You’ve probably heard about the nationwide increase in flu and RSV infections. You may have even tried to see your primary care doctor and been told there aren’t any appointments. Waits are long, and clinics are overbooked. Even if you’re trying to get an appointment for something else–a rash, back pain, or an earache for example–appointments are scarce and cold and flu germs are lurking in those waiting rooms if you can get there. Between trying to get an appointment and trying to avoid getting sick, now might be the perfect time to try virtual care. 

Did you know that at least 35-50% of all healthcare needs can be addressed quickly, conveniently, and effectively during a virtual visit, without the need to travel to a clinic or sit in a waiting room? By now, you’ve probably heard that virtual care is an option, as it’s grown in popularity, especially since the pandemic. But you may be hesitant to try it for yourself. It might seem less effective or impersonal, or maybe you’re not sure how or where to get started. 

Read on to learn what virtual care is and why you might consider trying it the next time you’re sick–or anytime you need fast, affordable, and effective care.

What is Virtual Care?

Virtual care lets healthcare providers see patients over the phone or via video call, without going to a physical clinic. Its popularity has skyrocketed since 2020, with only 11% of U.S. consumers using virtual care in 2019, and 38% of U.S. consumers using some form of it in 2022. 

One survey showed that virtual care could replace 20% of all emergency room visits, 24% of office visits, and up to 35% of home health services. Overall, this survey estimated at least 20% of all office, outpatient, and home health visits could be transitioned to virtual care. 

That means many of your everyday healthcare needs can be addressed in the comfort of your home–or office, or wherever is convenient for you–which is a big deal when you’re not feeling your best.

Here are five enticing reasons to give virtual care a try.

5 Reasons to Try Virtual Care

1 - Virtual Care Provides Convenience and Comfort

With virtual care, there’s no need to take off work for the day, sit in traffic, or arrange for childcare to go to your appointment. All you have to do is ensure you have a little free time, decent lighting, and a phone or computer with a strong internet connection. You can find more tips on getting the most out of your virtual visit here. 

This removes major barriers to getting the care you need. You won’t have to wait hours or days to get an appointment, or sit in a waiting room for hours surrounded by people with their own health issues. And it’s much more comfortable to tell or show your clinician what’s going on without having to wait in a cold exam room, possibly in nothing but a gown. 

With virtual care, you’re able to visit with a clinician from the comfort of your own home or office, saving more time for the other important activities in your life.

2 - Virtual Care Reduces Healthcare Costs

It’s no secret: healthcare is expensive. But the average cost of virtual care is about half of the amount of traditional healthcare appointments. According to one study, the average traditional office visit costs $146, while a virtual care visit for the same purpose only costs $79. 

Another study found an ever bigger gap, with office visits costing around $176 and virtual care visits coming in at $50. While insurance companies might bring that $176 down to a $15 or $20 copay in a traditional clinic, with virtual care, you often won’t have a copay at all.

Even if you’re sick, you might skip seeing your traditional primary care provider to avoid paying out-of-pocket costs. But with virtual care, you can get the care you need for very little, or entirely free. So there’s no reason to skip getting the care you need, right when you need it.

If you’re ready to book an appointment and are a Nice Healthcare member, you can schedule your virtual visit today.

3 - No Need to Go Out When You’re Sick

When you’re sick, the last thing you feel like doing is getting up and leaving the house…and doing so might not be best for your health.

With virtual care, your clinician can observe symptoms, such as cough, sneezing, swelling, or even a rash easily via video call while you’re safe at home. This also means you’re not spreading any infection by leaving the house or sitting in a waiting room–or risking contracting another infection by being around other people who are sick. 

4 - Virtual Care Leads to Better Health Outcomes

With virtual care, you can see your healthcare provider faster than a traditional clinic, which can lead to a more positive health outcome. Your provider isn’t rushing around the office between in-person patients, and you don’t have to wait hours or days for your appointment. This is especially great when you have the flu or another infection, because you can start treatment sooner and begin feeling better faster.

Clinicians can also spend more time with you virtually, discussing your symptoms, needs, and concerns. Virtual care allows your healthcare provider to get a better sense of what’s going on and thus provide better support and care.

5 - Better Access to Care and More Privacy

Virtual care makes seeing a clinician more accessible, especially for those living in rural areas who may not have a lot of in-person clinics nearby. This removes a barrier to getting the care you need, because your clinicians are just a phone or video call away. 

This is especially great for mental healthcare, which is less common in rural areas. You can get the help you need without having to travel, and you can talk about sensitive topics in the privacy of your own home without any other ears nearby.

And there’s no need to worry about the security of your health information. Virtual care providers use HIPAA compliant platforms, meaning all your information is transmitted safely and securely. 

Nice is the Future of Virtual Care

If you’ve been hesitant to try virtual care, you might be surprised by just how convenient and effective it can be. When you don’t have to leave work, sit in a waiting room, pay huge out-of-pocket costs, or worry about childcare or privacy, there’s no reason to keep jumping through the hoops of the conventional healthcare model.

In addition to these benefits, Nice Healthcare goes beyond what traditional virtual care has to offer by providing not only virtual primary care appointments, but also virtual mental health therapy and physical therapy–all at no out-of-pocket cost to patients. For patients who need an in-person follow-up, we’ll even send one of our clinicians to your home, where they can perform 35 free labs and physical tests–even in-home X-rays and EKGs. Nice is truly the clinic that comes to you. 

To learn more about how Nice’s convenient, comprehensive virtual care and in-home services can help you address your healthcare concerns quickly and effectively, visit our patient page.

If you’re an employer who’s interested in providing convenient, affordable, effective virtual and in-home care to your employees, learn more on our employer page.