4 Myths of Online doctor Consultation Two integral skills of a doctor are observing the patient and talking to him regarding his discomfort. Thanks to e-healthcare, your doctor can observe and talk to you, at your convenience with just a click or swipe. The soaring popularity of virtual doctor consultation is evident by the fact that according to Sanjeev Gupta, MD, Health & Public services and Government Relations, Accenture India, about 25% of the Indian healthcare industry is expected to “be powered by e-healthcare segment by 2017”. Given the upbeat response of people to e-healthcare, this might be a reality. Reinforcing this is a study by Bain & Company which found out that over 80% of the metro population under 40 used online healthcare in order to consume or research a healthcare service. Most people choose digital media to get more information regarding an existing medical condition, food, fitness or nutrition and hence, think that e-healthcare is merely information at your fingertips. However, online healthcare is different from this as it offers the patient not just information but also treatment. Typically there are two options for online treatment – 1. Synchronous Consultations – Two-way communication between the doctor and his patient via video technology. 2. Asynchronous Consultations – Patient fills a detailed questionnaire which is later checked by the doctor. Myths and Realities of Online Consultation So let’s debunk some common myths about virtual doctor consultation that’s keeping you away from this convenient and time-saving option: Myth#1 – Online doctor consultation means sending emails back and forth Reality – Doctors can now be reached through voice, text and visuals via instant messaging services, video chat and phone calls and not only by emails. The issuing of prescriptions by email or online prescriptions, is determined on the basis of individual case. The consulting doctor will only consider issuing a prescription if he has obtained adequate details to accurately diagnose a patient. There are dedicated websites that take a patient through the process of consulting a doctor online either by means of an online questionnaire or by two-way communication. Myth #2 – Online interaction cannot replace face-to-face meeting with the doctor. Reality – Some people believe that if you can’t see the doctor’s warm smile or friendly nature then you can’t possibly communicate your condition. At times, face-to-face consultations may
involve the doctor asking the patient the same set of routine questions which may be for safety reasons, but the repetition might be unnecessary at times. However, responsible sites for online doctor consultation determines whether the member needs an in-depth, in-person examination, and if so, the patient would be referred to a traditional health care setting. Myth#3 – Online doctors are not experts. Reality – Ethical websites offering e-consultation services have expert panel of doctors to advise the patients. For instance, the reputed e-healthcare website www.callhealth.com allows patients to access the doctors online as a part of their e-consultation services. While booking you can choose CONSULT NOW for instantaneously connecting with a doctor in which case you are connected to the available doctor. But if you choose CONSULT LATER, you can choose the doctor of your choice or ask the site for recommendation. The website then selects the most appropriate doctor based on the patient’s specific requirements. Hence, online doctors are as reliable as their offline counterparts. Myth#4 – Emotional wellness can only be guaranteed by personally meeting Psychologist or Psychiatrist Reality – There are times when a stressed or depressed person finds the environs of a hospital or consulting a psychologist or psychiatrist a frightening experience. Add to that, the social stigma if one is recognized at the clinic. In such cases, it is better to seek online consultation from the comfort of one’s own home. It is a safe and confidential means to heal and consult. Conclusion Now that you have gone through the common myths your doubts may have been removed about the rather new practice of consulting a doctor online. However, you may still put any doubts to rest simply by talking it out. Thus, pick up the phone or log in to the e-healthcare website and address your initial hesitation for reaching out to your virtual doctor. Take the first step towards physical and emotional wellbeing through the comfort of your own home and at your convenient time, virtually.