After more than a year and a half of emphasis on telemedicine due to the Covid shutdowns, we asked whether people preferred that to in person doctor visits.
In our unscientific poll, 70% of people say they prefer in person doctor visits.
Only 17% preferred remote "telemedicine.
Full results are below. Be sure to answer the newest poll at SharylAttkisson.com. Look for the black box on the right sidebar on your computer or scroll way down on your mobile device.
Do you prefer in-person doctor visits for remote matters or remote "telemedicine"?
70% In person
17% Remote "telemedicine"
12% It doesn't matter
I think most people would definitely prefer an in person visit with their doctor. It's not possible for any professional medical person to do the kind of exam over the phone or virtually as can be done in an in person exam. However, sometimes, one doesn't have a choice.
My example:. I needed to do a pre procedure appointment with my gastroenterologist. However, I came down with a severe cold just two days before my appointment, so I called the office and told them what was going on. I was told that the inperson appointment would be changed to a virtual appointment. I went ahead with the virtual. However the auditory was poor quality and I'm not sure I got all of my necessary information. In addition, when I got the bill, I had sticker shock. I called the billing department and inquired about the cost associated with a 15 minutes virtual appointment versus an in person appointment and was told it was the same price. I'm not sure if I would do this again.
However, I have done virtual/phone appointment regarding something else and was satisfied on all points. Therefore, it depends on the situation. Whenever possible, I would do in person but would do phone or virtual appointment again, depending on my personal situation at the particular moment.
Sorry if this is lengthy!