CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — From DoorDash to Amazon Prime, technology is always finding a way to bring the product to the people.
That’s now being seen more in the health care industry as telehealth companies grow in popularity.
Coastal Health Solutions owner and practitioner Cindi Hedrick said that there are growing benefits to virtual doctor appointments, something that has been growing in popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic.
"You have to learn how to listen, and you have to listen to people's cues, their words, their inflection of tones, their symptoms, everything," she said.
Hedrick said that having that extra level of perception and awareness can still help a patient in need.
"I might not be able to hear your heartbeat that day, but I can actually diagnose and treat off of your words," she said.
Another reason for telehealth's growing popularity is the lack of primary care physicians in the area. Hedrick said that not having adequate doctors is forcing people to adapt in different ways.
"There is no having to wait six months to get in to see a primary care provider," she said. "I mean, it literally goes down to waiting to get medication refills."
It’s even being felt on the insurance side.
"Here in the Corpus Christi area and surrounding areas it's usually six out of ten, 'No, we don't see a doctor,' " Owner of McCrann Insurance Charles McCrann said.
Open enrollment has begun for many in the Coastal Bend and McCrann said he’s noticed customers inquire more about virtual healthcare.
"With telehealth you can see a doctor within a very few minutes for any time period," he said.
McCrann said that before they finalize any benefits, customers should check with an agent to make sure they’re not leaving any money on the table.
"Some individual plans that go through ACA or Obamacare are available to them, they just need to ask their agent if it's on the program right now," he said.