The way we access healthcare and information and advice linked to health and well-being has changed enormously over the last twenty years. Today, there is an array of options to choose from if you feel unwell, you need advice, or you’d like to find out more about specific symptoms or conditions. In this guide, we’ll discuss where to go if you need help with your health.
Family physicians
For most people, a family physician is still the first port of call if they feel sick or they have unusual or worrying symptoms. Family physicians, also known as general practitioners and primary care physicians, see patients with a huge range of symptoms. They carry out basic examinations, tests and checks and they can refer patients to specialist doctors or services if they need further investigations or treatment. When you see your family physician, they will ask you some questions about your general health, your medical history and your symptoms. Family physicians cover mental and physical illnesses and they also provide preventative services, such as immunizations. Depending on your symptoms and your general health status, your doctor may advise you to have tests, including taking a urine or blood sample or to make changes to your lifestyle, take medication or visit a health center or hospital for more tests or a scan.
In most cases, a primary care physician will be able to treat minor ailments and illnesses. They may also recommend a period of watchful waiting, which means that no intervention is required at that moment. Patients will be advised to schedule another appointment down the line or see their doctor if they continue to experience symptoms or the signs get worse. Primary care physicians also run health clinics and offer advice to help people to adopt healthy lifestyles, for example, help with heart health, nutrition and giving up smoking. If you have questions about your health, or you feel unwell, contact your doctor.
The Internet
The Internet has revolutionized the way we search for health advice and access healthcare services. Many of us use search engines to find information, which led to the proliferation of the term, ‘Dr Google.’ Statistics show that Google processes more than 1 billion health-related searches per day now. Almost 90% of Americans admit to using Google before going to their doctor for advice.
The Internet is a fantastic resource if you have questions about symptoms, you want to compare doctors or health clinics and providers, or you’re looking for general advice. If you type in questions like ‘Is Pedialyte safe after expiration date?’ you’ll get an answer in seconds, which is much faster than contacting a doctor or nurse. It also frees up time for healthcare workers. Online resources can also be incredibly beneficial for helping you to improve your health if you’re trying to gain or lose weight by altering your diet, you want to do more exercise or you’re looking for solutions for sleep troubles. You can also access forums and groups that may be beneficial if you want to talk to somebody or you’re trying to cut down on drinking or find people who have similar health issues or shared experiences. It can be helpful to forge relationships with people who are in recovery if you’re undergoing treatment for addiction or to talk to people who have been through rehabilitation following an accident or trauma, for example.
There are multiple advantages of using the Internet to access health advice and services, but it’s essential to be aware of the risks. There is a lot of misinformation on the web and using search engines to diagnose conditions can lead you down the wrong path. Always use reputable, reliable sources and secure websites, don’t give out personal information online and be wary of offers or claims that seem too good to be true. Use sites run by government health departments and trustworthy institutions, such as universities and hospitals. If you have any questions about health products or treatments you find online, ask your doctor. Using the Internet should never replace seeking professional medical advice if you have symptoms that could be related to a severe injury or illness.
Telehealth and virtual services
Telephone calls and virtual consultations were becoming more commonplace before the pandemic, but the outbreak and rapid spread of Covid-19 accelerated the shift towards online and remote services. The number of telehealth appointments rose from 849,000 in 2019 to 52.7 million in 2020. Even after in-person appointments returned in 2021, the number of visits was 38 times higher than before the pandemic.
Telehealth services offer advantages for healthcare providers and workers and patients. They are more convenient, they provide greater flexibility and they enable patients to access advice without worrying about logistics or paying to get to a clinic or health center. Doctors and other professionals in the industry can also save time by helping patients virtually. If you don’t need to see a doctor or a therapist in person, you can take advantage of virtual consultations and phone calls.
It is important to note that telephone and video calls have limitations. There are some instances when it’s more beneficial to see a healthcare professional in the flesh. This includes symptoms that require physical examinations and undergoing tests, such as a blood test or a blood pressure check if you don’t have a monitor at home. Some patients would rather talk on the phone or make a virtual appointment, but others would prefer to speak to a doctor in person. This is a matter of personal preference.
The way we access information about health and well-being and healthcare services has changed. Today, there is a huge range of options open to patients thanks to advances in technology and research. If you have questions about your health, you have developed symptoms, you need advice, or you don’t feel well, there are multiple channels to explore. In most cases, seeing a primary care physician will be the first step, but it can also be useful to use the Internet to answer basic questions and get information about symptoms and conditions. Always use reputable, secure websites. Seek expert advice if you have severe symptoms or your symptoms persist or get worse. Virtual services have become more popular in recent years. They offer a quick, convenient and hassle-free alternative to in-person appointments, but they are not suitable for all patients.