-
Even before COVID-19 vaulted telehealth into the mainstream, many doctors and practices had begun incorporating remote appointments into their weekly schedules. For patients, telemedicine offers convenience and improved access to healthcare. For physicians, telehealth can be an effective antidote to the burnout currently plaguing so many providers. In a 2019 survey of physicians working with Doctor on Demand, 78% said working remotely improved their work-life balance. Here’s how starting a telemedicine practice could help you ease stress and take control of your schedule while also better serving patients.
-
1Managing your own schedule
Telehealth physicians cite this factor as a primary benefit of working remotely. When Medscape conducted their 2018 National Physician Burnout & Depression Report, 31% of doctors said a more manageable schedule would help reduce burnout. Because virtual appointments can be done at whatever time is convenient for the physician and the patient, from the comfort of their own homes, doctors have more autonomy over their schedules and can enjoy more flexibility within their day.
-
2Cutting down commute time
Dedicating even one day a week to telehealth appointments saves you time and money, as you avoid the stress of traffic and burn fewer trips of fuel. This is especially true for physicians working with patients in rural areas, where commute times can be measured in hours instead of minutes. The extra time you'd be in the car can now be spent with family, getting things done around the house, or even seeing additional patients.
-
3Spending more time with family
In the survey of physicians employed by Doctor on Demand, 70% of respondents were parents, and 75% were women (compared to 36% of all U.S. physicians). The schedule flexibility of telehealth means doctors can book appointments around family activities, such as picking up kids from school, attending student events, or just enjoying play time in the yard.
-
-
4Taking more vacation time
The “remote” in remote appointments means just that—you can conduct them from as far away as you’d like, as long as you have a working internet connection. This frees you up to take those trips on your wish list and, if you choose, to set aside some time each day for virtual appointments or check in on a case before unplugging back into vacation mode.
-
5Exercising more often
In the Medscape survey about burnout and depression, physicians listed exercise as a top way they reduce stress and avert burnout. Telehealth can open up more time for doctors to work out, whether it’s an extended jog around their neighborhood or being able to take that 2:00 p.m. spin class. By having flexibility and autonomy over their own schedules, telehealth doctors spend more time on the activities that keep them physically and mentally healthy.
