Your Doctor’s Visit Just Got Easier

It’s amazing what a difference clicking “Join Appointment” can make.

According to new research from UCLA, telemedicine isn’t just convenient—it’s helping the planet. In 2023 alone, virtual doctor visits prevented up to 47.6 million kilograms of carbon emissions each month… the equivalent of taking 130,000 gas-powered cars off the road.

Not bad for skipping a drive to the clinic.

The benefits are clear.

For seniors in rural areas or anyone with mobility challenges, telemedicine can remove barriers to care, reduce missed appointments, and save time and money.

It’s easy to see why virtual care became the norm during the pandemic—and why many doctors still offer it.

During 2023 alone, nearly 1.5 million virtual visits happened every month.

Seniors in rural areas saw especially big benefits, since they often drive farther for in-person appointments. But city dwellers contributed, too—after all, even an 8-mile drive adds up when multiplied across millions of visits.

So yes, there are real environmental and personal perks to virtual care. It saves time. It saves energy. And it makes health care more accessible, especially if mobility or transportation is a challenge.

But here’s the thing…

Not everything can—or should—be done virtually.

For older adults especially, routine, in-person visits are still essential. Your doctor can check your blood pressure, listen to your heart, examine your joints, screen for vision or hearing issues, and perform vital physical assessments—none of which can be done through a screen.

Virtual care is a wonderful complement, not a replacement.

Use it for:

• Medication refills
• Lab result reviews
• Non-urgent follow-ups
• Minor illness consultations

But for preventive care, new symptoms, or when something just feels off, in-person is always best. In fact, skipping regular physical exams could mean missing early signs of heart trouble, memory issues, or something as simple—but important—as vitamin deficiencies.

The good news?

You don’t have to choose one or the other. Today’s health systems offer hybrid care, giving you the best of both worlds. And if you ever feel unsure, don’t hesitate to call your doctor’s office—they’ll help guide you toward the right type of visit for your needs.

In short: Virtual visits are a tool. But your health still needs the human touch.

To seeing your doctor—in person or virtually,

Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team