While the COVID-19 pandemic opened the door for telehealth services to expand rapidly, what’s really put telemedicine on the map is the widely positive response from consumers, particularly when it comes to hormone replacement therapy, weight loss, and related forms of care.
Patients were impressed by the convenience, low wait times, and the ability to access specialists from anywhere in the world—especially when travel or in-person visits weren’t feasible. And while telehealth providers aren’t looking to replace your favorite hometown dentist or pediatrician, they are cementing their status in the healthcare industry as go-to care providers that can complement or even optimize your current services.
Telemedicine is Here to Stay. Now What?
Now that the telemedicine industry has proven its staying power, the challenge has shifted: with so many options available, how do we choose the right provider for our needs?
Whether you’re seeking ongoing care or a one-time consultation, selecting a trustworthy and effective telemedicine provider is essential for ensuring a positive experience and achieving the best outcomes; this is particularly important when it comes to critical or sensitive care like mental health, hormone replacement, and other specialty treatments.
Take a look at our cheat sheet of the key factors to look for when vetting a provider, so you can make an informed decision for your health and well-being.
1. Compare the Patient Care Offerings
Beyond the flashy apps and buzzwords, your telemedicine provider should be able to show a clear path to a positive outcome.
Let’s say you began your telehealth journey by seeking a particular medication for weight loss or management. After a thorough discussion of your medical record and symptoms, however, your qualified healthcare provider may uncover that you’ve been struggling with an underlying hormonal imbalance.
Look for Comprehensive Care, Not Quick Fixes
Armed with a care plan to address that underlying medical condition–one that also causes fatigue, insomnia, and hair loss, for instance–you can potentially experience greater relief, energy levels, and other benefits on top of the weight management support you were originally seeking. In this case, the weight loss would be a byproduct of finding a more comprehensive solution for your needs.
By working with a healthcare provider with a full range of products, services, and expertise, you’re giving yourself the best treatment plan available while significantly reducing the risk of possible side effects or complications.
2. Check for Professional Credentials and Expertise
It’s crucial that a quality telemedicine provider employs licensed and experienced healthcare professionals. Before booking a consultation, take the time to research the credentials of the doctors, nurse practitioners, and/or specialists who are available on the platform and responsible for your care.
A provider should make it easy to access their medical staff’s qualifications and backgrounds. Look for options that are backed by board-certified, licensed practitioners who have experience in the specific area you need help with.
Whether you’re dealing with a general health issue or seeking specialty care, knowing your provider is highly qualified and accessible will give you peace of mind and help ensure you receive the best care possible.
3. Assess Their Reputation and Experience
One of the best ways to gauge the quality of a telemedicine provider is by checking patient reviews and testimonials. Look for feedback from other users to get an idea of what to expect. Are patients happy with the quality of care? Was the platform easy to use? Did they feel that their concerns were addressed?
Patient reviews and customer feedback can give you valuable insights into the provider’s strengths and weaknesses. Positive testimonials from patients who have used the platform for a variety of issues indicate that the provider is likely to offer high-quality, reliable care.
4. Check for Tech and Ease of Use
Another essential element of a great telemedicine provider is the technology they use. In today’s fast-paced world, you need a platform that’s easy to navigate, user-friendly, and reliable. A good telemedicine provider will prioritize seamless communication and accessibility.
Look for Convenience and Continual Improvement
As a part of our mission to set new standards in digital healthcare access, Evolve Telemedicine Is proud to unveil our new, cutting-edge patient portal for effortless appointment scheduling, communication, and accessibility.
“Our new patient portal reflects Evolve’s steadfast commitment to helping our patients live happier, healthier, more productive lives through our treatments and extraordinary experiences, says Evolve COO and President Joseph Fournier. “By putting our patients at the center of everything we do every day, we’re taking bold steps to empower our patients with easy access to care through our experts, and control over their healthcare journey.”
Whether you choose Team Evolve or another provider, look for smooth scheduling processes, on-demand insights, and convenient tech support options at your fingertips.
5. Don’t Skip Over the Security and Privacy Protections
This one’s a biggie, and related to our previous tip. When receiving medical care remotely, your privacy and security should be a top priority. Look for telemedicine providers that are HIPAA-compliant, which ensures that your health data is protected under federal law. The provider should use secure video conferencing platforms that encrypt your health and personal information during consultations.
Take a moment to review their privacy policies to understand how your patient data will be handled. A good telemedicine provider will make patient confidentiality and security a top priority, offering you the peace of mind that your personal health information is safeguarded.
6. Look for Solid Communication and Support
Since you won’t be physically walking into a doctor’s office or meeting your physician face to face, effective communication is essential for telemedicine to work. A good provider will offer not just virtual consultations but also follow-up support and communication. Whether you need answers to questions after your appointment or need additional support between visits, your provider should be responsive and supportive.
Look for a platform that offers multiple ways to contact them—whether through secure messaging, phone support, or email. If there’s a lack of communication or if it’s difficult to get in touch with your provider, this can be a red flag that the provider isn’t giving you the attention you deserve.
7. Evaluate for Fair and Transparent Pricing
Price transparency is key when it comes to digital healthcare options. A good telemedicine provider will offer clear, upfront pricing so you know what to expect before booking an appointment. When telemedicine providers offer pricing that seems too good to be true, it often is. Look for asterisks, exclusions, and additional fees when researching pricing.
It’s fine to ask about extra fees before you commit; you can also avoid platforms with unclear billing or subscription plans. There are plenty of providers that are willing to be upfront and straightforward in order to work with you.
Cheaper Isn’t Always Better
As responsible consumers with numerous financial commitments, it’s natural that we will look for the best value possible when it comes to products and services.
But just like we know the obvious differences between fast food and a quality steak dinner, it’s important to know the differences between the providers who are guiding us through major life and health decisions.
And while there’s nothing wrong with grabbing a cheap burger here and there, we also know that sometimes you get what you pay for. So, when price shopping your telehealth providers, remember to factor in the bundle of experience, expertise, and the quality of your treatment options as you evaluate.
Cutting Through the Noise: Final Thoughts on Choosing a Telemedicine Provider
Ever get the impression that companies put profits before patients? That’s because many do. In modern medicine, there’s no shortage of healthcare services working to get your attention and promise a solution to whatever healthcare questions or concerns you may have.
But here’s the bottom line:
Your telemedicine provider should respect you as a patient and as a consumer.
When a company puts its patients first, it shows in everything they do, from delivering care with compassion and responsiveness, to their pricing and technology.
Your digital healthcare provider shouldn’t be pitching buzzwords, miracle cures, or quick deals.
Your provider should be:
- invested in your long-term wellness
- committed to guiding you to the overall quality of life you deserve
- dedicated to transparency, empathy, and continually raising the bar on personalized service and care
We can do better. You can feel better.
About Evolve Telemedicine
We believe that men and women ages 35 and up can experience happier, healthier, more productive lives–and we’re on a mission to provide the personalized care and education to make it a reality.
If you’re ready to explore the world of telemedicine, get to know us here or book your complimentary, confidential consultation here.
