This year, the adoption of consumer telehealth services across the medical care industry has jumped to 49% from 11% in 2019. Virtual healthcare interactions are expected to continue soaring even after the current healthcare emergency passes, thanks to technological advances and improvement of this approach’s safety and quality.

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This post will take a closer look at virtual doctors and answer some of the frequently asked questions about them.

What Are Online Physicians? 

Online or virtual doctors are physicians and health practitioners who provide healthcare over the internet. It’s not difficult to find one. For example, if you’re in New Zealand, open your favorite search engine and type in the phrase “online doctors NZ”. They are the same doctors we see when we visit the clinic; the only difference is you can get help from them remotely. Using text, calls, or video-conferencing tools, you can consult an online doctor, get advice, receive prescriptions, have your condition monitored or managed, and much more. 

Are Online Medics Any Good? 

Since online doctor visits are relatively new, it’s understandable that we may have our concerns about this healthcare approach. However, think of it this way – it’s in the middle of the night, and you’re experiencing a terrible fever. Should you wait till morning to visit a health facility, or would you instead consult a professional doctor over the internet? The safe option would be to get help online. 

Virtual doctors have met all regulatory standards and undergone the same rigorous training as those in physical locations. The only difference is that patient-doctor interactions happen over a computer or phone screen.

How Can I Get a Prescription Online?

Thanks to telemedicine, you don’t have to visit the clinic to get the medication you need. But how does online prescription work? After booking a doctor online, the medic will first try to understand your health history. Your physician will then ask about your symptoms. To get more information, the doctor may ask you to examine yourself. 

If the doctor determines the issue requires a more detailed examination, you’ll need to see the doctor in-person. If the illness isn’t severe, your doctor will give you some treatment options. After getting a prescription, you can have it sent to your preferred pharmacy. 

What Can Virtual Doctors Diagnose?

Online physicians diagnose and treat non-emergency conditions such as allergies, respiratory problems, skin disorders, nausea, mental health problems, fever, gastrointestinal disorders, headache, flu, and urinary problems. In some circumstances, the medical practitioner will require you to get additional screenings or blood work before making a diagnosis. 

How Do I Set up an Appointment With Virtual Doctors?

It’s always recommended you confirm that the provider you want to consult is certified and licensed. Once you’ve verified the virtual doctor is operating legally, it’s time to set up an appointment. This process works the same way as scheduling an appointment at a clinic. On the provider’s website or using their app, answer a few questions about yourself and your health, select the doctor you wish to talk to, pick a date and time, and wait for the confirmation.

How Can I Prepare for a Telehealth Visit? 

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After receiving a confirmation, start preparing for the virtual doctor’s visit in advance. First, make sure you compile your health records, check with your insurance provider, write down the symptoms you are feeling, and prepare a pen and notebook to jot down any advice. Ideally, you should have a good internet connection, a video access device like a laptop or phone, and an installed video app that you’ll use to connect to the provider.

Telemedicine Is Here to Stay

With the quality of healthcare services delivered through telemedicine being as good as those given in in-person care, there is no reason you shouldn’t work with a virtual doctor. It’s time to find yourself a physician who will offer help online when you need it.