Online Doctor Consultation - Virtual Healthcare

Benefits of Online Doctor Consultations: All You Need to Know

Online doctor consultation refers to accessing expert care through applications or websites, where distance is a major factor. It reduces healthcare costs and gives you access to many doctors. There are easy steps to access doctors online, including registering an account and initiating a video chat with a doctor of your choice.

As we move into the third decade of the 21st century, access to good quality healthcare becomes increasingly important. However, very few people have the time to regularly visit a doctor. It is where online doctor consultations come in.

In this blog, we will focus on the pros and cons of virtual healthcare and how you can book one easily.

Understanding Telemedicine

Online doctor consultation, popularly known as telemedicine, refers to accessing healthcare from a distance. According to WHO (World Health Organisation), it uses information and communication technologies to diagnose, treat and prevent injuries or diseases, where distance is a crucial factor.

Therefore, you can virtually meet and consult a doctor without visiting their clinic physically. It opens up wide opportunities for the general public to access healthcare in critical times.

Measuring the Pros and Cons of Online Doctor Consultations

Before opting for online medical advice, let us discuss the pros and cons. This will help you get a clear picture of it.

Pros of Online Doctor Consultation

There are many benefits when it comes to virtual healthcare. They are as follows:

1. Get Access to a Wide Range of Professionals : With telehealthcare, you can consult any specialist regardless of where you are. This is exceptionally beneficial for people who do not have proper hospitals or clinics in their locality. Whether you need a psychologist, dentist or dermatologist, they are available with just a few clicks.
2. Reduce Healthcare-Related Costs : In our busy lifestyle, visiting a doctor is expensive. Traffic, parking and other costs add up along with consultation fees. However, with virtual consultations, you not only save on other associated costs but also on consultation fees. Unlike traditional doctor consultations, it only requires a good internet connection, making healthcare accessible and affordable.
3. No More Waiting in Long Queues : Traditional doctor visits often demanded long wait times. However, virtual meetings save time for both the patient and the doctor. Just schedule your appointments according to your availability and skip the long line.
4. Monitor Your Health in a Better Way : Usually, with these consultations, doctors use digital health technologies for accurate care. These applications can provide amazing features such as real-time tracking, which aids doctors in assessing your health. For example, a wearable watch can detect your heart rate, and you can share this information with your doctor. This constant tracking feature helps professionals stay updated and make a correct diagnosis.

Cons of Telemedicine

Like all good things, online doctor consultations also have their share of disadvantages. They are as follows:

1. Privacy Concerns for Patients : Once you log into a telemedicine platform, you are essentially handing over your personal and medical information to the company. It is a huge privacy concern as such data logs are prone to cyber attacks, and many companies deceptively sell such data on the dark web.
2. You Must Visit a Hospital : In some cases, where blood tests or laboratory tests are required, your doctor may advise you to have a face-to-face appointment. Therefore, you will have to be physically present for these tests.
3. Not Effective in Emergency Situations : If an emergency arises, the patient would require immediate attention from multiple doctors. This cannot be done virtually, making doctor online chat ineffective.

Steps to Access Online Medical Advice

We have made a step-by-step guide on how you can consult doctors online. The steps are as follows:

1. Choose a Telemedicine Platform: You must choose a telemedicine platform or service provider tailored to your needs. Research various telemedicine platforms, and check their credentials to ensure their doctors are licensed.
2. Create an Account on that Platform: The next step is to create an account on the desired application or website. You need to enter your personal details, along with an OTP, to complete your account creation.
3. Choose a Doctor to Consult: Once you are done creating and setting up your account, the next step is to go through the platform to find doctors specialising in your area of concern. Also, read the reviews before you proceed with the doctor. Once you have found a doctor, you can book an appointment.
4. Prepare for the Consultation: Now that you have secured an appointment, you have to begin preparing for the consultation. Be prepared with all your concerns and a list of symptoms that you are experiencing. Write your questions down, and ensure a stable internet connection for your online doctor consultation.
5. Attend the Consultation: When the scheduled time arrives for your appointment, log in to the chosen platform for communication. Convey all your symptoms, problems and questions to the doctor, and pay close attention to his answers.

Factors to Consider in a Virtual Doctor Visit

You need to consider these factors before deciding on an online doctor consultation session:

• Although online doctor consultation provides a standard of care similar to in-person consultation, there are some assessments which need to be done in person. In those cases, you may need to attend an in-person session.
• You must check and keep in mind the experience and education of the given doctors. The platform must have doctors enrolled with them with the desired qualifications to treat your condition.
• As a patient, it is important for you to have a smooth experience at all times. From booking an appointment to conducting the final consultation, everything must be smooth.

Final Words

Online doctor consultations have revolutionised the way people interact with doctors. With the convenience of remote access and faster consulting, many people have opted for it.

However, before you have a virtual doctor visit, keep in mind your needs and what specifics you are looking for. This will help you choose an appropriate telemedicine platform.