Getting medical care via virtual visits is generally as good as seeing your doctor in person, according to a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine in December. Researchers reviewed 38 randomized controlled trials spanning from January 2013 to March 2021 that looked at care delivered through “video teleconferencing” versus office visits. Overall, clinical outcomes were similar for treating or managing diseases, as was patient satisfaction. Virtual care was even more favorable in some cases.

The study was limited, however, in the number of disease categories represented, and it did not include visits for diagnosing medical conditions or for mental health, substance use disorders, weight management, or pregnancy.

Video teleconferencing, also called telehealth or telemedicine, can be used to replace in-person health care or be an adjunct to it. Such services have especially boomed during the pandemic, offering a safer alternative for patients, and are expected to keep growing.