Technology, the conversion of prescription meds to over-the-counter status, and the cost of healthcare have led to a rise in self-care. So has the upsurge in the philosophy of wellness.<\/p>\n

Most people would prefer to avoid going to the doctor\u2019s office, although it isn\u2019t always possible. There are some health issues that require in-person interaction. But given busy schedules, healthcare costs, and a reluctance to sit in a waiting room, it\u2019s a great option when viable.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for ways to stay well while staying on your own turf, you\u2019re not alone. Here are three ways to skip the doctor\u2019s office, depending on your diagnosis.<\/p>\n

1. Treat Yourself After a Diagnosis<\/h2>\n

The internet has put a tremendous amount of health information at everyone\u2019s fingertips. Just Google your symptoms, and you\u2019ll probably get millions of results. Despite the temptation, you should avoid diagnosing yourself unless you have a medical degree.<\/p>\n

Many symptoms can mean nothing, or they can point to a life-threatening condition. It\u2019s likely you aren\u2019t qualified to make that call. It\u2019s a smart and necessary move to see your doctor for an exam, testing, and a diagnosis.<\/p>\n

However, once you receive that diagnosis, you can potentially skip the office visits when the condition recurs. For example, some sexually transmitted infections, such as genital herpes, require an in-person diagnosis. But once you have it, you can take advantage of genital herpes treatment at home<\/a> by consulting an online provider for treatment.<\/p>\n

Likewise, once your doctor has diagnosed that itching and vaginal discharge as a yeast infection, you\u2019ll recognize the next one. Now that antifungals like Monistat are available over the counter, there\u2019s no need to head to the doctor\u2019s office. Just pick up a box at the pharmacy \u2014 or order it online \u2014 and clear the infection up on your own.<\/p>\n

Returning to the doctor\u2019s office repeatedly for treatment of some diagnosed conditions is a waste of time and money. Instead, take your diagnosis and find remedies that don\u2019t require sitting in a waiting room. Reserve those in-person visits for treatment that requires having your doctor in the same physical space.<\/p>\n

2. Get Diagnosed From a Distance<\/h2>\n

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of telemedicine. If you developed a nasty rash during lockdown, a video consult with a healthcare provider wasn\u2019t just convenient. It was necessary to get relief while staying safe.<\/p>\n

Improved distance technologies, including better cameras and screen image quality, have made telehealth a great option. Even though you\u2019re no longer sheltering in place, it still offers a way to forgo the office visit. At least, you can skip it for a lot of things that ail you<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you break your arm or need stitches, you can\u2019t avoid the trip to the doctor. But video diagnosis of such issues as sinus infections, conjunctivitis, urinary tract infections, and erectile dysfunction is quick and easy. All you have to do is schedule an online visit and show up in your living room.<\/p>\n

Once providers diagnose conditions virtually, they can call in a prescription to your pharmacy. You may still need to make a trip to pick it up, but you\u2019ve saved that time-wasting office visit. Meanwhile, you still have ample opportunity to ask the provider all the questions you have.<\/p>\n

Telehealth is like being in the same room with your doctor without the trip. If an in-person visit is required, the provider will let you know. Otherwise, save yourself the trouble.<\/p>\n

3. Diagnose Thyself<\/h2>\n

We know, we know. Earlier we said you shouldn\u2019t attempt to diagnose yourself if you lack medical training, but there\u2019s an exception to that rule: at-home testing.<\/p>\n

Oh, the places you will not have to go because there are home tests available. Why make a trip to the doctor\u2019s office if you think you might be pregnant? A home test will let you know if you need to start making those obstetric appointments or not.<\/p>\n

A growing variety of home tests<\/a> can save you time and trouble. Consider how great it was when the home COVID-19 tests became available at your local pharmacy and online. Now you can just keep a couple on hand for when you might need to screen yourself.<\/p>\n

Some home tests give you results right then and there. Others, like those for HIV or colon cancer, may require that you ship swabs, slides, or sample containers to a lab. However the results are analyzed, and you\u2019ll know whether you need to visit your doctor or obtain some OTC relief.<\/p>\n

Besides lab tests, technology to monitor health conditions has developed in leaps and bounds. Take your own blood pressure, monitor your blood glucose, and check your oxygen saturation levels. You\u2019ll know whether you need to seek in-person medical attention without making an unnecessary journey to find out.<\/p>\n

At-home tests and monitoring devices can be fantastic screening tools for a wealth of health issues. Using them can reduce your anxiety and put you on your way to treating your symptoms much more quickly.<\/p>\n

Should I Stay or Should I Go?<\/h2>\n

Let\u2019s face facts. Your health is one of the most important things in your life. That primacy makes it worth making the necessary investments in time and money to protect it. Yet that doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t make smart choices about how<\/em> you invest in your health and well-being. Every diagnosis doesn\u2019t require a trek across town and a potentially costly doctor\u2019s visit.<\/p>\n

Of course, you shouldn\u2019t avoid seeing your doctor in person if you really need to. That gash on your arm isn\u2019t going to stitch itself! But if you can handle your healthcare another way, it may be OK to skip the trip.<\/p>\n

For more valuable information visit this website<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Technology, the conversion of prescription meds to over-the-counter status, and the cost of healthcare have led to a rise in self-care. So has the upsurge in the philosophy of wellness. Most people would prefer to avoid going to the doctor\u2019s office, although it isn\u2019t always possible. There are some health issues that require in-person interaction. …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5317,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[88],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5316","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"yoast_head":"\n