As healthcare practices continue to evolve, many patients we treat find themselves weighing the benefits of in-person appointments against the convenience of virtual consultations. Most functional medicine and integrative healthcare practices, which is what we are (we focus on treating the whole person rather than just symptoms) offer both telehealth and in-person options to meet the diverse needs of patients.
For anyone interested in understanding the inherent differences between the two appointment formats, a recent study sheds light on the pros and cons of in-person and virtual doctor visits. These insights can help patients make informed decisions about how they interact with their doctors and other healthcare providers.
In-Person Interactions: The Power of Presence
The study, which is entitled, Separable processes for live “in-person” and live “zoom-like” faces, was conducted by researchers from Yale University’s School of Medicine. It focused on how people respond to live, in-person interactions compared to “zoom-like” virtual meetings. One finding claims people participating in in-person settings often feel a stronger connection and experience more intense social and emotional engagement. This is linked to what scientists call “live face processing,” which purports our brains are wired to respond more deeply to real-life, face-to-face interactions.
In fact, the study showed that during in-person interactions, participants spent more time focusing on their partner’s face and eyes. This led to:
- Greater visual engagement, reflected in both behavioral and physiological responses such as increased pupil dilation, which can indicate heightened arousal and attentiveness.
- Brain scans also revealed greater neural activity in regions associated with social cues, such as the somatosensory cortex, suggesting that the brain is more stimulated by in-person communication.
For patients, this means that an in-person visit with a healthcare provider may provide a stronger sense of connection, which can be important when discussing personal health concerns or forming a trusting relationship with your doctor. Patients who thrive on personal interaction and value the subtleties of body language, facial expressions, and direct eye contact, may find that in-person visits offer a richer, more satisfying experience.
Virtual Consultations: Convenience and Accessibility
On the other hand, the study also highlighted some of the unique strengths of virtual interactions, especially in terms of convenience and accessibility. While virtual consultations may lack the depth of in-person, face-to-face interaction, they still allow for meaningful communication and connection. Advances in video technology have made it easier for patients and healthcare practitioners, such as those here at PROVOKE Health, to connect from the comfort of their homes and home offices, saving time and reducing the need for travel.
Interestingly, although virtual interactions did not activate certain areas of the brain as much as in-person interactions, the Yale Medical School study still showed significant engagement in other regions, particularly those involved in verbal communication and cognitive processes. This suggests that while virtual interactions may feel different, they are still effective for many types of consultations, especially those focused on reviewing lab results, discussing treatment plans, or addressing straightforward health concerns.
For patients who value flexibility, telehealth offers the ability to maintain consistent contact with healthcare providers, even in situations when in-person visits may be challenging. These might include:
- During illness
- Inclement weather
- When living far from the clinic
- For follow-up appointments or check-ins, when the physical presence of your healthcare provider is less critical
One additional advantage of telehealth is that it expands your pool of healthcare choices. No longer is your choice of doctor limited to how far you’re willing to drive to make it to your appointments. You can now consult with doctors anywhere in the world. Assuming, of course, you can successfully navigate any language barriers. More practically speaking, you can consult with a doctor anywhere in the U.S. If you live in Portland, Oregon, for example, you can have a telehealth session with a doctor in, say, Tampa, Florida.
Making an Informed Decision
Ultimately, the decision between in-person and virtual appointments depends on personal preferences and healthcare needs. For those who feel more comfortable and engaged with face-to-face interactions, in-person visits may be the best choice. Patients who appreciate the convenience and flexibility of telehealth, however, might find virtual consultations to be just as effective for their healthcare needs.
What’s most important is that you feel empowered to choose the format that best supports your health journey. Whether in-person or virtual, functional and integrative healthcare providers like PROVOKE Health are committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care in the format that works best for you.
By understanding the nuances of each interaction type, you can feel confident in selecting the option that enhances your situation, fits your lifestyle, and strengthens your relationship with your healthcare provider.
Of course, the choice between in-person and virtual doctor visits isn’t necessarily an either-or proposition. You may want to meet and consult with your doctor initially in person to establish a more personal connection and then follow up with telehealth consultations.
PROVOKE Health Offers In-Person and Telehealth Appointments
At PROVOKE Health, we trust our patients to choose the appointment format that works best for them. For patients who are interested in a face-to-face / in-clinic appointment, we offer appointments in one of our two Tampa locations. And for those who want to meet from the comfort of their own home or anywhere where there’s a strong enough connection to the Internet to meet online, we offer HIPAA-compliant telehealth appointments.
You can schedule a free 10-minute consultation to discuss your health concerns with our Founder, Dr. Matt Lewis, or our Medical Director, Dr. Karalynne Blochberger, using the consultation button below.
If you’re ready to schedule your first appointment or a follow-up appointment to discuss your plan of case, please use the button below.
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