Who you gonna call? Telehealth may have the answer

Recently, I went away for the weekend and woke up in the Berkshires with the telltale signs of the dreaded pink eye. A million thoughts ran through my head. Did I get it from the screaming toddler running around the restaurant last night? What do I do? My doctor is all the way across the state and doesn’t offer virtual visits. And, of course: It’s the weekend! I don't have time for this!

There are better options than ever for folks who are traveling -- or simply leading busy lives -- to keep costs low while still getting the care they need. And, according to the Accenture 2018 Consumer Survey on Digital Health, more patients are embracing these options. In 2018, 25% of respondents indicated that they had personally received virtual health care. That's up from 21% in 2017, a small but steady increase. Add to this the fact that 73% of respondents said they would be willing to use telehealth options for after-hours care, versus just 28% for an annual physical, and it's clear that patients are becoming both more open to and more savvy about their virtual care options. In short, smart, innovative health care companies should be looking at their telehealth strategy.

Back in the Berkshires, I squinted at my phone through my good eye, and registered for a new service from Partners HealthCare called (aptly) Partners HealthCare on Demand. Partners On Demand is unique because it connects patients to Partners providers when they use the service in-state. (Out-of-state care is provided by Teladoc Physicians.) Soon I was virtually face-to-face with a doctor. I held the phone up to my eye, and within seconds she agreed that I had pink eye. We chatted about what to do, and she issued a prescription to the pharmacy located near me. The entire experience took about 30 minutes.

In line with the Accenture survey results, I didn't want telemedicine to replace the amazing care that my PCP provides. But it sure was convenient while I was on vacation. I've talked to friends who have used Partners HealthCare on Demand here in the office in a phone room. It's the ultimate in convenience, and costs no more than what it costs to see your PCP!

Currently, Partners On Demand is available to all NHP commercial members. Go forth and travel this weekend. You can bring your doctor with you, just in case.