Having a primary care doctor is important, but for many of us, we don’t ever see a doctor in person. The reality is it’s expensive to see a doctor and insurance usually doesn’t cover many of the visits, besides annual checkups. Recently, there are many more convenient and cost-effective ways than visiting a doctor’s office. Here’s how to get around seeing a doctor.
See a Doctor By Phone
You can chat or videoconference a real doctor without waiting months for an appointment or even leaving your home. Some insurance companies have partnered with big health start-ups including Teladoc, Doctor on Demand, and American Well, which may be covered under your plan.
Get an Online Perscription
For some prescriptions like ED, sexually transmitted diseases, and hair loss, you don’t need to see a doctor—you can get these medications online. All you have to do is fill out an online form to see if you’re eligible for the prescription and if the doctor has any questions they’ll give you a phone call.
Use Wearable Devices
Put your smart devices to good use by tracking your heart rate, heart rhythm, blood pressure, and sleep patterns. Just be aware that some insurance companies are also using them to access an individual’s activity level to help determine if they’re eligible.
Check Your DNA
Besides for knowing your family history, checking your DNA is the best way to see if you’re at risk for certain diseases.
