Guest Blog post by Paloma Health
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything from how we work and socialize to how we access medical care. The focus at the height of the pandemic in 2020 was on caring for COVID patients and preventing the spread of the virus. Yet, despite the urgency of the pandemic, people still needed medical care. Those with chronic health conditions were at exceptionally high risk for having their conditions neglected because of poor access to non-urgent health care.
Fortunately, many health agencies rose to the occasion to bring good medical care into the safety of people’s homes. From at-home testing to telemedicine visits, health care has become much more accessible during this challenging time. There are many benefits to remote health care, including faster test results, more personalized care, and more in-depth visits with doctors. Patients with chronic thyroid diseases like hypothyroidism can also benefit from remote care, as thyroid disease requires life-long care and maintenance in close collaboration with a health provider.
Benefits of Telehealth
Telehealth is convenient
Just months before the pandemic, Paloma Health conducted a nationwide survey to understand better how people experience thyroid care in the U.S. The study found that 66% of participants take a minimum of two hours to see their doctor, including traveling to the doctor’s office, sitting in the waiting room, and the exam room. What is more, the survey found that 45% of people needed to wait over one month before they could get an appointment with a doctor. At-home telehealth visits mean you don’t have to take too much time away from your daily commitments like work or watching your children. Additionally, it decreases your risk of coming into contact with people who may be ill.
Great option for routine medical care
People who have conditions that require regular check-ups or prescription renewals benefit from telehealth. Most people with a thyroid disease like hypothyroidism need to check their thyroid levels every six months. If there is a change in medication or dose, you may need to check your levels more frequently. All of this care is available remotely, saving you time and getting your results faster.
Costs saving
Telehealth costs are generally more straightforward. Telemedicine companies like Paloma Health work closely with your insurance provider to help you get cost savings without compromising your care. The prices for virtual care and testing are often more affordable than your copay at the lab and your doctor’s office, even if your insurance carrier does not cover these options. What is more, at-home care means you do not have to take time off from work.
More enjoyable experience overall
Some telehealth companies make sure to meet your every need on your road to health and wellness. From giving you access to top medical professionals to nutritionists and therapists, telehealth can make your experience fluid. Furthermore, many companies use care advisors to walk you through the whole process and answer any questions during your care.
How to care for your thyroid health at home
At-home thyroid tests
If going to a lab is a lot of effort or doesn’t feel safe just yet, at-home thyroid test kits are an excellent way to stay on top of your thyroid health. These at-home thyroid test kits do not require a venipuncture blood draw. Instead, you can fulfill your labs with a simple finger-prick test that only takes two minutes to complete. Once you have completed your test, you mail it off and wait about a week for your results.
You can save $30 on your first purchase of an at-home thyroid test kit with coupon code “TLC” on Paloma Health’s website.
Virtual doctor consultations
It’s vital to partner with a thyroid doctor to develop a personalized thyroid treatment plan. Video appointments between a patient and their thyroid doctor benefit both their health and convenience. Improved technology makes virtual doctor consultations easier, even for those who don’t consider themselves particularly tech-savvy. Patients can meet with their thyroid doctor via their computer or smartphone.
Prescription delivery
For many, staying on top of thyroid hormone medication refills or picking medications up on time can be an extra burden. Many companies now offer home delivery of your prescriptions. Patients can also shop around on telemedicine platforms that track prescription cash-pay drug prices and provide free coupons for discounts on medications.
At-home exercise classes
Living a thyroid-healthy lifestyle includes regular movement. High-intensity workouts can create stress in the body, which can impact T4 to T3 thyroid hormone conversion. Still, even low-intensity training provides innumerable health benefits. Countless apps and Youtube videos exist to help guide patients through 30 minutes of on-demand activity three to five times per week. Access to quality home thyroid care has never been more critical. Consider testing your thyroid at home and following up with a telehealth provider to optimize your thyroid no matter what hurdles block your path.
About Paloma Health
Paloma Health is the first online medical practice focused exclusively on testing and treating hypothyroidism The company offers access to at-home thyroid tests, virtual consultations with thyroid doctors and nutritionists, and prescription and supplement management for an integrated health experience.
