The pandemic saw more of us than ever before signing up to online medical service provision and, even as the global situation slowly improves, take-up rates for these services are still growing. If you’re thinking about switching to an online doctor or having this provision run alongside your regular care, then here are the pros and cons you need to consider to help you make the best choice.
The Pros
Let’s start with the positives:
Convenience
One of the most obvious benefits of using an online doctors’ service is that it’s usually a much more convenient option than making your way to your regular surgery and hanging around in the waiting room until you’re called into the consultation space. Busy lives, childcare issues, and work commitments can all make getting to the doctor in person tricky, and online appointments neatly solve this. For those with mobility issues or who live a significant distance from their clinic, online consultations can make life much easier, too.
Removes the Temptation to Self Diagnose
It can be really easy to put off going to the doctor and, instead, having a go at self-diagnosing the problem with the aid of Dr. Google. The thing is, Dr. Google is notoriously unreliable, and relying on a self-diagnosis leaves you at a high risk of not receiving the care that you may need. In some cases, this could be serious. Similarly, self-diagnosing can also lead to lots of unnecessary anxiety, such as when you become convinced that the hayfever you’re actually suffering from is something a lot more sinister and start suffering sleepless nights as a result.
The ability to easily access advice from a medical professional can remove the temptation to put off getting an in-person appointment and self-diagnose instead; some online services offer 24/7 access to doctors, making it even simpler to book in for an appointment. Have a look at for examples of online medical provision and the benefits offered by a variety of different packages.
Cost-Effective
Signing up to an online doctor can often deliver benefits to your bank balance, too. While in-person visits to your doctor can cost you in the region of $120-£150 per visit (if you don’t have insurance), the average price of a consultation with an online doctor is around $25-$80, which represents a huge saving.
Staying Safe From Covid
Of course, it is also worth mentioning that, for vulnerable people especially, staying protected from contracting covid, as far as possible, remains an important priority. In this regard, online doctors’ services are useful, as they prevent the need to visit waiting and consultation rooms, which are often high-traffic spaces, where there may be a significant risk of coming into contact with the virus.
The Cons
And the downsides to ponder:
Accuracy of Diagnosis
While, in the vast majority of cases, an online consultation with a doctor is safe and can provide the same level of accuracy, in terms of diagnoses, as an in-person appointment, there are times when a patient must be seen to assess their condition or injury. Before signing up for an online service, it is important to establish the provision in this regard: what happens should you need to be referred for assessment, for example.
Patient-Doctor Relationship
For some people, the relationship that they have built over the years with their family doctor is an important part of their experience of the medical service that they receive. If you feel that you like the continuity of care that having a designated doctor gives you and that the trust you have built with your doctor over the years is vital, then an online service may not be for you – or, at least, it shouldn’t entirely replace your regular care.
Not Suitable For Everyone
Using an online doctor may not be suitable for everyone: for example, those with complex health needs https://www.bettercareplaybook.org/questions/who-are-people-complex-needs may find that an online option cannot provide them with the support that they need. People living with longstanding conditions that require regular monitoring, too, may find that such a service can’t meet their needs.
FAQ:
1. What is online doctor consultation?
A: Online doctor consultation is a virtual medical appointment with a licensed healthcare provider. It allows patients to receive medical advice and treatment from the comfort of their own homes.
2. What types of medical issues can be treated through online consultation?
A: Online consultation can be used to treat a variety of medical issues, including common illnesses such as colds and flu, chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression.
3. How does online doctor consultation work?
A: Online consultation typically involves a video or phone call with a healthcare provider, during which the patient can discuss their symptoms and medical history. The provider may also ask for additional information or perform a virtual exam.
4. Is online doctor consultation safe and effective?
A: Online doctor consultation can be safe and effective when conducted through a reputable and licensed provider. It is important to ensure that the provider is licensed and follows appropriate privacy and security protocols.
5. What are some benefits of online doctor consultation?
A: Some benefits of online doctor consultation include convenience, accessibility, and reduced wait times. It can also be a cost-effective alternative to traditional in-person consultations, particularly for non-emergency medical issues.
The Takeaway
Deciding whether or not to sign up for an online doctors’ service will depend upon your needs, your current state of health, and your personal preferences. Different providers offer a range of different services, so be sure to research your options carefully.
Before signing up for any online medical provision, check that the doctor has all the necessary licenses and certifications in place. This can be easily done by having a look on their website for details; once you have found this information, check its legitimacy by contacting the relevant licensing body for verification.
Look carefully at online reviews from current and past patients, and find out about the nature of the customer support offered, too. Finally, be mindful of hidden charges; some online doctors will charge an additional fee for appointments held on the weekend or the evening or for the writing of a prescription. It’s also worth looking out for a service that provides free consultations to patients under the age of fifteen,
