Do you jet across the world often? Or maybe you have seasonal homes in different states.
If you do, you probably know the fear that comes from needing a doctor in a place other than home. It can be stressful trying to figure out which local physicians take your insurance or finding an urgent care and waiting hours to get help only to end up in the ER because the urgent care cannot treat your condition.
Or worse, if you’re abroad, dealing with possible translation difficulties and trying to figure out how much foreigners without local insurance pay.
So you travel as prepared as possible. You bring antibacterial wipes and first aid kits everywhere, and you’re constantly washing your hands.
But what if you didn’t have to sweat it? What if you had a doctor right there in your pocket?
Fortunately, you do! The world is now more connected than ever, which means as long as you have a smartphone and a signal, you can be in touch with a concierge doctor.
But how does having one of these doctors benefit you?
Read on to find out!
How Does Having a Concierge Doctor Work?
There are several different forms of telehealth, but they all have the same basic concept.
Usually, you visit a website or download an app. You can then search for the type of doctor you need. A host of physicians should show up, and you can look at them to see if they take your insurance.
Once you’ve selected a physician, set up an appointment by following any on-screen instructions. If you’re in a different time zone, make sure you calculate the time difference so you know when to be online. This type of telehealth appointment is with a physician that doesn’t know you or your health history, so the appointment will include the doctor asking a lot of questions about ongoing health issues that you have.
If you already have a primary care physician, ask them if they offer telehealth services. Some physicians do, while others have yet to jump on the bandwagon. Concierge health services from a doctor who knows you and your health history is more personal and effective for both you and the doctor.
If your doctor offers telehealth services you may need while traveling, ask them how to go about setting up a virtual appointment. They might do it a bit differently than as described above.
Peace of Mind
Have you ever been in a foreign country and had a scary health issue without a physician to talk to? Not knowing what your medical options are if something unexpected happens while you’re out of the country can be frightening.
Fortunately, you don’t need to be near the physician’s office to contact your doctor via telehealth services!
Use Your Concierge Doctor to Remain Within Your Budget
Medical care can be super expensive. In the United States, even simple scans and procedures can end up costing you thousands of dollars in copays toward your deductible.
But finding someone who takes your insurance when you travel can be super difficult. It becomes especially hard if your insurance is regionalized and no doctor within the area recognizes it.
Yet, medical problems don’t just happen when you’re a convenient 15 minutes away from your doctor’s office. Sometimes, you’re hundreds or even thousands of miles away.
With telehealth, you can access a doctor who accepts your insurance no matter where you are.
Stay Protected
If you’re traveling in 2020, you’re likely trying to do so in a way that minimizes your contact with people outside of your family.
As COVID-19 continues to rage throughout the world, many people are choosing something a little bit more outdoor and sequestered. Whenever possible, most of us are avoiding crowds and areas where people might be sick.
So, if you need to go to the doctor’s office, you might be a little bit worried. After all, you don’t want to sit in a waiting room with a bunch of sick people, even if they are socially distanced.
However, you might be able to avoid trips to the doctor with telehealth as well. After all, a doctor can use their web camera to take an initial look at your concern. If you need to go in, they will tell you, but if not, you saved yourself a trip!
Mobile Doctor At Your Convenience
Are you so pressed for time that you have no idea when you’ll be able to schedule in a doctor’s visit?
Maybe you’re traveling more often than not and don’t know when you’ll be able to see your primary care physician in person. If that’s the case, telehealth is perfectly convenient for you, as you can connect to your mobile doctor when it works for you!
No Need for Translation Services
Frequent travelers sometimes go to other parts of the world.
These can be wonderful experiences full of rich memories. Yet, none of us want those memories to include going to the doctor and trying to scramble for an accurate translator.
While some facilities do provide translation services, you want to have the peace to know that you are properly understanding your doctor.
If you use a telehealth service, you will have access to doctors who speak your native language just so long as you have an internet connection.
Of course, if you are in urgent need of medical care, we recommend you seek emergency in-person care, no matter where you are in the world.
No more waiting weeks to see your doctor. Not only do we know you by name, but you always have direct access to your Halo Concierge Doctors by text or a call.
Contact us today to learn more or to set up a visit!