About 66% of all of the people on Earth have access to the internet. That means more than 5.45 billion people can use a computer, smartphone, or other device to get online.1 As it’s become such a normal part of everyday life, the internet has evolved. Now, you can do almost anything online, including consulting with a doctor through a telemedicine visit. The COVID-19 pandemic brought telemedicine, also called “telehealth,” into the spotlight, allowing more and more people to access remote care from wherever they are.
Virtual medical consultations are changing how patients attend appointments and how doctors deliver care. They’re also making it easier to get an opinion from some of the leading medical experts from anywhere in the country. Find out for yourself by getting a virtual second opinion from The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic today.
Access to Care for Rural Residents
More than 46,000,000 Americans lived in rural areas in 2022.2 While rural residents don’t have to contest with as much congestion or traffic, they also have less access to specialized medical care. While there is still good, quality health care available in rural areas, advanced subspecialists often practice in urban areas.
Telemedicine is helping to bridge this gap, allowing rural residents to receive care from specialists without having to leave their communities. This not only saves time and money for patients, but it also reduces the burden on rural hospitals and clinics that may not have the resources or expertise to handle complex cases.
Improved Accessibility for Patients with Mobility Challenges
Living with mobility issues can make getting around hard. Even if driving is still manageable, getting to a specialist in a different city or state can still be a challenge. Bringing along assistive devices, while necessary, can add stress and make the trip more challenging.
With telehealth, patients with mobility challenges can consult with a specialist from the comfort of their own homes. This eliminates the need for travel and reduces the physical strain on patients. It also allows them to receive care from top specialists without having to navigate through unfamiliar environments.
Consultations with Leading Specialists
Telemedicine has also opened up the possibility for patients to have consultations with some of the leading medical experts. Medicine is a broad, deep field with thousands of subspecialties. When you’re diagnosed with a complex condition, there may not be a provider who has experience treating it in your area. Virtual consultations give you access to specialists from top hospitals and medical centers around the world, giving you more options for treatment and increasing your chances of receiving the best possible care.
Accessible Virtual Second Opinions
Even if you receive care or have a consultation with a provider near you, you may still want to seek a second opinion. This is especially true if:
- Your diagnosis is uncertain
- You have a rare or complex condition
- You’ve been advised to undergo surgery
A virtual second opinion can make it easy for you to have peace of mind that you’re making the best decision for your health. The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic offers virtual second opinions from experts in more than 500 subspecialties at the #2 hospital in the world.
Get a Virtual Second Opinion by Registering Online
When you get a virtual second opinion from The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic, you have the option to also have a virtual consultation from a provider. During your virtual consultation, you can discuss your diagnosis and treatment options and ask any questions you may have.
You deserve peace of mind and confidence in your healthcare decisions. Register for a virtual second opinion from The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic today and take control of your health journey.
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