{"id":20463,"date":"2023-05-08T06:46:50","date_gmt":"2023-05-08T11:46:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20463"},"modified":"2023-07-19T11:21:06","modified_gmt":"2023-07-19T16:21:06","slug":"10-health-conditions-an-online-doctor-can-treat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/10-health-conditions-an-online-doctor-can-treat\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Health Conditions an Online Doctor Can Treat"},"content":{"rendered":"

Telemedicine<\/span><\/a>, the process of seeking medical advice through online channels, is a wonderful resource for people who can\u2019t visit traditional doctors\u2019 offices during normal operating hours. Patients can meet with doctors after work, when their kids are asleep, or even early in the morning. Telemedicine is also useful for people who can\u2019t easily reach a doctor\u2019s office, either because they live in a rural part of the country or because they cannot leave the house.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, telemedicine is still a new concept to most Americans, and you might be surprised by the sheer number of services you can receive online. Don\u2019t neglect your health \u2014 find a doctor online who is able to help. Here are 10 health conditions that doctors can treat through telemedicine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Cold and Flu Symptoms<\/h2>\n

Between October 1, 2022 through April 15, 2023, the CDC estimated that there were between <\/span>26-50 million cases of the flu<\/span><\/a> which resulted in anywhere between 12-24 million medical visits. The common cold and the flu have similar symptoms, including a fever, sinus discomfort, changes in appetite, and fatigue. While some people can treat these conditions with rest and over-the-counter medication, others experience severe symptoms that need medical support.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Telemedicine makes it easier for people with cold and flu symptoms to see a doctor. Would you rather drive across town and sit in a waiting room when you are sick or call up a doctor from the comfort of your couch?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While a telehealth professional can diagnose your illness and give you steps to help the recovery process, you might need to visit an in-person office. <\/span>Visit a nearby urgent care location<\/span><\/a> if your symptoms persist.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Skin Conditions<\/h2>\n

Skin conditions are actually one of the easiest conditions to treat via telehealth because they are so visible. A doctor can look at your acne through the camera to understand its severity. They can also check on moles to make sure they are healthy and look at different rashes to better understand your complaint. While the doctor might ask follow-up questions about your skin (Is it itchy? Dry? Sensitive?) they will likely develop a diagnosis just from looking at it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Your <\/span>dermatologist (skin doctor)<\/span><\/a> can prescribe skin care treatments and give you tips to help you clear up any problems. Any follow-up appointments can also be done online \u2013 especially if your skin is clearing up. There\u2019s no point in driving to a physical office just to confirm that your skin health is restored.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mental Health Concerns<\/h2>\n

Mental health professionals have embraced telemedicine for several years by offering online therapy appointments and virtual psychiatry analyses. As long as the patient is willing to be open and honest with the questions asked, the doctor can better understand their experiences and help them improve their mental health.<\/span><\/p>\n

Through telehealth, doctors can treat depression, anxiety, stress, and other issues like PPD (postpartum depression). This is particularly useful for patients who are too overwhelmed or mentally exhausted to leave the house. Instead, they can <\/span>talk to a mental health professional<\/span><\/a> in a safe space.<\/span><\/p>\n

Allergies and Asthma<\/h2>\n

Allergy attacks come in many forms, but there are a few common symptoms that most people experience. Patients report dry, itchy eyes, a runny nose, coughing or a tight throat that makes it hard to breathe, and other irritating experiences. Patients with asthma may also experience breathing challenges that can become severe in some cases.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When you meet with a doctor over a telehealth call, they will try to help you identify the source of your allergies. They might look at the <\/span>National Allergy Map<\/span><\/a> to see how bad grass and pollen levels are in your area. They will also ask about potential triggers like dust in your home, pet dander, and even the foods you eat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Once your <\/span>allergist<\/span><\/a> has a diagnosis, they can move forward with a treatment plan. They can prescribe medication to mitigate the symptoms while giving you tips to manage your exposure and prevent flare-ups. You should be breathing clearly again soon.<\/span><\/p>\n

Audiology and Hearing Aids<\/h2>\n

Doctors who normally require in-person tests can now conduct virtual appointments to help patients receive treatment. For example, an <\/span>audiologist (hearing doctor)<\/span><\/a> can run a series of tests to understand your hearing levels. They can also ask questions about ringing in your ears or trouble discerning specific words in order to diagnose tinnitus and other ear-related issues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While you might need to make an in-person appointment if you are receiving hearing aids (as some need to be specifically fitted) there are other over-the-counter hearing solutions that your doctor might recommend instead.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vision Care<\/h2>\n

Vision care is another type of medical treatment that patients associate with in-person appointments. They are used to looking through bulky equipment to identify which words are blurry and which images are clear. However, more doctors are moving their eye care digital.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Talk to an eye doctor<\/span><\/a> if you experience blurry vision or any changes in your eyesight \u2014 including sensitivity to light. During your virtual appointment, your doctor will ask questions about your sight and even conduct tests through the computer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Eye doctors can diagnose a variety of conditions online, including myopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism. They might recommend that you visit an in-person office to receive a contacts prescription or use glasses at certain times to see better.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Oral Health Checkups<\/h2>\n

While most dental treatments need to be done in person, patients can still receive oral health check-ups online. If you are concerned about a specific tooth, your gums, or even your tongue, <\/span>set up an online dental appointment<\/span><\/a>. The dentist will listen to your concerns and even look at your teeth to see if there are any visual symptoms that concern them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Through the virtual appointment, your dentist can diagnose conditions like gum disease and bruxism (grinding of your teeth). They might recommend at-home treatments while also suggesting you seek out an in-person dentist. Pain from a cavity won\u2019t go away on its own and the sooner you seek treatment the sooner you can feel comfortable again.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prescription Refills<\/h2>\n

If your doctor has already prescribed a form of medication to you, they might be able to order a refill through a telemedicine appointment. Here are a few topics you might discuss during your <\/span>prescription refill appointment<\/span><\/a>:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n