When you’re traveling in your RV, the last thing you’re thinking about it is getting sick. You’re focused on the adventure, relaxing, and having a good time, right? 

But there’s a real possibility of falling ill while on the road, and it can be a difficult challenge to overcome, especially if you’re in a remote location and/or are a full-time RVer with no official home base.

So what options do you have when you need assistance with medical issues? A telemedicine service can help!

What is Telemedicine?

Telemedicine is the practice of a doctor or medical professional providing care for a patient when both parties are not in the same location, via technology. Most telemedicine providers can diagnose and treat non-life threatening conditions, such as sprains or the common cold. 

Speaking with a doctor virtually to get the care you need for a minor illness or injury can save you a trip to the emergency room—and a lot of money and headaches! (Note, however, that more serious illnesses and injuries may require in-person emergency care.)

Here’s how it works:

• If you start to feel ill, you can connect any time of day to speak to a licensed doctor or healthcare provider over the phone, via an app, or on a web-based platform.
• The provider will take you through a short interview, where he or she will ask about what issues you’re having and determine if your symptoms warrant a visit to an urgent care or if you can manage them yourself.
• If necessary, the provider can prescribe non-narcotic medication that you can pick up at the nearest pharmacy.

Register Before You Feel Unwell

If you’re considering signing up for a telemedicine service, do your research and choose the program that will best suit your needs. Once you’ve chosen a service, don’t wait to register and activate your account. You’ll likely need good cell service, an internet connection, your personal info, and a chunk of uninterrupted time, so it’s best to complete registration when you’re in a good location and are feeling well. You don’t want to have to complete the signup process to see a doctor when you’ve started to feel sick on the road!

Have you used a telemedicine service before? What was your experience? Would you recommend it to other RVers? Let us know in the comments or contact us today!