5 benefits of virtual care for managing chronic conditions

Living with a chronic condition like diabetes, high blood pressure or asthma can sometimes feel like a full-time job. Between doctor’s appointments, medication schedules and keeping track of symptoms, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

The good news? You don’t have to do it all on your own.

Virtual care is changing the way people manage their health—making it easier to stay connected with your care team, take control of your well-being and feel confident in your health, all from the comfort of home.

What is virtual care? All about MyBSWHealth options

Virtual care, also known as telehealth, gives you access to high-quality, convenient care from Baylor Scott & White providers you trust, 24 hours a day. All you need is a smartphone, tablet or computer.

Through MyBSWHealth, you can schedule doctor’s appointments, get virtual care, send private messages to your providers and receive quick answers to pressing health questions—all on your schedule.

At Baylor Scott & White, we offer several types of virtual care, so you can choose the option that best fits your needs:

• eVisit: Available 24/7, an eVisit is a great option for common concerns like cold or flu symptoms, stomach problems or skin issues. After answering a short questionnaire, you’ll receive a treatment plan from a provider within an hour—no appointment needed.
• Video visit: During a video visit, you can meet virtually face-to-face with a provider using a camera-enabled device. Video visits are also available 24/7 and are appropriate for many common conditions or concerns. Video visits are a convenient option available through 24/7 Virtual Urgent Care.
• Virtual doctor visit: For follow-up appointments or concerns that don’t require a physical exam, a virtual doctor visit connects you with your doctor or specialist. Using a camera-enabled device, you can discuss symptoms, refill prescriptions and get answers to questions about ongoing care.

Since they’re available 24/7, video visits and eVisits are great options for when you need care quickly or at odd hours, like holidays or weekends.

Some providers also offer virtual doctor visits. This can be a convenient option for follow-up care if you’re currently seeing a provider for a chronic condition like diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, among others. A virtual doctor visit is just like an in-person doctor visit, except it takes place via video using your smartphone, tablet or computer.

Virtual doctor visits do require an appointment and wait time will vary based on provider availability.

Keep in mind that virtual care has some limitations, mainly that there is no physical exam or a limited physical exam. During a virtual visit, the treating provider may listen to your symptoms and direct you to be seen in person for a more thorough evaluation.

This is why virtual visits are best suited for chronic stable conditions or straightforward concerns. If you have a virtual visit and feel that your symptoms are worsening or not improving, it’s a good idea to be seen for an in-person visit.

5 benefits of virtual care for chronic conditions

For many chronic conditions, regular check-ins with your care team are essential to staying well. But that’s not always easy to manage, especially during times when your schedule is full. Virtual care makes sure your health never takes a backseat.

Here are a few benefits of virtual care for managing chronic conditions:

1. Convenience: With virtual care, there’s no need to travel long distances to see your doctor, sit in a waiting room or arrange for childcare. Make the most of your time with virtual doctor visits.
2. Better monitoring: Some chronic conditions, like diabetes, may require remote monitoring in between appointments. With virtual care, your care team can see how you’re doing, and you can ask questions at any time between visits.
3. Fewer emergencies: Because virtual visits are easier to schedule and keep up with, potential problems are typically caught earlier before they become serious.
4. Personalized support: Between visits, you can privately message your provider at any time, making sure you’re always connected to the support you need to feel confident in your health.
5. Care options: With virtual care, you have options when you need care. Living with a chronic condition means that sometimes, things pop up when you least expect them. With eVisits and video visits available 24/7, you can always get the care you need—even if your doctor isn’t available.

Getting started with virtual care

To get started with virtual care, download the MyBSWHealth app or log in today to explore your virtual care options. If you regularly see a provider, you can also ask whether you can schedule a virtual visit for your next follow-up appointment. Virtual visits are subject to provider availability.

Virtual care helps you stay connected, supported and in control of your health. It’s healthcare that fits into your life, not the other way around.

Explore your virtual care options today.