Surprising virtual treatment: 6 ways Hello Alpha can help you save a trip to the doctor

Virtual medicine offers the advantages of convenience, flexibility, and high-quality care so it’s no surprise that patients are using it more and more. However, what might surprise you is the range and variety of conditions that are effectively treatable virtually.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, only 5% of patients had accessed care virtually. That spiked to 70% during the pandemic when people were social distancing and healthcare offices were swamped with COVID care, though usage has since dipped to 25% in 2022. As the technology continues to evolve, people will use virtual care more and more thanks to the improved convenience, access, and privacy.

Hello Alpha uses asynchronous telemedicine to provide care to patients. Unlike an in-person doctor’s visit or a video conference with a healthcare provider, getting care asynchronously takes place at any time, and on any schedule. It’s a little like texting a friend instead of phoning them. And who likes talking on the phone these days, anyway?

A question we sometimes get is, how can you get quality care without an in-person exam? In general, virtual medicine is appropriate for:

• Help managing a specific medical condition
• Review or order lab work, imaging or other diagnostic testing
• Prescription refills or medication adjustments
• Answer general questions about health, testing, diagnosis or treatment

Several types of physical exams can also be conducted virtually, as needed, including:

• Ear, nose, and throat
• Skin
• Abdominal
• Cardiopulmonary
• Neurological
• Musculoskeletal

It’s important to note that virtual care is not for serious or life-threatening health issues.

You may be surprised by the long list of common conditions that are easily treated with the virtual, asynchronous approach.

1. Time-sensitive conditions. Because virtual care uses remote medical technologies to assess patients from afar, it is an excellent choice for evaluating contagious diseases like the flu, COVID-19, shingles, or chickenpox. This approach is safer for both patients and the community. Patients can get needed and prompt treatment for emergency contraception, bladder infections, and herpes. A provider can diagnose and advise regarding next steps and prescribe medication as appropriate.
2. Concerns that might merit discretion. One of the most common reasons for avoiding a doctor is embarrassment, but a healthcare provider has seen it all. With virtual care, the visit takes place where the patient is comfortable instead of in a doctor’s office, and with asynchronous virtual care, there’s not even any need for a video screen. Patients can submit their health information or questions to a provider without sitting in a waiting room or having to bring up an uncomfortable topic face-to-face. Some examples include sexual transmitted infections (STIs), heavy menstrual bleeding, hair loss, or even nail infections. All of these conditions are common — and manageable virtually.
3. Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. In some communities, seeking support for mental health is seen as a weakness or unnecessary. Many who would benefit from receiving mental health care feel shame, and taking the first step in person can be overwhelming. In a telemedicine setting, patients can take screenings and send questions to a provider with less fear of judgment. For women–who are twice as likely to experience depression or anxiety–a private way to access support can make a positive impact on their quality of life.
4. Chronic conditions like excess weight, diabetes, migraines, asthma, and more. Chronic conditions are common in the United States, affecting 6 in 10 adults. One of the lovely things about quality virtual care is that it allows and encourages people to connect with their doctor on a more frequent basis with fewer visits to the doctor’s office. Patients with diabetes, for example, can enable Alpha providers to view their CGM glucose levels on a shared database. Patients can also upload blood pressure measurements taken at home, diet and exercise information, and any new symptoms. If a patient is struggling with migraines, through a virtual visit it’s easy to update providers regarding the frequency of migraines and the effects (and side effects) of any medications taken to treat them, and send messages to coordinate prescription refills or provide a status update.
5. Skin issues. There’s often an extensive waiting period before snagging an appointment with a dermatologist, but a virtual visit is often much more accessible and convenient. A provider will assess minor cuts, scrapes, burns, rashes, and other skin conditions through images. Other skin conditions like acne, eczema, or diaper rash can also be diagnosed from the comfort of home.
6. Digestive concerns. Digestive issues can be very disruptive to everyday life. Whether it’s constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, or something else, a healthcare provider can likely help virtually. Whether it’s a new or ongoing concern, the provider will ask questions about medical history, bowel habits, and lifestyle. Depending on the answers, the provider may recommend specific at-home interventions, over-the-counter constipation remedies, or prescription medicine to diagnose and treat.

The internet has changed modern life, and it’s already widely used to help people stay in touch with family and friends, shop, watch movies, and more. Whether ongoing care is needed or it’s an urgent concern, virtual care is an excellent approach for taking care of your health.