To say the least, the last year and a half (and counting) has thrown some monkey wrenches into our life routines.  There is no sense in recapping.  We can reminisce in about 30 years 😉 But one change that happened, that I personally love, is the normalization of telemedicine.  The top 3 reasons to keep your appointments virtual:

1. You can wear your fuzzy slippers.
2. The doctor gets to meet your furry friends.
3. No one will know you forgot to brush your teeth.

All jokes aside there are some advantages to keeping your appointments via telemedicine. As a naturopathic doctor so much of  the care I deliver is chronic care, supporting someone’s long-term health and wellbeing.  Most of what I do with my patients is listen, ask questions, and hold space as people navigate their health.  Telemedicine has opened the door for me to share my unique care and skill set with more people further away.  It allows your healthcare to not be limited to your (or my) geographical location. 

For many years I personally have worked with a naturopathic doctor.  We used to live in the same city where I saw him regularly and then I moved out of state. And then he moved out of state, but through all that, my care stayed the same. The result is that I have had the same doctor for the last 16 years, strong.  Having that kind of continuity adds to the therapeutic relationship between us–which only elevates personal healing processes. 

Telemedicine can be easier to fit into a busy schedule.  It eliminates the drive time, wait time, the need to coordinate child care, having to wear a mask.  The visit can take place where you need to be, whether it is in the comfort of your home, sitting outside in the fresh air, going for a walk, sitting in your (non moving) car, on vacation. As long as the location is private for you, it’s fair game. While we are chomping at the bit right now to get out and interact with the world, there are many things out of our control interfere with us getting to our doctor’s appointments,  like smokey days, impeding traffic, inclement weather, unexpected loss of transportation, unexpected travel, and illness of either you or your loved ones.  Having virtual visits lets you stay put and saves you time. 

There are definitely times that your care needs hands-on attention.  Hearts need to be heard, lumps need to be felt and after a thorough interview if such care is required then that will be recommended and arranged.  But don’t underestimate the power of a thoughtful conversation in both diagnosing your condition and providing therapeutic benefit.   Most doctors say that  a person’s medical history has greater diagnostic value than either a physical exam or results from laboratory evaluation.  I have personally found this to be true.  Very rarely, if ever, have I discovered something on a physical exam that I didn’t already suspect from a person’s medical history.  

Admittedly there are some barriers to telemed:  Not having reliable internet access, not having computer or phone access, sitting in front of a screen for yet another minute in the day, possibly not having the privacy you need and want from home. Those are understandable, perhaps virtual visits are not the right logistical fit.   You have to weigh the benefits for yourself.  As a doctor I have found telemedicine to be extraordinarily beneficial.  I find my patients are more candid, relaxed, our visit feels less rushed, my schedule runs on time (meaning you aren’t waiting around for me :),  and for most people we are able to adequately evaluate, diagnose, and address medical concerns by just talking (and labs).  As a doctor, I have a greater capacity to see more people via telemedicine and practice the medicine I love.  It is a win-win all around.  

There is one last benefit that may apply to people you love.  As a provider of telemedicine,  I can offer care to people who live rural areas or live in towns who may not have access to a naturopathic doctor.  I am now licensed in Washington, Oregon, and Montana. That means I can provide naturopathic care to you and your family anywhere in the states of Washington, Oregon, and Montana. (They will need a local primary care physician.)

To schedule your telemedicine appointment with Dr. Jennifer you can call 509-808-6364. Or even better, schedule online at MountainSageMedicine.com.