Jake's story: a real-life example
When Jake’s alarm clock buzzed at 7 a.m., he knew something just wasn’t right when felt tingling across his arm. He scratched, but the itch only intensified. He flipped on the bathroom light and saw a bright red rash spreading across his skin. His mind started whirling with possibilities of what it could be: a bug bite, something he touched, something he was allergic to?
Jake's first instinct was to call in sick, but he knew they had deadlines to meet and he didn't want to let his team down. Desperate for the itching to stop, he remembered his company's new virtual healthcare service. With a few taps on his phone, he was connected to a doctor.
Jake found a pharmacy on his way to work. Using his virtual prescription, he was able to pick up the cream without a wait. By the time he arrived at work, he wasn’t as itchy and was able to continue on with his day.
The benefits of virtual care
Technology has made accessing healthcare super simple. You can connect with a provider in minutes via a mobile phone or computer. For many conditions you can be diagnosed in a tele-health visit, saving precious time not sitting in traffic or a congested waiting room. Many healthcare plans now include this service for free!
Virtual care is a valuable resource for people living in remote areas where access to in-person healthcare is limited. It is another route to go in the middle of the night instead of visiting the local ER, typically offering 24/7/365 availability.
One overlooked aspect of tele-health is the reduction of stress when speaking with a doctor in the comfort of your own home. Many of us may experience white-coat syndrome and freeze up when speaking to our doctor in their office. Maybe it’s the sterile equipment, the smell of the rubbing alcohol or the tiny paper-like covers they have us change into. We’re just not as relaxed sitting partially clothed across from a person we may see twice a year. By meeting with a provider over our mobile device, we may have less anxiety about those healthcare appointments, will be less likely to cancel, and more likely to let our guard down.
Taking time off for healthcare: employee perspectives
Speaking of canceling appointments, many employees wrestle with the idea of taking time off work to go to medical appointments. They may understand the importance of prioritizing their health, but the fear of missing work or facing negative consequences can sometimes prevent them from booking that visit to discuss the frequent headaches or the follow-up checkup for the mole that the dermatologist discovered.
Happy and healthy employees are more likely to be productive and engaged in their work. As an employer, you can:
Explore plans that include telemedicine; a stand-alone supplemental program under $10 per employee is another possible offering.
Ensure you educate your employees about the benefits of virtual care and how to access the service.
Encourage usage of virtual care and promote it as a convenient and affordable way for them to stay healthy and receive medical attention.
How your team can utilize virtual health
According to the American Medical Association, some common uses for virtual health are:
Preventative care: Virtual care can be used for preventative care appointments, which can help identify and address potential health issues early on, saving you money in the long run.
Primary care appointments: Consult with a doctor for common ailments like colds, flu, or allergies.
Chronic disease management: Manage conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or asthma with regular virtual check-ins.
Medication refills: Get your prescriptions refilled without leaving home.
Many virtual care plans now offer mental healthcare
Virtual care isn't just for physical health. According to the American Psychiatric Association, Gen-Z is more likely to seek mental health treatment compared to Millennials and Gen-Xers. They are also more open about discussing mental health issues, so don't be surprised if there are more inquiries about mental health programs during the hiring process. The good news is many virtual care providers offer a range of mental health services, including therapy sessions, counseling, and medication management. Many mental health medications require the patient to be under a doctor's care.
As mentioned earlier, being in your own environment can reduce the stress of speaking with a doctor, and this is doubly so when talking to a therapist or counselor. People are more likely to keep their appointment when the practitioners is so easily accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
While reduced travel time is beneficial, saving money is often a top priority. Virtual mental healthcare can be more affordable than traditional in-person therapy, making it easier to access the care you need without being limited to a fixed number of sessions. Many virtual care programs are flexible and can be extended to meet your individual needs, unlike the restrictions often imposed by health insurance plans.
If you are seeking a benefit to help your employee's wellbeing, virtual care is a low-cost and simple solution. By providing access to both physical and mental health services, virtual care can help create a healthier and more supportive workplace.
About the Author
Melissa Blatt is the founder and CEO of indipop, a healthcare marketplace that curates a selection of high-quality, membership-based healthcare plans—offering cost-effective, comprehensive alternatives for independent workers and small business owners. Indipop provides access to plans that can save members thousands per year compared to traditional insurance plans, while ensuring quality care. Support the HCC
