Texting vs. Video: Why We Put Text First (and Why It’s Not as Crazy as it Sounds)

Texting vs. Video: Why We Put Text First (and Why It’s Not as Crazy as it Sounds)

“Texting Your Doctor? Why We Choose Text First (and Why You Should Too!)”

Okay, let’s talk about video calls – the gold standard for telehealth, right? It seems like if you are going to see a doctor virtually, that it would always be best to do it face to face via video. Well, maybe not always. While they’re definitely useful, we at Tap Telehealth have realized that video isn’t always the most efficient or convenient way to get medical care, and in fact most of the time a simple text message will do just fine! We believe that often the best way to address your medical needs is through a simple text message!

Let’s be clear: We’re not against video. In fact, at Tap Telehealth, we can also do a video or audio call when needed. But we also realize that video calls can be intrusive, and they are not always necessary, so why default to that as the primary method of communication?

The “Time Tax” of Video Calls

Think about the last time you had a video appointment. You had to make an appointment, wait for your time slot, deal with the tech, make sure the kids aren’t in the background, and find a quiet spot so you could hear what was going on. It feels like a whole production, right? Sometimes those 20-minute appointments take hours out of your day. And let’s be honest, when you’re not feeling well, the last thing you need is another stressful event.

Why Text First? The Tap Telehealth Difference

That’s why at Tap Telehealth, we put text first. We know that most of the time a simple text exchange can easily take care of your concern. We aren’t interested in making your health worse, we’re here to make it easier for you! Here’s why we believe in a text-first approach:

Speed: Text messages are fast! You send a quick message, and we can quickly respond to you right away. No waiting for appointments, no downloading clunky apps, no need to interrupt your busy day.
Convenience: Texting is something we all do every day. You can text us while at work, while doing chores, or even while you’re in bed! It just fits into your life in a way a video appointment cannot. It’s accessible anytime, anywhere.
Less Intrusive: Not every medical issue requires a face-to-face interaction. A simple text exchange can be less intimidating and feel more comfortable for both the patient and the doctor. You are able to convey the information you need without a bright light shining on your face!
Documented Conversations: All of your conversations with your provider are saved, so you can go back and review them at any point. This is great when you are trying to remember what to do or what you were told.
Focus on What Matters: When we are focused on a video call, we often put more emphasis on the appearance, when really we should be focusing on the message. With text-first you, and the doctor can focus on what you are saying, which is often what is most important.

The Power of Pictures (and Audio/Video When Needed)

We also understand that sometimes a picture can help, or a quick audio or video call might be necessary. That’s why we built those options into our platform as well. But we’re not going to default to video all the time, only when we really need it. We’ll still often start with a simple text, and if a picture or a video call is needed, then we can easily make that transition.

The Best of Both Worlds: Text First, Video When Needed

At Tap Telehealth, we combine the speed and convenience of a text-based consult, with the ability to switch to a video call if needed. We believe in providing the right care, at the right time, and often times text is the best way to start, with a quick transition to video only when necessary!

So, while video calls have their place, we believe that text-first is the future of everyday healthcare. It’s faster, more convenient, less intrusive, and allows us to focus on what truly matters – your health!

“Ready to experience the Tap Telehealth difference? Tap into our services today and see how simple text-based care can be!”

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Dirk Perritt M.D.

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