10 advantages of using an online doctor service

You probably do some of your shopping online for convenience, but did you know you can also consult with reputable doctors online? With the rise of sophisticated, reliable video conferencing comes the flexibility for patients to speak to qualified, experienced doctors online - from the comfort of one's own home. Online doctor services offer many advantages, including convenience, reliability and access.

Why should you try an online consultation?

Online medical services are growing across the world rapidly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Realizing you have a health issue that needs medical attention and treatment can cause anxiety. Instead of visiting the doctor and describing your symptoms to receive treatment, seeing a doctor online for any kind of periodical consultation seems to be a great option now. There are many benefits to booking a medical consultation online. Some of these benefits are listed below:

1. Comfort and convenience to speak to a doctor when you need it most
From bookings to the actual appointment, the convenience online doctor services provide applies to every stage of the process. You can choose your preferred appointment time from a list of available times and make your booking with the click of a button. As for waiting times, there's no more waiting in the doctor's office. With an online service, you'll be connected to the doctor at your appointment time. When a person suddenly starts to feel ill and needs medical assistance, online consultation is the most ideal approach to getting instant medical advice. Though not suitable for an urgent or emergency health issue, secure and confidential online doctor consultations are available and are just a click away. It is one of the easiest and safest ways to access medical services. Your health is at your fingertips.

2. No driving or parking required
Using an online doctor service eliminates the need to get dressed and leave the house. You won't need to use public transport or drive to your doctor's office and find a parking spot before waiting in a waiting room with other unwell patients until your name is called. If you're not feeling your best, the convenience of consulting your doctor from home can feel like a lifesaver. Patients who need the care of a specialist do not need to drive long distances and invest a lot of time for each visit. Online consultations make it possible for you to consult with specialists who are not nearby.

3. Instant prescriptions and referrals
Depending on your circumstances, you might be able to get an e-prescription and instant referrals (to see a specialist, for example). You might also be able to get instant medical certificates from your doctor if you're unfit to work. In most circumstances, you can access the same features from an online doctor as you would if you had attended your doctor's visit in person.

4. Accessibility that meets your availability
Getting to a reputable doctor's office can be a major challenge if you live in a regional area. Even those who live in metropolitan areas can find it hard to see their doctor during the hours they'd prefer because of work commitments. An online doctor service is worth considering for this reason. You can bypass the issues associated with getting to the doctor's office and having to book your appointments outside of your own work hours.

5. Catch issues early
Online doctor services let you take care of any persistent health issues early, as you can easily make an appointment online and see your doctor whenever you choose. If you have lingering worries about a health issue, it's a quick way to check in with an experienced doctor and get the advice and information you need.

6. See your doctor when travelling
If you're travelling for work or for leisure, you can still make your doctor's appointments and get the health advice you need for peace of mind. With an online doctor service, you can meet with your doctor and get your questions answered when you need it, no matter where you are. As long as you have a stable internet connection, you can check in with your doctor, ask questions, and get answers about any health-related issues right away.

7. Automatic record-keeping
Online doctor services offer automatic record-keeping services, which means your health records are kept up to date after each appointment. The records can then be shared with other medical professionals, such as your regular GP or a specialist, if necessary. This makes it extra convenient and makes sure your health history stays comprehensive and updated.

8. Discreet and confidential
You don't have to answer the same questions repeatedly - your medical history is stored online and can be used for future reference. Patient data management becomes very easy. Most online platforms that provide online doctor consultation maintain a high level of confidence in patient's records. Once you start with an online consultation, your medical history and records are all stored online for future reference. One can have easy access to the investigation reports and e-prescriptions while sitting at home. An online doctor service lets you consult with a doctor from the privacy of your own home. Once you're connected with your doctor via video, it's as if you're sitting in the consulting room, and you'll enjoy the same level of privacy without having to travel physically to your doctor's consultation rooms. Talking about your personal health concerns via a screen can be easier than you think, and since you'll be in the comfort of your own home, the experience could be more relaxed than you expect.

9. Save time
With an online doctor service, you'll be saving time with your doctor's appointments. You won't be spending time on the phone trying to get the right appointment time. When booking online, you can see the available time slots and make an appointment almost instantly. You'll also save time on driving to and waiting in the doctor's office. If you live some distance from your doctor's office, this can mean you save a significant amount of time. For busy people, the convenience of online doctor services is one of the biggest advantages. You can simply schedule your visit during a break, or before or after work. If you are too busy to take out time to visit a doctor, online consultation might be the best option for you.

10. Access reputable, experienced doctors
If you're new to seeing a doctor online, you might be concerned about whether the doctors are genuine. Experienced online doctors will be able to put you at ease quickly, helping you overcome any apprehension about speaking to a doctor you've never met before. With the latest video conferencing technology, the online doctor service experience can be the same as if you were sitting in the consultation room with your doctor, providing you with the same human connection, privacy, and quality of service. Online doctor services provide patients and doctors with convenience and accessibility. You can get the same level and range of quality services, whether you need a detailed consultation, prescription, referral, or anything else you'd see a doctor about. With the right online provider, you can be guaranteed a confidential consultation and valuable medical advice with a registered doctor.

Speak to a health professional online today

Discovery Connected Care offers telehealth video conferencing and prescription and medicine services through cutting-edge technology. We're committed to providing high-quality healthcare and an optimal patient experience by removing some of the traditional barriers separating patients and doctors. To find out more about online consultations and access to doctors when you need it most, visit the Discovery Connected Care page on our website at www.discovery.co.za