In today’s world, there are more questions than ever associated with health concerns and where to go for treatment. While your condition may be the deciding factor, other variables like cost and convenience play a significant role.

Educating yourself and others on the differences between urgent care and telemedicine is extremely important. Luckily, our team at MyTeleBenefit can help. We dedicate ourselves to the betterment of our clients and work to deliver valued services that support your wellbeing. Learn more about the differences between telehealth vs. urgent care below.

Urgent Care

Urgent care provides immediate care for non-life threatening injuries and minor ailments. In the United States, they can be found just about anywhere and can be more convenient than the emergency room due to expense and location.

• Cost: As mentioned above, visiting an urgent care facility is generally cheaper than going to the ER. If you have already met the deductible with your insurance, you will only have to pay the copay at your visit. A typical copay at urgent care costs between $25 and $75, depending on your health insurance. In addition to your copay, you can expect to pay for any additional services, tests, or treatments.
• Convenience: When you have minor, acute injuries or illnesses, urgent care is often more convenient than waiting in the emergency room or booking an appointment with your primary care doctor.
• When to use: Urgent care is not meant for life-threatening emergencies. If you have a minor illness or injury, consider going to urgent care for convenience and affordability. Urgent care facilities can treat the common cold, strep throat, sinusitis, burns, bug bits, sprains, and allergic reactions.

Telehealth

Using technology and mobile devices, telemedicine connects patients with medical professionals right from the comfort of their homes. It’s quickly become a top choice for people who have non-emergency health issues. Telemedicine is an affordable and efficient alternative for accessing healthcare, which has become attractive for employers and health plans.

• Cost: Telemedicine tends to be cheaper than urgent care and emergency room settings. This is because telemedicine visits use fewer resources than in-office visits.
• Convenience: Telemedicine gives patients access to healthcare from anywhere — making it convenient for travelers or those concerned about spreading or contracting an illness. Many health care providers are adding telehealth as part of the benefits package available to employees.
• When to use: Telemedicine works best for non-urgent ailments or when you cannot reach a physical location. Common ailments treated via telehealth include allergies, rashes, colds and flu, bladder infections, sore throats, and minor wounds.

Telehealth vs. Urgent Care

To limit spending at emergency rooms and urgent care facilities, telemedicine provides a good alternative for those who do not have urgent medical matters. You can typically get seen by a medical professional immediately on your own time and from the comfort of your own home.

Schedule An Appointment Now Using MyTeleBenefit

Use the MyTeleBenefit app to connect with a healthcare provider whenever you need them. You can get treatment for common ailments without spending your nights or weekends waiting in urgent care or for a call back from your doctor. MyTeleBenefit provides telemedicine and veterinary telehealth services. Get a single or package subscription to ensure your whole family can get prompt consultations for various health concerns. You can access board-certified medical doctors 24 hours a day, seven days a week, via the app, phone, or video call.

Reach out to learn more about how telehealth works for common ailments for your family.