7 Common Medical Issues That Can Be Treated Via a Telehealth Visit

Telehealth — also known as telemedicine — has become a popular option for many people who want top-quality medical care without the inconvenience and hassle of an office visit. Using nothing more than a phone or tablet with an internet connection, telehealth lets you manage your health needs remotely in a way that suits your busy lifestyle.

At Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy in Kihei, Kahului, and Lahaina, Hawaii, our expert team uses an advanced telehealth system for an array of medical concerns, giving our patients the care they need with the peace of mind that comes from knowing their information is confidential and secure. 

Here are seven medical needs that can be treated in a telehealth visit.

1. Follow-up visits and prescription refills

Follow-up doctor visits are common for people managing chronic medical issues, like asthma, diabetes, or high blood pressure. They’re also part of the treatment protocol for anyone with a more acute issue, like an ear infection, and people who’ve had minimally invasive surgery and other procedures. 

In fact, follow-up visits are an important part of the healing process, giving your doctor time to evaluate the success of your treatment plan and adjust it if needed.

Telehealth is a convenient way to keep up with those follow-up visits, no matter how busy your schedule may be. During your visit, we review your progress, answer questions, discuss concerns, and make changes when required. We can refill prescriptions or order lab testing, too, all while saving you the time and effort of making an in-person visit. 

2. Cold or flu

Colds, flu, and other respiratory infections are common, and while medical treatment may help, no one feels like visiting the doctor in person when they’re feeling sick and tired — literally. Telehealth is the ideal medium for treating colds, flu symptoms, coughs, and sore throats.

During your visit, we ask about your symptoms and we may use your camera to view your throat. We can also write prescriptions and recommend home care focused on helping you feel better and recover quickly, all without leaving the comfort of your home.

3. Minor injuries

No matter how careful we may be, minor injuries are unavoidable. Cuts, burns, sprains, and strains can happen anywhere and any time.

Telehealth visits give us the opportunity to review your symptoms and the cause of your injury to help us make a diagnosis. We may use the camera on your phone or tablet to visualize your injury in order to make a diagnosis and recommend treatment. If your injury is more serious, we can recommend other options, like X-rays or in-office care.

4. Urinary tract infection (UTI)

UTIs are very common, especially among women. In fact, about 40% of women will have at least one UTI during their lifetime, and roughly 10% have UTIs on a yearly basis.

UTIs involve infections in the bladder, urethra, ureters, or kidneys, and without prompt care, they can cause serious problems. Fortunately, telehealth visits are usually all you need to manage a UTI. During your visit, we review your symptoms and prescribe antibiotics to destroy infection-causing germs and provide relief for your uncomfortable symptoms. 

For more serious or recurrent bladder infections, we may recommend a urine test to identify the specific germ for more targeted therapy.

5. Allergy symptoms

Allergies happen when your immune system overreacts to a “trigger,” like mold, dust mites, foods, or other substances. Some people have allergies during specific seasons, while others have flare-ups on a regular basis.

While symptoms can be annoying, they can also be managed with medication. Telehealth offers a great opportunity to get the relief you need without an in-person visit. After reviewing your symptoms, we can prescribe medication, recommend over-the-counter products, and give you tips on what you can do to lessen or avoid flare-ups in the future.

6. Digestive problems

Nausea, constipation, and diarrhea can definitely throw a wrench in your routine. Diarrhea and vomiting can also lead to dehydration and additional medical problems. 

Fortunately, most digestive problems can be treated through telehealth, too. In addition to reviewing your symptoms and recommending medication or other therapies, we provide at-home care tips to help relieve symptoms and avoid them in the future. 

For chronic or persistent symptoms, we may recommend additional testing to look for issues like ulcers, bowel disorders, or food allergies.

7. Skin conditions

Telehealth visits are also ideal for evaluating and treating many types of skin problems. That includes chronic conditions, like eczema and psoriasis, as well as rashes or persistent itchiness. 

Once again, we rely on your phone’s camera to visualize your skin and identify the cause of your symptoms. Then we treat the condition through prescriptions, over-the-counter products, and lifestyle recommendations to alleviate your symptoms and keep your skin healthy.

Telehealth is one more way our practice helps patients get the care and treatment they need when and where they need it. To schedule your telehealth visit, book an appointment online or over the phone with Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy in Kihei, Kahului, and Lahaina, Hawaii, today.