Telemedicine vs. Traditional Healthcare: Pros and Cons
9 mins,
There are two ways to access medical care: telemedicine vs traditional healthcare. What are the benefits and differences between the two ways, and which is better?
Up until recently, the traditional healthcare approach has been the most common and standard way of getting healthcare services. This may be because there is no other way for patients and medical practitioners to interact. But today, the advancement in the use of technology has brought about a change in healthcare delivery, introducing telemedicine as another way of providing medical services.
A 2023 study revealed that the use of telemedicine increased in popularity when social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic made seeing a doctor in person more difficult. Some people still doubt the effectiveness of this remote way of providing healthcare, and they find it difficult to accept its use.
This article explains the advantages and differences between telemedicine and traditional healthcare. This can help you make an informed decision on which method to choose.
Telemedicine, also known as telehealth, is a method of providing medical services remotely using digital communication tools like phones and computers. It mostly involves the use of phone calls, video calls, phone messaging, and emails to diagnose and treat patients.
Telemedicine can be used successfully in treating a range of medical conditions, so long as the patient gives a qualified physician clear details of their symptoms. It is beneficial especially in situations where the patient is unable to attend a healthcare facility in person or must practise physical distancing. It can be used for:
The following are the benefits and advantages of telemedicine:
Traditional healthcare, also known as in-person care, is the traditional method of consulting and receiving treatment. It involves face-to-face interaction between medical practitioners and their patients in a healthcare facility.
It is the foundation of healthcare delivery that involves direct physical examinations, diagnostic tests, and other clinical procedures such as surgeries, X-rays, and imaging tests. To get medical service through the traditional healthcare approach, you have to travel in person to the hospital or facility.
Traditional healthcare is best used for:
Traditional healthcare offers unique benefits that you can’t get from telemedicine.
Below are key points about what makes in-person care invaluable:
The downsides of the traditional healthcare approach are:
The following are the differences between telemedicine and traditional healthcare:
Telemedicine breaks geographical barriers as it gives individuals from any location easy access to medical care.
Traditional healthcare: However, geographical location and mobility problems can limit access to medical facilities since physical presence is required.
2. Risk of infection
Telemedicine: is safer, and the risk of catching or spreading infectious disease is reduced.
Traditional healthcare: The risk of infection is high.
3. Time savings
Telemedicine: virtual consultation often starts at a scheduled time. This makes the service quicker and takes only a short time.
Traditional healthcare: It takes a longer waiting period before you can see a doctor.
4. Convenience
Telemedicine: Consultation can be done in the comfort of your home, with no need to travel.
Traditional healthcare: travelling and waiting to see a doctor can be inconvenient, especially for those residing a long distance away from the facility, homebodies, and those who need regular checkups.
5. Physical Examination
Telemedicine: Physical examination is not carried out as all interactions take place remotely.
Traditional healthcare: thorough physical exams, which help in diagnosing the condition more accurately.
6. Communication and interpersonal relationships
Telemedicine: makes it harder for patients and practitioners to build a close bond.
Traditional healthcare: promotes a closer relationship between the patient and the practitioner. This makes it easier for patients to communicate and convey symptoms or concerns to their doctor.
7. Emergency Services
Telemedicine: not suitable for critical or life-threatening situations.
Traditional healthcare: equipped to handle emergencies and offer immediate treatment
8. Cost implication
Telemedicine: Maybe less expensive, as you don’t have to take time off work or spend extra money to transport to a healthcare facility.
Traditional healthcare: aside from being more time-consuming, you may have to spend additional money on transportation, gas, and maybe a babysitter or a daycare.
Patients prefer telemedicine because it offers a flexible schedule, is convenient, saves time, eliminates the need to travel to receive care, and provides flexible scheduling, fostering a patient-centric experience.
2. Is telemedicine clinically effective?
When compared to traditional healthcare services delivery, a 2023 study has revealed that telemedicine is as clinically effective as traditional healthcare.
3. How much does telehealth cost?
The costs of telemedicine vary depending on provider fees, service type, and insurance coverage.
4. Who can benefit the most from telemedicine?
Although everyone can benefit from telemedicine, the people who may benefit the most from telemedicine are
5. How can one access telehealth services?
Accessing telemedicine services can be done through specific providers or telemedicine apps and websites built to accommodate them. This app and website may use different technologies, like:
The physical presence of medical practitioners, financial implications, convenience and accessibility, suitability in times of emergency, and diagnostic limitations are some of the features that differentiate telemedicine from traditional healthcare.
Each of these approaches has its advantages and disadvantages. While traditional healthcare offers the benefit of physical examinations and urgent treatment in an emergency case, telemedicine offers convenience, lower expenses, and reduced waiting times for regular consultations.
Making a decision on which healthcare approach to use depends on your individual preference, the nature of the medical problem, and your location.
Convenience and easy access to quality health care are important for a happy and healthy life. And you can get both benefits and more on Komplete Care. Book an appointment with any of the doctors today to enjoy specialist care!
Haleem Abid et al. (2022). Telemedicine for healthcare: Capabilities, features, barriers, and applications
Andrews Michelle, 2023. Virtual or in person: Which kind of doctor’s visit is better, and when it matters
Rural Health Information Hub, n.d. Specific Rural Populations that May Benefit from Telehealth
Katrina Eresman, (2023). Benefits of Telehealth: The Pros and Cons for Patients
Wolfson Bernard J., (2020). Telemedicine or In-Person Visit? Pros and Cons.
Centaine L Snoswell et al. (2023). The clinical effectiveness of telehealth: A systematic review of meta-analyses from 2010 to 2019
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