6 Reasons You Need to Diversify Your Practice with Virtual Care

In a 2017 survey of 1,414 physicians offices across the U.S., medical staffing firm Merritt Hawkins found the average wait time to see a family physician in large markets is a staggering 29 days.

In this interview with EpicMD, I talk about why telemedicine is such a compelling improvement for both physicians and their patients. Put simply, if a patient has a time-sensitive, but not life-threatening medical condition, telehealth makes it possible for them to connect to their doctor’s office without the need for a costly and time consuming visit to urgent care centers or the emergency room.

Virtual care models are great options for physicians, too. Incorporating telehealth into your practice can help:

1. Improve efficiency
2. Increase the number of patients you can serve
3. Offer more patient-friendly care
4. Eliminate lengthy intake processes
5. Break down geographic barriers to care
6. Improve physician quality of life

Of course, a virtual care model comes with its own set of challenges. Many physicians still need to be educated one-on-one to fully understand what conditions can and cannot be treated via virtual care, and how to mitigate the risks associated with offering it. But the risk/benefit ratio falls firmly on the side of diversifying your practice with digital health services.

Interested in expanding your digital health strategy to include virtual care? Let’s talk about what’s possible. Shoot me a note at sylvan@sylvanwallermd.com and see more at sylvanwallermd.com.