From Medical Devices to Prescriptions and Supplements: We Are Increasingly Going Online for Healthcare

When you’re unable to leave the house safely, it’s easy to understand the appeal of seeing a doctor virtually. Even in a normal period of time, it’s just easier to fit telehealth into a busy schedule. If you’re looking to learn more, read on to find out why healthcare is moving online, and what types of care are available to patients.

Why is healthcare moving online?

Virtual healthcare, which includes virtual visits with doctors, nurses, and other specialists via various types of communication technology, is becoming more and more popular, and there are a variety of reasons why. Virtual care allows patients to avoid a commute for simple status updates and check-ins, enables consultations with out-of-town specialists from the comfort of home with just a phone or computer and a microphone, and can address preparation and questions in advance to save time at an in-person visit. Prescription medication dispensary and delivery services being available online also addresses patient needs, providing convenient delivery and an important service for disabled or mobility-challenged customers.

The internet also offers the opportunity to explore a wide variety of holistic healthcare options like supplements. Issues with digestive health, nutrition, and body fat can be tricky to treat. If you need something like leaky gut support, it’s easier than ever to do research to figure out how to address your symptoms and find supplements that can help the digestive system.

Problems like inflammation, food sensitivities, indigestion, and diarrhea are all related to gut health. Not only that, but they can be indicators of serious problems like GI issues, autoimmune disease, chronic inflammation, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, leaky gut syndrome, and more. Toxins, damage to the gut lining, undigested food particles, and other issues are common, especially with a poor diet. Providing your body with the nutrients and good bacteria that it needs can address these symptoms. Supplements like probiotics that help you digest and help your digestive system function can make a noticeable difference in your quality-of-life, just make sure you do your research and read reviews before making a purchase.

What types of care are available on the internet?

You’d be surprised by the diversity in the type of care available online. Teletherapy has become increasingly popular, as have services offering quick check-ins or answers to questions about common health issues. However, even more, advanced specialists have begun to offer telehealth services. Given that some doctors within certain disciplines can often be far away or difficult to get an appointment with, the prevalence of telehealth is a game-changer for those who have specific health needs but lack access to appropriate care.

Even specialties like hearing health have become available in the telehealth space, providing access to an audiologist for anyone seeking help with hearing devices or affected by auditory processing issues. You can receive hearing health assessments, counseling, and fine-tuning for hearing aids and cochlear implants remotely. Hearing aid services, including everything from maintenance checks to programming assistance, can all be done virtually. For those who experience fatigue or have other health issues, the ability to connect with a specialist digitally is a lifesaver.

While not every visit can be virtual, patients are learning that many common problems and questions can be solved with a telehealth appointment rather than a trip to the doctor’s office. Being able to use teletherapy online has made it accessible to millions of more people. Not only that, but plenty of sources of information about alternative medicine and supplements that address issues like digestive health that Western medicine often ignores are only a search away.

For those who want to be more knowledgeable about and in control of their health, there are many advantages to the switch to the digital space, and it’s easier than ever to take advantage of them.