Telehealth vs. In-person Care: Pros and Cons for Managing Hormone Replacement Therapy

Telemedicine has grown tremendously in the last few years. Factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic increased the demand for remote healthcare services. This has resulted in more relaxed healthcare regulations and policies. Traditionally, doctors manage hormone replacement therapy through in-person visits and regular checkups.

But with telemedicine, many are having their HRT treatment managed remotely. This approach presents advantages, but patients must consider the disadvantages before choosing this option.

Why Some Patients Choose to Have HRT Managed Through Telemedicine

Cost

Virtual clinics often advertise service costs lower than those of in-person healthcare because of reduced operating costs. This is due to the absence of physical clinics and the medical providers they need to maintain. This makes telemedicine very attractive to patients who want HRT but think the cost is too high.

Convenient

Telemedicine provides clients with more convenience than in-person visits. This is thanks to eliminating the need for travel and waiting for the doctor in case they are still working on another patient. The elimination of travel especially matters in inclement weather, long distances, and the element of time. Conversely, telemedicine happens around your routine. By having it at home, you save a lot of time with minimal disruption to your plans.

Less Embarrassing

Some are more comfortable discussing personal information and HRT symptoms over the phone. Despite doctor-patient confidentiality, many still harbor qualms about talking about hormonal issues.

They may feel like they do not want to appear older or for anyone to know that much about them. Telemedicine provides patients with a lot of privacy. This is ideal for patients with social anxiety.

Disadvantages to the Patient

While telemedicine has multiple benefits, it could be better. Patients forego some key benefits of dealing with doctors face-to-face. The main disadvantages include the following:

Lack of Physical Examination

HRT is a very personal treatment that often requires fine-tuning for the best results. This is only possible through a physical examination. The doctor must comprehensively evaluate your body and its systems to give a more accurate prescription. They also need to observe you as you go through the treatment so they can adjust to improve the outcome.

Provider Accessibility and Communication

Telemedicine is a technical approach to health care that involves using video-calling technologies and the like. But the technology is not flawless, and it can fail you in several ways. In such a situation, communication with your provider becomes a challenge.

Personalized Care Is Challenging to Provide Remotely

In-person treatment, especially HRT, is much better when the doctor can observe you and evaluate your progress. It is also easier to build patient-doctor confidence with in-person visits than with telemedicine.

Inability to Visit With Your Care Team in Person to Address Concerns

Telemedicine providers often do not have physical locations, so you cannot seek them out if you have concerns. Impromptu meetings are much harder to arrange since other people are scheduled for those times.

For more on telehealth and in-person care, visit 22 Health & Hormone. Our office is in Altamonte Springs, Florida. Call (321) 972-6159​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ to book an appointment today.