In today’s world, patients have more options than ever for how they see their doctor. With telemedicine now a regular part of primary care, you may wonder: Should I schedule a virtual visit or come into the office?
As a primary care doctor, I help patients navigate this choice every day. Both telemedicine and in-person care have unique advantages, and the right option depends on your health needs, comfort level, and the type of care you require.
Let’s explore the benefits of each — and how to decide which one is best for you.
Telemedicine, also known as a virtual or remote visit, allows you to connect with your doctor from the comfort of your home using a phone, tablet, or computer. It’s convenient, secure, and designed to make quality healthcare more accessible.
At RefineMed, we offer telemedicine appointments for many non-urgent medical concerns, follow-ups, and medication management. A LOT can be done through telemedicine for primary care and prevention.
Virtual visits are ideal for many situations that don’t require a physical exam. If your concern is mild or you need a quick check-in, telemedicine can save you time without compromising quality.
Common reasons to choose telemedicine:
Reviewing and ordering test results or adjusting treatment plans.
Coughs, colds, allergies, or mild infections.
Hypertension, diabetes, anxiety, and depression.
For stable, ongoing prescriptions.
Benefits of telemedicine:
Convenience: No need to travel or sit in a waiting room.
Accessibility: Great for patients who live far away or have limited mobility, or are too busy at office with limited PTO to come into an office
Flexibility: Easier to schedule around work and family commitments.
Telemedicine keeps you connected to your care team while fitting seamlessly into your busy life.
While telemedicine is convenient, some health issues are best addressed through an in-person appointment.
Schedule an office visit if you:
Have chest pain, shortness of breath, or severe pain.
Need a physical exam, for Pap smears, vaccine administration, biopsies, or surgical care
If you’re unsure which option is right for your situation, here are a few tips:
Call your doctor’s office. Our care team can guide you on whether your concern can be handled virtually or requires an in-person exam.
Consider your symptoms. If they’re severe, or worsening, it’s safer to go in office.
Stay flexible. Sometimes we start with a telemedicine visit and switch to in-person if a physical evaluation or test is needed.
The goal is always to get you the right care, at the right time, in the right way.
Telemedicine isn’t here to replace in-person care — it’s here to complement it. Together, these options create a more connected, accessible, and patient-centered healthcare experience.
At RefineMed, our team is committed to helping you choose the approach that best fits your needs. You’ll receive the same compassionate, high-quality care from a doctor who knows you.
