When the pandemic began and my endocrinologist’s office called to reschedule my upcoming in-person appointment to an online visit, I declined. This decision was not about avoiding the appointment; in fact, it was the opposite. As someone with diabetes, I genuinely value my in-person endocrinology appointments. These visits are crucial, free-flowing discussions about my diabetes management where we review lab results, check metrics like weight and cholesterol, and assess my mental well-being in living with a chronic condition.
It is during these face-to-face meetings that unexpected concerns often surface—like occasional tingling in my feet or unexplained blood sugar lows—which my doctor, by listening carefully and observing me, can help address with insightful suggestions. I was convinced that a remote visit would lack this personal, thorough interaction and that the constraints of a screen would diminish the quality of care I had come to rely on.
Convenience and Efficacy A Positive First Experience with Telehealth
My perspective began to shift with a different medical need. When I developed a sore throat recently, a nurse practitioner from my internist’s clinic met with me via Zoom. The appointment lasted ten to fifteen minutes, focused efficiently on my symptoms. After a concise consultation, they prescribed an antibiotic that cleared the infection within days.
This experience demonstrated telehealth’s clear advantage for straightforward, acute issues. The convenience was undeniable—no travel, no waiting room, and a quick resolution for a problem that didn’t require a physical exam. It served as a practical counterpoint to my skepticism, proving that for certain conditions, virtual care could be both effective and highly efficient.
Adapting Therapeutic Relationships to a Virtual Setting
My ongoing psychology sessions presented another test case. When we transitioned to virtual appointments, I was doubtful about our ability to communicate openly and freely through a screen. I initially suggested we meet less frequently. However, after a candid conversation where we both shared our hesitations about the medium, something shifted.
Acknowledging the limitations together seemed to break the ice, and discussing other topics became easier. While we agree that the format is not ideal for deep therapeutic work, we have developed a functional rhythm. This experience taught me that the success of a virtual appointment can heavily depend on the pre-existing relationship and a mutual willingness to adapt, suggesting that trust and rapport can, to some extent, transcend the medium.
Reconciling Ideals with Reality in a Changed Healthcare Landscape
My internal medicine appointment is scheduled for September, but given the ongoing spread of the virus, an in-person meeting is not guaranteed. This reality forces a reconciliation between my preference for physical appointments and the current state of the world.
My initial resistance, rooted in the value I place on comprehensive, in-person care, is now tempered by the understanding that telehealth is not a lesser option but a different one—a necessary tool for continued care in challenging times. The widespread adoption of telehealth indicates it is likely a permanent feature of the healthcare system, pandemic or not.
A Commitment to Embracing Change for the Sake of Health
Therefore, if my September appointment is moved online, I have decided to set aside my reservations and fully engage. While I am sure it will require adjustments—perhaps being more proactive in voicing concerns without non-verbal cues from my doctor—I recognize that embracing this technology is ultimately for the benefit of my health.
The convenience and safety it offers are significant, and my positive experiences have shown it can be effective. My journey from skeptic to cautious adopter reflects a broader evolution, acknowledging that while the medium may change, the goal remains the same: to receive the best possible care, even if it means logging on instead of walking in.
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