More employers offering telemedicine benefits

Telemedicine is increasingly becoming a key health benefit in many employersponsored health plans.

According to the National Business Group on Health, 48 percent of surveyed employers offered telemedicine benefits in 2015. So far this year, that number has jumped to 74 percent.

Virtual doctor visits enable patients experiencing a non-urgent health issue to consult a physician via video chat using their phones, computers, smartphones or tablets.

Patients often use the service to treat minor medical conditions such as allergies, sinus infections, bladder infections and other conditions.

Some of the benefits of telemedicine include:

• Better access: Telemedicine enables employees who live in areas with few primary care physicians — including many rural areas — to quickly and easily consult a doctor.

• Convenience: Many employees put off visiting a doctor because of their busy work/family schedules and they do not want to miss work. Because many telemedicine services are available 24 hours per day every day, employees can get the care they need whenever it’s convenient.

• Faster care: While patients may have to wait one or even several days for the next available appointment at their physician’s office, they often can do a virtual visit to a doctor immediately.

• Lower cost: According to UnitedHealthcare data, the average cost of a virtual visit is less than $50, while a primary care physician visit is approximately $80, an urgent-care facility costs $160, and an emergency room visit is $650.

As employees increasingly rely on technology to make services such as banking, grocery shopping and transportation more convenient, they are likewise looking to technology to make health care services more convenient. Employers can help their employees stay healthier and get convenient, cost-effective health care by including telemedicine as a part of their company health plan.