Online consultations have become not only a very popular mode of consultation post-pandemic but also a great need for people with common or seasonal health issues. It is the easiest mode to consult a doctor, and people can make an appointment online or get doctors online for prescription from anywhere across the world, whether it is a remote area or distant. It also provides the facility the comfort of a home and saves money, time and effort. Now, prevent the difficulty of the long queue for hours and enjoy online doctor appointments.
Many services, including healthcare services, have been made available online by the widespread accessibility of smartphones and simple internet connections.
With time, telehealth has emerged widely, serving to a large extent demands of the public at large. Continue reading for an in-depth explanation of telehealth and what to anticipate from a virtual consultation with a doctor.
What Is Telehealth?
The concept of telehealth is not new, even though it may seem very 21st century. It quickly surfaced with the invention of the telephone. The history of the telephone in medicine, beginning with Alexander Graham Bell’s groundbreaking invention in 1876 and the quick realisation of the device’s potential to cut down on needless office or home visits, is covered in an article published in the Lancet medical magazine.
Since then, as technology has advanced, there has been a greater drive to provide more services remotely, and telehealth is currently experiencing a meteoric rise in popularity.
Mode of Remote Consultations
There are several ways to consult a doctor virtually, including:
Tele- Medicine
This method provides consultation on-call. It is one of the earliest and easiest methods of virtual consultation with doctors. Medicine doesn’t need much while on-call except a telephone. It has some disadvantages, such as the doctor and patient not being able to see each other and the patient having to note down the medicine, which can leave some mistakes. Yet, teleconsultation is the simplest and the most accessible method of consulting a doctor from anywhere.
Online- Video Consultation
It is another popular method of virtual consultation. Through various video calls or chats, a doctor can be consulted remotely. There are also video conferencing options available today. A live video chat is the best alternative choice to an in-clinic visit in a virtual consultation. In this method, a doctor can see the patient’s condition, talk to him/her and prescribe medicines accordingly.
App-based-virtual consultation
Today App-based consultations are the latest mode of online virtual consultations. Besides a video chat, the App also includes features for booking appointments, recording prescriptions, managing appointments, follow-up scheduling diagnostic tests, and even shipping medicines directly.
MHealth
MHealth refers especially to medical services that are provided through a mobile device.
EHealth
The word “eHealth” refers to any type of electronic health information and services.
Advantages of e-Consultation
- No travel and waiting
- From the comfort of home
- Get treatment from anywhere.
- Receive a digital prescription.
- No need to ignore even small health issue
Services Can Be Provided Via Online Consultation
The following are some circumstances in which telehealth can be very helpful:
Follow-up appointments
In primary care and urgent care, the provider checks in with the patient to see if they need additional direct care or are following up on a previous visit. The prescriber might be able to send a prescription straight to your pharmacist if drugs are required.
Education and counselling
Services like diabetes control and pregnancy care need teaching and counselling.
Medication management
Regular check-in is frequently required for individuals with long-term illnesses like diabetes or high blood pressure that call for prescription medication.
