Benefits of Telehealth: The Pros and Cons for Patients

Telehealth is the use of technology to access medical care without having to see a doctor in person. Telehealth is often provided through secure websites and apps, and it may use different technologies like:

• Email

• Text

• Video chats

• Phone calls

A telehealth visit is very similar to a traditional doctor’s appointment. Though you won’t see a healthcare provider in person, you will still be able to discuss your symptoms, get medical advice, and sometimes even get a prescription.

Some people may worry about using new telehealth technologies, but the advantages of telehealth can be worth the adjustment. And in reality, most people already use some versions of these technologies in their medical care. In fact, as far back as 2013, 70% of people said they were already comfortable communicating with their provider over text, email, or video.

Today it’s easier than ever to use telehealth services, thanks to the improvements in technology and updates made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, 37% of adults reported using telehealth in the last 12 months.

Though telehealth isn’t right for every visit, it can definitely make it easier for you to manage your physical and mental health. This is a guide to help you understand the pros and cons of telehealth, so that you can decide whether remote care is right for you. 

Pros: The benefits of telehealth

A virtual telehealth visit can often be cheaper, more convenient, and more accessible than seeing a provider in person. With telehealth, you can meet with a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home — and still get great medical care. 

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits.

Offers same-day availability

In many U.S. cities, the average wait time to see a provider in person is over 18 days. But with telehealth, you can usually see a provider much sooner. Many telehealth services even offer same-day availability.

Saves time

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The average telehealth visit only takes about 15 minutes. An in-person visit takes an average of 2 hours — though you only spend 20 minutes with your provider.

A telehealth visit also saves you time because there’s no commute and no need to sit in a waiting room. 

Provides similar care

A 2020 survey found that the majority of people who had a telehealth appointment thought it was as good as an in-person visit. Additional research has shown that telehealth provides comparable care for both chronic disease management and preventative care. And for some acute conditions, like wound care, telehealth may lead to slightly better healing.

Saves you money

In general, telehealth tends to be less expensive than an in-person office visit. Costs vary between telehealth services and can depend on what type of insurance you have. One 2017 study reported that people spent an average of $79 on a telehealth visit for an acute respiratory infection. The average cost for a comparable in-person visit was $146.  

Using telehealth services can also save you money because:

• There are no transportation costs.

• You don’t have to take as much time away from work.

• You don’t have to pay for a babysitter or caregiver.

Effectively addresses your concerns

Some people find they get better answers to their questions during telehealth visits. A 2020 study found that people who used telehealth felt like the communication with their provider was better than in-person. Older research found that people believed their concerns were resolved 85% of the time using telehealth, compared to only 64% of the time with an in-person visit.

Caters to special health needs 

Telehealth benefits those with specific healthcare needs, whether they require a special provider or need extra accessibility. Groups that might be especially likely to benefit from telehealth include:

• People who live in rural areas with limited access to care

• People who need to see a specialist (like a dermatologist) but do not have one in their area

• People who are transgender or nonbinary who don’t have access to gender-affirming care in their area 

• People who are caregivers for children or other family members

• People with limited physical mobility

• People who are bilingual and don’t have a provider who speaks their language nearby 

Makes healthcare more convenient

For most people, convenience is a vital part of good medical care. And telehealth makes it more convenient to many people by removing barriers like: 

• Transportation to appointments

• Taking time off from work

• Childcare costs

Telehealth is especially convenient for people who travel frequently or who have irregular schedules. And many telehealth services allow you to send and receive messages from your provider at any time — meaning you can communicate whenever it’s most convenient for you. This can help you get the care you need without having to go to urgent care or an emergency room.

Simplifies prescriptions

Telehealth can make it easier and faster to get your prescriptions. In many cases, a telehealth provider will be able to prescribe the medication you need. For new prescriptions, a provider will usually need to meet with you over video. 

If you already have an established relationship, your provider may be able to give you a prescription over the phone. Some telehealth prescriptions (or e-prescriptions) will be delivered to you through the mail; other e-prescriptions will need to be picked up at your regular pharmacy.

But unfortunately, e-prescriptions aren’t always allowed for every medication. This is because different states may have their own laws about what can be electronically prescribed. And some providers and telehealth services may be comfortable with certain types of medications — especially controlled substances — while others are not.

Keeps your information secure

Some people worry about their health information being exposed online. But fortunately, telehealth providers and clinics are required to protect all of your personal information — even if it’s electronic. 

Telehealth visits have to follow the same HIPAA privacy rules that apply to in-person visits. HIPAA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, which stipulates how personal health information is protected and kept confidential. This means your health information will be secure.

Cons: When to see a provider in person instead of using telehealth

Though telehealth can be convenient, cost-effective, and accessible, there are times when it’s just not appropriate. Seeing a provider in person can be important — especially when you need a high-quality physical exam or may be experiencing a health emergency. 

In the following situations, the disadvantages of telehealth outweigh the benefits, and you’re better off seeking an in-person appointment.  

You need a full physical exam

Annual physical exams are an important part of preventative healthcare and must be done in person.

You are experiencing severe symptoms

If you’re experiencing any sudden severe symptoms that are new or worsening or stop you from going about your day-to-day life, then don’t take any chances. 

If you have any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to set up an in-person appointment: 

• Breathing difficulties

• Chest pain

• Signs of a stroke

• Sudden, severe headache

• Fevers that don’t settle, or any fever in someone with a weakened immune system

• Signs of sepsis, like confusion, drowsiness, or cold and clammy skin

• Heavy bleeding in any part of your body

• Any bleeding in your cough or vomit 

• Severe injuries

• Open or blistering burns

• Severe allergies or anaphylaxis

• Suicidal thoughts

Remember, this is not a complete list. You should call 911 or go to the emergency room if you are experiencing a life-threatening issue.

You need lab tests urgently

Although some lab tests can be done from home, certain situations might call for faster lab results. In those cases, you’ll need to go see your provider in-person to get the lab tests done. 

You need urgent, hands-on treatment

If you’ve been seriously injured, you’ll need to see your provider in person. That way, they can assess and treat your injury hands-on, whether that’s with X-rays, stitches, special dressings, or a cast.

You need to have a preventive procedure

One of the disadvantages of telehealth is that it can’t take the place of most preventative procedures. You’ll still need to set up in-person appointments for things like mammograms, colonoscopies, and other cancer screenings. 

You don’t have access to the right technology

Not everyone has access to telehealth technologies. Many people don’t have WiFi at home for things like video visits, and 7% of Americans don’t even use the internet. And it can be hard to have a good telehealth visit if you don’t have a private computer or smartphone.

You want to see the same provider every time

One of the downsides of telehealth is that with some companies, you may see a different provider for each visit. This can be frustrating, especially if you have a complicated health history. 

If it’s important to you to see the same provider at each visit, consider choosing a company where you will have your own provider assigned to you. You can also consider reaching out to your regular primary care provider to see if they offer telehealth services.

Who should use telehealth?

Most people will benefit from having a primary care doctor they can see in person. But what about when your doctor is not available? Or if it’s hard for you to make it to their office? And what if the office is already closed for the day? Telehealth can bridge the gap and help you get the care you need.

Telehealth services are available for everyone, meaning:

• All genders

• All ages

• People with acute (temporary) problems

• People with chronic (ongoing) health conditions

• Pregnant women

• People with mental health concerns

Telehealth is also great for people who want to feel more involved in their treatment. And for people who may be considering a trip to urgent care or the emergency room, a virtual visit can sometimes be a safe and easy alternative.

Even though telehealth is intended for everyone, that doesn’t mean it’s always the right fit. For example, some people simply prefer to see a provider in person. Others might not feel comfortable using telehealth technologies. 

And in some cases, a provider’s office is actually the safest and most confidential place to discuss health concerns — especially for people who are experiencing violence, abuse, or neglect at home.

What health conditions can be treated with telehealth?

You may already be familiar with some of the conditions that can be treated with telehealth — like colds, flus, and upset stomachs. But did you know that telehealth can be used for more complicated conditions, like migraines, ADHD, and diabetes?

Acute conditions

Here are some examples of temporary (acute) conditions that can be treated over telehealth:

Chronic conditions

Telehealth can also be useful for managing ongoing (chronic) health conditions. For example:

Telehealth can even be used for other types of ongoing treatment, like psychotherapy and physical therapy. And it’s a great option for getting general health advice — like if you’re breastfeeding or learning how to use an inhaler.

Technology continues to expand the types of conditions that can be diagnosed and treated virtually. For example, many people now have home blood pressure monitors and oximeters, which can help providers check on your heart and lung health. And new devices and apps allow providers to do a better job remotely, by making it possible to listen to your heart and look at your throat and ears.

One thing to remember is that services can vary between telehealth providers. If you have a specific question or concern, it might be worth looking for a provider who specializes in this area of medicine. For example, a telehealth primary care provider may be able to help you with high blood pressure. But a telehealth dermatologist (skin specialist) might be a better match if you have questions about acne.

And keep in mind that some chronic or complex conditions can only be treated effectively in person. If you have a complicated medical history, talk to your care team about whether telehealth services may be right for you.

How to save on telehealth visits

The cost for a telehealth visit can vary depending on factors such as your provider, whether you have insurance, and the provider’s policies. 

Here are some ways to keep your costs low:

• Compare telehealth provider prices by using the GoodRx Telehealth Marketplace.

• Use GoodRx Care, which offers telehealth visits starting at around $20.

• Search for low-cost lab testing options with the GoodRx Labs Marketplace.

• Look for discounts on your prescriptions if you’re paying out of pocket.

• See if you can use insurance for the visit, your prescription, or both.

Beware: Companies offering free or low-cost telehealth visits may have higher prices when it comes to treatment, lab tests, and prescriptions. 

If you have health insurance, talking to your insurance company is a good place to start. They can help you understand what types of telehealth options are included with your current plan. Some insurance companies even have their own telehealth services that you can use. Keep in mind that some states require insurance companies to pay for telehealth visits, while other states do not.

If your insurance company doesn’t offer telehealth services, you can always shop around on your own. There are many different types of telehealth companies, staffed by licensed board-certified health providers. It’s worth taking the time to compare, as the costs can vary widely. Some companies take insurance — others do not. Other companies have a monthly membership fee.

How to find a telehealth doctor

There are several ways to find a telehealth provider. You can:

• Contact your insurance company to see what options they provide.

• Contact your regular primary care provider to see if they offer telehealth services.

• Search the internet for a healthcare provider or service that is a good match for you.

With the GoodRx Telehealth Marketplace, you can compare telehealth providers based on:

• Your health condition

• Your state of residence

• Whether insurance is accepted

• Whether prescriptions are available through the mail

If finances are a challenge, you can also consider searching for a free clinic.

More telehealth information and resources

• Medline Plus: Telehealth

• Health Resources and Services Administration: Understanding telehealth

• National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers: How patients can engage

• National Telehealth Policy Resource Center: Telehealth coverage policies

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Katrina Eresman

Katrina Eresman is a freelance writer and musician based in Cincinnati. For the past 5 years, she has written about fitness, physical therapy, and the importance of staying active.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. An experienced and dedicated pulmonologist and hospitalist, she spent a decade practicing and teaching clinical medicine at academic hospitals throughout London before transitioning to a career in health education and health technology.

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