Perhaps the ultimate takeaway from the COVID-19 pandemic is that health matters above a lot of things—things that people initially thought mattered more. Think about it. More than 90 countries, including the Philippines, went on lockdown and chose the risk of suffering economically, psychologically, socially just to contain the spread of the virus and to protect their citizens from being infected.
People realized the value of basic health habits and the significance of having an emergency fund to prepare for this serious medical situation. While Filipinos are known for helping one another during tough times, the COVID-19 experience showed that it is always better to be financially prepared than to rely on others or to become a burden to loved ones. This crisis also emphasized the importance of seeking medical help early to prevent health complications.
Perhaps you are one of the many Filipinos who learned the vital lesson that health is wealth, and you’re thinking if novel solutions like telemedicine and online doctor’s consultation can help you with your medical concerns. However, you are probably unsure about whether or not this new approach to healthcare is the right option for you.
To help you make the right decision, we’ve come up with a list of pointers that you can take into consideration. If any or all of them prove to be true in your case, then online medical consultation is well-suited for you.
You Don't Like to Be Exposed to Infections
COVID-19 remains a threat, and everyone is still encouraged to stay at home to contain the spread of the virus unless it is absolutely necessary for one to go out. Keep in mind that 80% of people with the coronavirus exhibit only mild symptoms or are completely asymptomatic, which means a seemingly healthy person in the clinic’s waiting room can be a carrier without anyone knowing.
Note that even without COVID-19, you can still be exposed to other pathogens if you visit a doctor’s office, since such places are usually filled with sick people. If you do not want to take the risk of going home with an additional health issue, online consultation is an option you can explore.
You Desire Convenience
Going to your doctor can be challenging, especially if you are busy. You need to take a leave of absence from work, arrange for childcare, and free up your schedule since you will most likely spend a lot of time sitting in the waiting room or the hallway waiting for your turn.
Sadly, the ordeal does not end once you are done meeting with the physician since you also have to wait again to pay at the cashier, and then to commute or drive to the pharmacy to purchase your meds. By the time you get home, you’d probably be ready to call it a day.
If you are looking for a hassle-free and more convenient way to access medical care, relying on digital medical consultation is the answer. You don’t have to wake up early to drive or to commute just to reach the doctor’s office on time. You do not even have to wait in line in a stuffy clinic either. Just go online and you get to talk with your doctor in the comfort of your own home or wherever else you may be.
Even paying for the consultation fee will be a breeze. Your doctor can just send you a bill with a payment link through SMS or email. Settle the bill by simply tapping the link and choosing your payment method. You can pay using your payment card or through an e-wallet like Maya. And if the clinic has their own website, it will be even easier for you to checkout.
You Want a More Private Medical Checkup
Perhaps you feel uncomfortable going to a medical clinic, especially if you have sensitive health issues to discuss. Such feelings are not uncommon, but it can be harmful if you let shame prevent you from getting the medical attention you need.
If you are looking for a more private way to consult with a doctor, online consultation should be up your alley. You can talk about your symptoms and other health concerns with a trained medical professional without anyone knowing. You can even choose to not show your face to the doctor unless medically necessary.
You Don’t Like Spending Too Much
A trip to the doctor can be costly. Besides the professional fee, you need to allot money for transportation expenses, food, and parking fee. You may even have to buy a snack for the physician’s assistant if you want to be treated nicely.
When the miscellaneous expenses of going to the clinic are preventing you from seeking medical care, you can opt for digital consultation. Through this method, you can keep your costs down since you no longer have to pay for gas, food, and other secondary expenditures.
You Are Looking for a Better Way to Check Your Symptoms Than Doing a Google Search
In case googling your symptoms is causing undue anxiety, and you are looking for an equally convenient way to assess your condition more accurately, consulting a doctor online is your best bet. Keep in mind that using “Dr. Google” to diagnose your condition can be dangerous, given the tons of information on the web. After all, how can you decipher which ones are credible when you are not medically trained?
When you rely on digital consultation, you can be assessed and treated by a licensed medical practitioner. The process is essentially similar since you also use the internet. However, instead of doing a Google search, you are tapping the expertise of a doctor of medicine. Isn’t that more reassuring?
Digital medical consultation has increased in popularity in the Philippines and will most likely be the method of choice for preventive care in the future, given its numerous benefits. While it has its limitations, nobody can discount the fact that online consultation can help you and other patients receive appropriate medical care from qualified physicians whenever and wherever you are.
