Virtual vs In-Person Doctor Visits: Which to Choose When

Virtual and in-person doctor visits each have their strengths. Here’s how to decide:

• Choose Virtual Visits for convenience, follow-ups, medication management, mental health support, and non-urgent issues like minor rashes or cold symptoms. They save time, cost less, and are accessible from anywhere with the internet.
• Opt for In-Person Visits for new or worsening symptoms, emergencies, physical exams, diagnostic tests, or complex medical needs. These provide hands-on care and immediate diagnostics.

Quick Comparison

Tip: If unsure, consult your doctor to determine the best type of visit for your symptoms.

What to Expect: Virtual vs In-Person Care

How Virtual Doctor Visits Work

Virtual doctor visits are conducted through secure video platforms. To participate, you’ll need a device with a camera and a reliable internet connection. These appointments generally start with a brief technical check to ensure everything is working properly.

During the session, your doctor will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any medications you’re taking. They might perform visual checks and guide you through simple self-exams, offering medical advice based on what they observe. Most sessions last about 15–20 minutes.

"By design, virtual appointments help people get the care they need in the timeliest way possible", explains Dr. Rood.

In-person visits, on the other hand, allow for hands-on diagnostics that virtual care can’t provide.

What Happens During In-Person Visits

In-person appointments involve face-to-face interaction with your provider. These visits typically include measuring vital signs like blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate. A physical exam is performed, and if needed, diagnostic tests or procedures can be done on the spot. This approach is essential for situations requiring detailed physical assessments.

Dr. Ravi Dave, director of interventional cardiology at UCLA Health, highlights:

"No cardiology appointment is complete without this physical exam".

In-person visits are particularly important for:

• Complex physical evaluations
• Diagnostic tests like EKGs or blood work
• Emergencies that require immediate attention
• Initial assessments for new symptoms

Main Differences Between Visit Types

Here’s a quick comparison of virtual and in-person care:

"A good rule is that if you have any new symptoms, you should reach out to your physician to ask what type of visit is best".

For some specialties, like gynecology, virtual visits can be useful for initial assessments. However, physical exams are often necessary. Similarly, physiotherapy patients with acute issues or new symptoms usually need in-person care.

Telemedicine vs In-Person Visits: Which Is Right for You?

Virtual Visits: Pros and Cons

Let’s take a closer look at the main advantages and challenges of virtual healthcare.

Benefits of Online Doctor Visits

Online doctor visits make healthcare more accessible. In fact, 74% of patients say they prefer the convenience of online healthcare over traditional in-person visits. These appointments save patients an average of 18 minutes in waiting time and eliminate the need for travel. For those managing chronic conditions or needing frequent check-ups, this makes it easier to stay on top of their health.

Virtual visits also tend to cost less because healthcare providers have lower overhead expenses. Patients save money on transportation, parking, and even lost wages since they don’t need to take as much time off work. Dr. Brian Hasselfeld, Assistant Medical Director for Digital Health Innovations at Johns Hopkins Medicine, highlights this shift:

"Health organizations are providing virtual appointments and are expanding their telehealth options, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic".

Research backs up the benefits. Telemedicine patients report improved health outcomes, including 38% fewer hospital admissions and reduced levels of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Drawbacks of Online Care

While virtual care offers convenience, it does have some limitations that can impact its effectiveness.

Clinicians often find in-person visits better for a thorough patient evaluation compared to virtual consultations.

Required Tools for Virtual Visits

To minimize challenges, having the right tools is crucial. Here’s what you’ll need:

Doxy.me is a popular telehealth platform, trusted by over 1 million healthcare providers.

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Best Uses for Virtual Visits

Virtual visits provide a practical alternative for certain healthcare needs, offering convenience and efficiency for specific scenarios.

Check-ups and Follow-up Care

Virtual appointments are especially effective for managing:

"Video visits suit follow-ups, medication adjustments, and chronic condition management (e.g., diabetes)".

In addition to routine care, virtual platforms are particularly helpful for mental health support.

Online Mental Health Care

Telehealth has proven effective for mental health, with nearly two-thirds of telehealth claims related to this area. For instance, 80% of MD Live users seeking mental health support reported improvement after just three visits.

Services available through virtual mental health care include:

• Therapy sessions: Starting at $134 for a 25-minute consultation via Doctor On Demand.
• Psychiatric care: Initial 45-minute consultations starting at $299.
• Medication management: Regular check-ins and prescription adjustments.

Doctor On Demand’s mental health professionals boast an average rating of 4.9/5 and typically have 15 years of experience.

Common Health Questions

For routine concerns, MinuteClinic Virtual Care offers assessments priced between $59 and $119 without insurance. This service is suitable for conditions such as:

"In gastroenterology, a lot of the physical exam is with the eyes. Because I can still see how the patient appears, and can examine what their skin looks like and even look inside their mouth in a remote exam, video visits are often a good starting point".

When to Visit a Doctor In Person

Virtual visits can be convenient, but there are times when seeing a doctor face-to-face is essential. Some medical situations simply require a hands-on approach and immediate care. Here’s when in-person visits are necessary.

Physical Exams and Tests

Certain exams and tests can’t be done virtually. These include:

• Annual check-ups: Measuring vital signs, listening to your heart and lungs, and checking reflexes.
• Diagnostic procedures: Blood tests, X-rays, and EKGs all require specialized equipment.
• Abdominal concerns: Physical palpation is often needed to evaluate issues like pain or swelling.
• New or unexplained symptoms: Any sudden change in your health should be assessed in person.

Dr. David Cho emphasizes, "If it’s new symptoms or a worsening of existing symptoms, that probably warrants an in-person visit".

Medical Emergencies

In emergencies, in-person care is non-negotiable. Seek immediate help for:

• Chest pain or trouble breathing
• Signs of a stroke
• Severe injuries
• Uncontrolled bleeding

Dr. Shawn Evans, an emergency medicine expert at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, notes, "Differentiating ’emergency’ from ‘urgent’ care can be challenging, but swift action is critical. Many people are nervous about calling 911, but it’s better to be safe than sorry".

Advanced Medical Care

For more complex medical needs, face-to-face visits are often the best option:

• First-time consultations: Dr. Russell Kohl from the American Academy of Family Physicians explains, "As a patient, you’re trying to evaluate the physician, to see if you can talk to them and trust them. It’s hard to do that on a telemedicine visit".
• Cancer diagnoses: Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer at the American Cancer Society, says, "A diagnosis of cancer is an emotional event; it’s a life-changing moment, and a doctor wants to respond to that. There are things you can miss unless you’re sitting a foot or two away from the person".

For pregnancy care, some checkups require in-person visits. Current recommendations suggest combining virtual care with fewer in-person visits – around eight instead of the traditional 14.

How to Choose Your Visit Type

Deciding on the right type of visit depends on your symptoms, your access to technology, and your budget. Here’s how to break it down.

Check Symptom Severity

Take a close look at how severe your symptoms are before choosing between virtual or in-person care.

"A good rule is that if you have any new symptoms, you should reach out to your physician to ask what type of visit is best".

Once you’ve determined your symptom severity, make sure your tech setup is ready if you’re opting for a virtual visit.

Tech Requirements

For a smooth virtual consultation, you’ll need the following:

Basic Setup:

• A reliable internet connection (at least 10 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload speeds)
• A device with a camera and microphone (computer, smartphone, or tablet)
• A quiet, private, and well-lit space

Pro Tips for Virtual Visits:

• Test your internet speed on platforms like speedtest.net.
• Use an ethernet cable for a more stable connection if your Wi-Fi is spotty.
• Log in 5–10 minutes early and close unnecessary apps to avoid disruptions.

Insurance and Costs

Costs are another factor to consider. Virtual visits tend to be more affordable than in-person appointments. Here’s a quick comparison:

"As a consumer, you should do what you feel comfortable doing. And if you really want to be seen in the office, you should make that case".

Ways to Save:

• Check if your employer offers telehealth benefits.
• Request a "good faith estimate" before booking an appointment.
• Opt for virtual visits for routine follow-ups when possible.
• Confirm your insurance coverage and copays ahead of time.

DrDoGood provides flexible virtual consultation options with pricing based on the type of specialist and the length of the session. Their platform also includes free tools like medication reminders and health record management through their mobile app.

Conclusion

Healthcare today combines virtual and in-person visits to address a variety of needs. Primary care appointments are now almost evenly split between these two formats, reflecting the growing use of telemedicine alongside face-to-face care. This shift highlights a more balanced approach to healthcare delivery.

When deciding on the type of visit, consider your symptoms, available technology, and personal comfort. Platforms like DrDoGood make care more accessible by connecting patients with board-certified doctors who can address about 75% of common conditions. Interestingly, follow-up rates are higher for virtual visits (6.2% for video and 7.6% for telephone) compared to in-person appointments (1.3%), showing how virtual care supports ongoing health management.

"In gastroenterology, a lot of the physical exam is with the eyes. Because I can still see how the patient appears, and can examine what their skin looks like and even look inside their mouth in a remote exam, video visits are often a good starting point." – Dr. Kevin Ghassemi, General Gastroenterologist and Clinical Chief of the Digestive Diseases Practices in Westwood and Beverly Hills

In this hybrid model, making informed decisions is key to achieving the best outcomes. Dr. Joe Kvedar, Professor at Harvard Medical School and former board chairman of the American Telemedicine Association, emphasizes:

"As a consumer, you should do what you feel comfortable doing. And if you really want to be seen in the office, you should make that case."

This blend of virtual and in-person care offers flexibility, meeting diverse needs while ensuring patients receive the right kind of attention for their specific situation. Each option plays a unique role in delivering thorough and effective healthcare.

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