Are you too busy to get in the car and drive to see your doctor? Do you live too far away from your local hospital or clinic? Is the doctor's office is crowded with sick people? Why not consider virtual doctor visits?

When you feel sick or need medical care, it's easy to take time off work only to sit in the doctor's office for hours on end. Now virtual doctor visits are just as effective, and they may save you money too. If you're looking for a virtual doctor visit because you feel sick or injured and cannot make it to a physical office visit, here are four reasons why remote consultation may be your best option:

1. Privacy

When you talk to a virtual doctor over the phone or via an online message box, only those whom you authorize can hear what you're saying. Physical visits can lead to a virtual stranger overhearing sensitive information about your health and then sharing that information with people who may not be authorized to receive it.

2. Convenience

You can't beat virtual doctor visits for convenience. Your virtual doctor visit is available at a time that is convenient to you. In this context, you don't have to wait for an appointment or drive miles to see a virtual doctor. You don't have to take time off work since your virtual doctor visit can be performed in your own home, workplace,  or at a location that works for you.

3. Low Cost

Most virtual visits cost less than an office visit because virtual doctors don't need to charge for their time or overhead costs. These remote visits don't require you to take time off work and may save you money on travel expenses. More importantly, most virtual visits are even covered by most health insurance plans. However, remote doctor visits may not be as inexpensive as you think because they are typically billed hourly.

4. Less Stress

When you must see a virtual doctor, the only thing you need to do is call or go online when it's convenient for you. You don't need to deal with parking or schedules or any other hassles associated with a one-on-one doctor visit.

The Bottom Line

Although virtual visits are a new concept, more and more patients who are suffering from minor illnesses are choosing it. Because of increasing accessibility and efficiency, a virtual doctor visit can be an effective alternative to a physical doctor visit.