Digital health is changing the way people engage with healthcare in the US. It's rare to know someone without access to the internet, whether by computer or smartphone. Moving towards remote clinical services is simply the next step in making healthcare accessible to as many people as possible. People are already used to using online search engines for advice on their symptoms. Providing health information, medical education, and access to medical care online lets patients get better and more personal care for their needs without the inconvenience of a doctor’s office.

Monitoring patients' health used to require a trip to the doctor's office. Medical services were largely available only if you were able to make an in-person visit. Records could be difficult to obtain or to access at-will.

Using telehealth services allows patients and caregivers to neatly dodge many of these issues. If you can't make it into a doctor's office, or simply don't want to for any reason, video visits allow you to skip the waiting room. Follow-up appointments cause less hassle when you can make them from your living room or office. With the Babylon app, doctor's notes are available to review whenever you want. Healthcare systems are developing with you in mind.

There are both advantages and disadvantages to virtual care from your healthcare provider.

Pros

• Virtual visits are convenient. With Babylon, you can usually schedule a doctor's appointment within half an hour. You can get real-time interactive care from your doctor while sitting comfortably in your living room. You avoid the time and hassle of travel. Appointments with healthcare providers are available 24/7.
• A wide variety of treatments are available. Not only can your primary care physician give you a treatment plan for everything from blood pressure control to the flu, you can also get specialized care. Pediatric healthcare is available, as are prenatal care and urgent care services. You can also speak to a licensed therapist for mental health issues.
• An increase in health equality. Accessibility can be a big issue in healthcare. People who live in remote locations may have a harder time getting to a physical office. The elderly and people with compromised immune systems or chronic conditions may find it hard or tiring to get from their home to a healthcare professional. Those with odd working hours may find it difficult to schedule an appointment. With access to virtual care at all hours of the day, it's much easier for those with difficulties to reach medical help.
• Increased privacy and discretion. Our videoconferencing and medical information storage are set up to protect your data. If you feel any concerns about seeking help, it's easy to access care discretely from a remote location.
• Quick transfers to specialists. Babylon’s healthcare providers can refer patients to specialists when needed and send through any necessary medical information to make the transition as easy as possible.
• Increased infection control. An unfortunate side effect of going to the doctor can be getting exposed to other sick people, or exposing them to you. We've removed the need to gather everyone under one roof. This makes it harder for diseases to spread.

Cons

• Technical difficulties. Telemedicine technology is just that: technology. It can break, malfunction, or otherwise give you a headache. We have advice for some of our common troubleshooting issues in our FAQs. Make sure you have a reliable and secure Wi-Fi or 4G connection for your appointment. Go to your settings, and allow Babylon to access your microphone and camera.
  • For more assistance, email [email protected].
• Bad WiFi connections. Unfortunately, some places simply do not have a good WiFi connection. If possible, you can look into a different internet provider or purchase a WiFi booster. Sometimes, even relocating your router may boost your signal. Contact your internet provider for more advice on boosting your WiFi.
• Some patients may not have much experience with using technology daily. Even if the digital world isn't your strong point, the Babylon app is easy to use. We've designed our app to be intuitive, with clearly-labeled sections. If you're struggling with using the app, please contact our support team at 1 (800) 475-6168 or email [email protected].
• Some situations require an in-person visit. There's just no getting around it. Sometimes, a virtual visit won't cut it. Certain medications require an in-person doctor's visit. Life-threatening medical emergencies require a visit to the ER. However, you can elect to have your Babylon medical information shared with your normal primary care doctor, to make your physical visit run more smoothly.