You’ve probably heard the term “telemedicine,” but you may not be familiar with what it means. Put simply, telemedicine gives you access to virtual medical and behavioral health visits, via phone or video chat, with licensed health care professionals. Instead of traveling to see your doctor and sitting in a crowded waiting room, you’re instantly connected using your computer, tablet, or smartphone for a visit, without putting yourself at risk for exposure to COVID-19.

Telemedicine has quickly moved from being a helpful tool to a vital channel for our health care system. Virtual visits with health care professionals may help limit the spread of disease, and can also be an option for individuals who are following social distancing guidelines to check in with a health care provider. But, perhaps most importantly, if you have concerns related to COVID-19, you can connect with a health care provider from home to determine whether you need to see a doctor or be tested.

Today, it’s more critical than ever that you take steps that don’t put you at risk. And telemedicine is a smart solution that can help you avoid unnecessary visits to the doctor’s office, urgent care, or the ER. From live video conferencing to remote monitoring, there are many ways to make telemedicine work for you. Watch this video for some ways to use telemedicine that you may not have thought of, and read on below for even more.