prepared can help you have a productive telehealth visit. Remember to:  

• Sign on early if using video. If something goes wrong, you can message your provider or call their office.  

• Make a list of concerns or questions you want to discuss

• Have a list of medicines you are taking and their dosage handy 

• Know your temperature, weight, blood pressure  

Dr. Withers emphasizes that telehealth is available and encourages patients to ask about remote appointments. "Many patients don't know that remote appointments are an option," she says. "Often all they need to do is ask.”