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Learn the pros and cons of telehealth
Today, getting care doesn’t always mean making an appointment and going to the doctor’s office. You can manage many of your health needs at home with telehealth, or virtual care — a convenient way to get treatment using your mobile device or computer.
So, the next time a fever pops up in the middle of the night, or you’re wrestling with allergies on vacation, remember: You have many ways to get care — over the phone, by video, and online. After all, health issues happen everywhere — your care should too.
What is telehealth?
Telehealth is when you use a mobile device or computer to get medical help without being in the same place as your care team. That usually means connecting with a health care professional from somewhere more convenient — whether that’s your kitchen table, an office, or your beach vacation.
Telehealth can happen during in-person visits also, like when your doctor consults with a specialist in another room, building, or state.
The pros of using telehealth
Telehealth is a safe and convenient way to get care — and can save you time and money. With virtual care, you can avoid:
- Traveling to a doctor’s office when you don’t feel well
- Driving to an appointment and finding or paying for parking
- Sitting in a crowded waiting room
- Having to get a babysitter
- Taking time off work, school, or from other events
You can get the same quality of care with telehealth as you would with an in-person appointment. Most patients — 78% to 94% — report being satisfied with the care they receive.1
Some cons of using telehealth
Technology can make telehealth hard, like if your internet speed is slow or you can’t access or aren’t familiar with the devices and programs you need to use. And while virtual care is secure, you may not want to share highly personal information online.
Depending on your provider, it may also be difficult to get interpreter services. Or to understand if your insurance will cover the full cost of your appointment.
Using virtual care can also come down to personal choice. If you’d rather see someone in person, telehealth may not be right for you.
Getting care using telehealth
Many providers offer a 24/7 advice line to help connect you to the right care. Others also offer around-the-clock access to clinicians who can assess your symptoms, give care advice, and make referrals.
Schedule time to meet with a doctor or nurse face-to-face on your mobile device or computer to get a diagnosis, treatment advice, prescriptions, and more.2
9 in 10 Kaiser Permanente members in Northern California who tried a video visit would do it again.3
Talk with a doctor or nurse over the phone. Like at an office visit, they can offer treatment advice, prescribe medication, and more.4
Some health plans let you email or chat with health professionals about nonurgent health questions.
More ways to get care
Depending on where you live, you might have even more ways to get care, either online or in person. Learn more about your Kaiser Permanente care options at kp.org/getcare.
1Juan J. Andino et al., “Overview of telehealth in the United States since the COVID-19 public health emergency: A narrative review,” mHealth, July 15, 2023.
2Service available to Kaiser Permanente members when appropriate and available. If you travel out of state, phone appointments and video visits may not be available in select states due to licensing laws. Laws differ by state.
3Mary E. Reed et al., “Patient–Provider Video Telemedicine Integrated With Clinical Care: Patient Experiences,” Annals of Internal Medicine, April 30, 2019.
4See note 2.