Maybe you’re traveling and feel unwell but you don’t speak the local language and have no idea how to get medical help? In the past this would be quite the predicament, however, thanks to the internet there are now ways to get in touch with medical professionals online.
Online medical consultations are for patients who don’t want to or can’t see their physicians in person. Instead of traveling to an office, these patients can get medical advice over the phone or online with an online doctor based elsewhere.
This is a fantastic choice for travelers, as it’s easy to access and you can find an online GP (General Practitioner) who speaks your language without leaving the comfort of your hotel room.
Let’s take a look at what online medical consultations are and how they can be useful when you’re on vacation.
What is an online medical consultation?
Put simply, a medical consultation on the internet is a service where clients connect with doctors over the internet. The doctor evaluates their illness, treatments options and prescribes medications if necessary. According to https://www.medinaction.com/, “online medical consultations include treatment for colds, flu, fever, cough, nausea, vomiting and other non-emergency medical situations.”
Benefits of online medical consultations while traveling
Let’s look at some of the many benefits of online medical consultations while traveling:
- It’s useful for pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure etc., to ensure that everything is under control while you’re away from home.
- You don’t need to leave the comfort of your hotel room to visit a doctor’s office.
- You can organize your medical services in advance and take care of yourself before jetting away.
- You can talk to a medical professional who speaks the same language as you do.
- The costs may be much lower than going to a physical doctor’s office (depending on where you are).
- Some patients may also find it more comfortable to share information about their symptoms without being face-to-face with a doctor.
- It’s incredibly easy to access, all you need is an internet connection and a video service such as Skype.
But e-visits aren’t just convenient and economical: They’re also safe and effective, according to a new University of Michigan study. After surveying more than 600 primary care providers, researchers found that doctors felt e-consults were just as useful when treating patients with common medical issues such as colds, sinus infections and urinary tract infections.
What are the risks involved in an online medical consultation?
While internet-based services have a lot of benefits, it is important to be aware that there might be a lack in continuity in care since you never meet in person with your doctor. Someone who may need ongoing treatment or management will not have someone they know to call if questions come up between sessions. There is also the risk that clinical information could be lost during transmission from provider to patient which can affect how doctors make their diagnosis and inform patients about appropriate treatment. Finally, some providers do not accept insurance plans which means consumers will have to pay for each session at full price.
What kind of consultations can take place through an online medical consultation?
Any type of health care situation would benefit from an online medical consultation including acute illnesses like a cold, flu or sore throat; chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure or cancer; mental health issues such as anxiety or depression; injuries from a car accident or a home injury; a health screening for a wellness check up.
Everyone from kids to grandparents can benefit from medical consultations on the internet since it is easily accessible and convenient. To find an online medical consultation, just do a quick search of your symptoms or condition on Google or other search engines and you will find numerous providers who provide this service.
What services are provided with the help of an online medical consultation?
There are many different ways patients benefit when using online medical consultations for common illnesses. Doctors may prescribe self-help strategies like rest, proper nutrition, physical activity, medications to reduce fever if necessary; supplements to speed up healing; over-the-counter medications like pain relievers, antihistamines or decongestants.
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