There are a number of online video chat doctor consultation services dotting the healthcare landscape these days, and though their price structures may vary somewhat most provide their services in the same basic way. The doctors are all state licensed practitioners and typically U.S. board certified so you will be seeing an actual physician. Below we will give you a general overview of how they work, what types of ailments are suitable for video consultations, and what you can and cannot expect from them.
What Kind of Illness’ Can Be Treated by A Having a Video Chat Doctor Consult?
Telemedicine is an ever expanding field of medical treatment being used in hospitals, clinics and doctor’s offices, but now it is becoming very popular among people for treating common ailments that we don’t necessarily have the time to go to the doctor’s office for. Not only is it faster to see a doctor for a video consultation it is more convenient and usually a money saving mode of healthcare today. While video doctor consultations cannot take the place of a hands on doctor in the event of a serious injury or emergency, the results can be highly valuable in treating the following types of illness from your home, office or travel location:
- Flu
- Ear Infections
- Dermatology Problems (acne)
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Eye Infections
- Sinus Infections
- Mental Health Therapy
- Rashes
- Asthmatic Inflammations (mild)
- Stomach Ache
- Diarrhea
How Do I Get Started?
There are a host of companies to choose from online offering telemedicine services. Most simply require downloading an app or to register to create an online account. Typically, you will have to answer some health background questions which include information such as allergies, chronic conditions, your primary care doctor and specialists (if you have any), family history and the like. Most will also request that you include your pharmacy preferences in case the doctor needs to order a prescription for you.
Once you have completed the standard medical information you can then move on to choosing what type of consultation you are in need of, usually selecting from a list of common ailments that are treated by an online video chat consultation. After you have selected what your medical issue is you then can choose what type of consultation (video or telephone) you prefer and when you want it to occur. The response time from the company to your request for an appointment is typically very rapid, but may range from 15 minutes or less to 24 hours depending on the type of illness or symptoms you are experiencing and the availability of a doctor that meets your criteria best.
Will My Healthcare Information Be Protected?
Absolutely, there are very strict laws that require any entity that has access to your personal health information to protect it. Most companies required to meet the HIPPA laws employ robust encryption methods of storing patient information to deter cyber theft.
How Soon Will I Be Able to Get an Appointment
The response time from the company to your request for an appointment is typically very rapid, but may range from 15 minutes or less to 24 hours depending on the type of illness or symptoms you are experiencing and the availability of a doctor that meets your criteria best.
How Much Does a Virtual Consultation Visit Cost
Typically, video, phone, or online chat consultations can save you money, it can be a considerable amount compared to a trip to the emergency room. Prices from one company to another vary as some have fixed rates or per minute fees while others have membership fees. You should investigate this to meet what your healthcare needs typically require, for example if you have a chronic condition like asthma and may need frequent virtual visits you may want to consider the membership type plans.
Do I Need Special Technology to Use the Service?
No, you will need nothing more than a computer, ipad, or Smartphone to enable you to connect to the services of a video chat consultation with a physician. Some companies will have you download an app on your phone if you prefer a phone consultation.
What Should I Expect During My Consultation?
Once you have an appointment with your physician and your scheduled consultation begins the doctor will ask you a variety of questions regarding your health complaint such as if there is fever present or have a sore throat, much the same as if he or she were seeing you in the doctor’s office. This could include asking you to touch, press or manipulate parts of the body to check your reactions for pain, stiffness, headache etc.
Depending on what your symptoms are the doctor may be able to give you an immediate diagnosis and prescribe a treatment plan, in most instances this is the case. However, if the physician feels uncertain about your diagnosis it may be recommended that you schedule an office visit with your primary care physician or to schedule laboratory testing.
Can I Get a Prescription from A Telemedicine Doctor?
Having a virtual examination does not mean you will receive a prescription for medication. If the doctor feels medication is part of your treatment plan, then it will be prescribed and called in by phone or electronically sent to the pharmacy of your choice. However, it should be noted that telemedicine doctors cannot prescribe any controlled substance pain medications, non-therapeutic drugs such as Viagra or other drugs that may be a danger for possible abuse.
What Kind of Results Can I Expect?
Statistics have shown that telemedicine has a very high satisfaction rate among patients who use these services both due to the ease and convenience of use, but also the typically reduced rates of costs for the healthcare patient.
After the doctor has made a diagnosis and prescribed a treatment plan most telemedicine service companies will allow for a period of five to seven days for any follow up questions the patient may have. Of course, as with any type of illness and treatment plan prescribed by the doctor, if your condition worsens or does not improve you may need to seek an urgent care center or your local emergency room for further treatment.
