Tips for Successful Virtual Doctor Consultations

With spin-dial landline telephones still fresh in some generations’ memories, virtual doctor consultations may seem intimidating. Thankfully, if anything positive has evolved from the Covid-19 pandemic and its associated lockdowns, it is the fact that people of all ages have become accustomed to communicating via electronic platforms. From the way people work and study to doing shopping and communicating, technology has provided a means to access goods, services, work obligations and time with loved ones – all essential aspects of our daily lives. Naturally, it was simply a matter of time before virtual doctor consultations would become a popular way to allow individuals access to healthcare services online.

As is the case when chatting with an overseas family member or attending a work meeting, ensuring that other household members or pets would not disturb the session or background noises don’t drown out what is being said should be considered when consulting with a doctor online. Indeed, there are protocols that patients should adhere to that will ensure the online appointment with a medical professional will be a success. The healthcare professionals at Intercare explain what a virtual doctor consultation is, why you should try it, and what should be considered when attending one.

What is a Virtual Doctor Consultation?

Online doctor consultations aim to get you the medical assistance you need without having to physically attend a doctor’s appointment. Some people prefer to consult with a doctor with whom they are familiar and who has immediate access to their medical history and health conditions – a doctor they have a personal relationship with.

Thanks to modern audio and visual technologies, if you are in a remote area, far away from modern medical facilities or are bedridden at home and cannot visit them in person, your family doctor may be able to assist you digitally. It is as simple as booking a virtual doctor consultation online and then meeting with them remotely.

Why You Should Try an Online Doctor Appointment

If you have a health issue that needs medical attention and treatment, it may be causing a great deal of anxiety, especially if visiting your doctor’s practice is not possible. The anxiety of being far away from a doctor is greatly lessened when you have access to medical attention online.

You may be travelling for business or leisure. Perhaps you have a pre-existing condition that needs regular medical attention, check-ups or medication renewals, or a chronic illness like diabetes, angina, asthma or lupus, for example. Having access to your preferred healthcare professional online is hugely beneficial under these conditions. In addition, online doctor’s appointments might be the perfect solution to addressing minor ailments such as a sore throat, a skin rash or minor aches and sprains when you are otherwise healthy.

Indeed, seeking medical advice online offers you exclusive access to a trained professional. and saves you time in having to wait for your turn at the doctor’s office. It also remains to be as discreet as an in-person visit. 

Regardless of your medical condition, medication requirements or motivation behind seeing your doctor virtually, there are a few obligations on your part that should be followed before, during and after the appointment to ensure that the process is as effective as possible in clarifying your medical condition. Here are three suggestions to guarantee that your online doctor’s visitation delivers a fruitful outcome.

3 Tips for Successful Virtual Doctor Consultations

• What You Will Need: As with any online conversation, you will need a device that is user-friendly and reliable like a smartphone, tablet or a reliable laptop or desktop computer. Additionally, you will also need a strong internet connection that will endure the length of the appointment without interruption. Be mindful of power outages and loadshedding schedules and ensure that your device’s power supply is sufficient.
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• How to Prepare for Your Online Appointment: Dependent on your medical condition and your physical health, try to be as prepared for the appointment as you can be. Follow these guidelines to prepare:
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• Find a quiet area on the property where the Wifi signal is strong and where you feel comfortable. Make sure you have sufficient privacy in this area, as you will need to speak openly and honestly. Remember, you may have to divulge personal information to your doctor which can be humiliating.
• Ensure that ambient sounds are minimal. Have kids play in a different area of the property, place pets outside if possible and close the doors and windows where traffic or other outside noises might affect the audio quality of the meeting.
• Check that you have enough data on your device to last the entire appointment. Check your battery power percentage before the interview, ensuring that it will last too and adjust the height of the camera. Set it to eye level to make it easier for your doctor to see you.
• Make sure that your speakers and mic are working properly, even if you have to do a test call with a friend. You need to be able to hear your doctor clearly and they need to hear you.
• Either make a list or have your current medication on hand in the event your doctor needs to refer to them or amend them.
• Make notes of what the doctor is saying to you. Minute the appointment so that you can reflect on the conversation if needed. Take specific notes of signs, symptoms and advised medication.

• What to Do Following an Online Examination: Once the online consultation is complete, refer to your notes and follow up on factors that have been discussed, such as:
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• Filling prescriptions – This can be simple as your doctor may have already placed the medication order with your pharmacist online, but make sure to pick up your prescribed medicine.
• Take your medication – As simple as this sounds, put a reminder in your phone as this is sometimes overlooked.
• Follow-up communication – Ensure that you attend appointed tests advised by your doctor and follow up on the results.
• In-person visitation – Make another online appointment if signs and symptoms persist. However, if your GP has advised an in-person visit, make an appointment as soon as possible.

Expert Medical Opinions Online 

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We offer a video conversation between you and a healthcare professional as it is just another way of putting our patients first. It is a convenient way to connect to quality medical advice and treatment without making a physical trip to our consulting rooms. This process is not changing the who as you will still have access to the most qualified medical experts. Instead, it changes the when, where and how our primary care team may assist you. Consider our virtual doctor consultations for you and your family as it saves you time, inconvenience, and money. Intercare – your expert medical opinions online.

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