Telemedicine, Walk-In Clinics Cloud Role of Family Doctor

Lisa Love hasn't seen her doctor of 25 years since she discovered telemedicine.

Love tried virtual visits last summer for help with a skin irritation and returned for another minor problem. She doesn't feel a pressing need to seek care the old-fashioned way, especially since she also gets free health screenings at work.

No more waiting for the doctor's office to open. Convenience rules in health care now, where patients can use technology or growing options like walk-in clinics and urgent care centers to get help whenever they need it.

A survey last year found that about a quarter of U.S. adults don't have a regular doctor. Some like Love wonder how much they still need one.

"Telemedicine probably can't do everything ... but for most of the things I might ever have, I'm pretty sure they can take care of it," the Twin Falls, Idaho, resident said.