Your care, your choice: when to choose telehealth over an office visit

You wake up with a sore throat that won’t go away. Your child has a rash, and you’re not sure if it’s serious. You’ve got a quick question about your blood pressure medication.

In moments like these, it can be hard to know what to do next. Should you make an office appointment? Or can this be handled with a quick video visit from home?

It’s not always an easy decision – especially when you’re sick, stressed, or trying to juggle a busy day. That’s why it helps to know ahead of time which types of care work well through telehealth, and when it’s better to see your doctor in person.

When you can make that choice with confidence, you’ll save yourself time and worry, and you’ll know you’re getting the right care for your needs.

When telehealth works well

If your doctor doesn’t need to physically examine you, telehealth is often the way to go. You can connect from home and still get the care you need – no driving, no waiting room.

Managing a long-term condition, like high blood pressure or diabetes? Many routine check-ins can now happen through telehealth, which makes it easier to stay on track. If you’ve got a quick follow-up after an office visit or test, you can probably handle that through a video visit too.

“Telehealth works very well for reviewing lab or imaging results, reviewing glucose readings, or home blood pressure logs,” explains Dawn Geer, FNP-BC, MSN, APRN, a nurse practitioner at St. Mary's Regional Hospital. “It can also work for some contagious conditions to reduce potential spread of those illnesses.” 

It’s also a great option for mental health care. Therapy and counseling are often just as effective online, and you can do them from wherever you feel most comfortable.

Your doctor might also recommend a virtual visit for other types of support, like nutrition counseling, lactation consults, or follow-ups for pain management or physical therapy.

Not sure if telehealth will work for what you need? Just ask. Your care team can help you figure it out, or you can start with Intermountain Health’s online Symptom Checker to get a quick idea of where to start.

When it’s worth going in

There are plenty of times when you really do need to be seen in person.

If you have new symptoms or something that feels off, it’s usually best to go in. That way, your doctor can listen to your heart and lungs, check your skin or joints, or get a better feel for what’s going on.

Dawn explains: “A good rule of thumb is, if your condition requires a hands-on evaluation, that is better suited for an in-person visit. Concerns such as ear pain, shortness of breath and chest pain should be evaluated in person to rule out very serious conditions.”

Your regular preventive care – like an annual check-up, vaccines, or routine screenings – typically need to be seen in-person. These are key to staying healthy and can’t be done through a screen.

Injuries are another reason to head to the clinic. If you’ve got a sprain, a deep cut, or think you might’ve broken something, your doctor may need to take a look, do an X-ray, or treat it in person.

You’ll also need to come in if your doctor recommends lab work or imaging. And if you’re talking through something big, like starting a new treatment or managing a serious condition, it can feel more reassuring to have that conversation in the room.

What patients often ask us

We hear a lot of questions about when and how to use telehealth. Here are a few we get the most:

• Can I get antibiotics through telehealth?
  Yes, if your doctor decides they’re appropriate. You’ll talk through your symptoms during the visit and your provider will recommend the right treatment.

• Will my provider tell me if I need to come in?
  Absolutely. If your symptoms require an exam or in-person testing, your provider will explain what needs to happen next.

• Is telehealth covered by insurance?
  In most cases, yes, but it’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider first.

• Can I see my regular doctor through telehealth?
  Often, yes. Many Intermountain Health providers offer both in-person and video visits. When you schedule, just ask what’s available.

How to get the most from your visit

Whether you’re logging on for a video visit or heading into the clinic, a little prep helps you get the most from your time with your doctor.

For telehealth, find a quiet spot with a good internet connection, and log in a few minutes early. Jot down any questions or symptoms ahead of time so you’re ready to talk about them.

For office visits, bring your insurance card, a list of your medications, and any paperwork your doctor requested. Arriving a few minutes early will help you feel more relaxed and ready to focus on your care.

It’s also helpful to think of telehealth as one piece of your overall care, not a substitute for everything. Staying in touch regularly with your care team, whether online or in person, helps build a relationship that supports your health over time.

And don’t be afraid to ask your doctor if future follow-ups could happen through telehealth. Sometimes, you can save yourself a trip and still get great care.

Keep your care connected

At Intermountain Health, it’s easy to move between telehealth and in-person care because your care team stays connected, no matter how you visit.

Whether you start with a video visit or come into the clinic, we’ll help you get the right care at the right time. And if you’re unsure which option to choose, just ask. We’re always here to get the care you need.