Have you ever imagined what it would feel like to speak with a doctor over the phone rather than walking into a hospital for a consultation? Or perhaps you’re really not new to this? Well, many health providers are adopting the online medical consultation model across the world, and this already established trend is expected to become more prominent in the coming years.
To learn more about how telemedicine works, in which cases it can be performed, and the advantages of this service model, continue reading.
What is Telemedicine?
Telemedicine simply means seeing a doctor through your phone or computer instead of going to the hospital. It allows for diagnosis, medical monitoring, and the prescription of health products.
It works especially well for teleconsultation and remote monitoring. Teleconsultation simply means talking to a doctor remotely using a phone, computer, or other communication tools. It’s one of the most common forms of telemedicine and is becoming increasingly popular with both doctors and patients.
This type of care started gaining popularity in 2020, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, as a temporary measure aimed at reducing the number of people in hospitals and clinics. It has proven, over the years, to make patients' lives easier, enabling patients from different locations to access specialized medical care.
When is it possible to make an online consultation?
There are several situations in which consultations can be conducted remotely. It can be used for initial consultations, follow-up appointments, and supervision (where professionals share experiences).
Through online medical consultations, patients can access numerous specialities, from primary care and nursing to skin issues, mental health, and heart health, among others.
How does it work?
An online consultation works very simply and is similar to an in-person consultation: the patient and doctor meet over a call, then the patient explains their situation and receives feedback from the healthcare professional, who may order lab or imaging tests, prescribe medications, and more.
In practice, the only difference is that the contact between the two is remote, as the entire consultation process proceeds in the same way as in-person consultations. To access the consultation room, the patient only needs high-quality internet access and a mobile device or computer.
Here’s a quick 3-step guide on how to get virtual doctor visits on your phone:
- Choose a telemedicine provider or platform: this can typically be an insurance provider, hospital/healthcare system, or a niche independent telemedicine provider.
- Download the provider’s app: go to Google Play Store or Apple App Store (depending on the kind of phone you use) and search for their app.
- Create an account and sign in: follow the prompts provided on the app to create an account and secure your login details
- Start your consultation: find the option to “start a virtual visit”, and you’ll be connected to a doctor (depending on your specific needs)
Is telemedicine worth it?
The possibility of remote consultations without the need for travel or waiting time at clinics and hospitals greatly facilitates the daily lives of patients. They can access a doctor online through a scheduled appointment or through emergency services, and receive their consultation from anywhere.
Furthermore, online medical consultations allow specialized medical care to reach isolated areas or regions where there are fewer professionals. This ensures that more people have access to qualified care. Finally, the speed of treatment is also a factor that attracts patients' attention.
Telemedicine offers greater availability of professionals and appointment times, as consultations are not restricted to office hours. This means you can contact specialist doctors at any time of day, whether for an initial consultation or follow-up.
With telemedicine, care is always within reach, and by using an M-KOPA smartphone, you can stay connected and enjoy affordable access to telemedicine. Contact us to get one.
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