Consulting a doctor online? Remember to follow these steps
Consulting a doctor online?
Owing to the COVID crisis, visiting doctors, hospitals or scheduling a surgery has gotten a little worrisome. To reduce the need for people to physically visit hospitals, many doctors and medical facilities are making use of telephonic consultations and virtual visitations to get in touch with their patients.
Things to remember with a virtual doctor consultation
However, since we are all used to physically going to the doctor's clinics and let them examine us, online consultations can be a little tricky. Doctors also feel that confused patients are thronging in emergency rooms and clinics because they are not sure about tele-consultations.
To clear your doubts, we tell you the things one needs to keep handy before a doctor's visit:
Keep necessary documents and old prescriptions handy
Just as you would in a normal pre-COVID visit, remember to keep all documents, old medical history and test report handy. Respect the doctor's time and make use of the appointment. Knowing about any chronic problems, any prior health problems will help the doctor prescribe medications properly.
Talk about all your doubts in the session.
Right now, we don't really know when will it be really safe to go to social events or visit a healthcare facility. Treat your virtual appointment as a regular visit and clarify all your doubts- the dosage, the condition, symptoms and everything you need to know about the same.
Ask for a prescription
A prescription or a written doctor's notes will further confirm your doubts. Do not self-prescribe and if a doctor orders you to undergo testing, abide by them. Prescribed medicines also work better in getting the necessary treatment before consulting the doctor the next time.
Be prepared for a virtual physical checkup
Remember, the doctor knows better about your possible ailment. Even if you are sitting miles away, the doctor, with his or her expertise will be able to find out any spots, lumps or painful triggers. For that, you need to follow proper instructions and do as the doctor says. Tell them about how the pain started, the intensity for better assessment.
Maintain discipline
While virtual consultations can help in times like this, remember that a health emergency is nonetheless an emergency. Do not delay any urgent treatment. Call your doctor or healthcare professional before rushing to emergency care. Follow guidelines, practice precautions before going to the hospital.
When to rush?
While virtual consultations can help in times like this, remember that a health emergency is nonetheless an emergency. Do not delay any urgent treatment. Call your doctor or healthcare professional before rushing to emergency care. Follow guidelines, practice precautions before going to the hospital.
Owing to the COVID crisis, visiting doctors, hospitals or scheduling a surgery has gotten a little worrisome. To reduce the need for people to physically visit hospitals, many doctors and medical facilities are making use of telephonic consultations and virtual visitations to get in touch with their patients.
Things to remember with a virtual doctor consultation
However, since we are all used to physically going to the doctor's clinics and let them examine us, online consultations can be a little tricky. Doctors also feel that confused patients are thronging in emergency rooms and clinics because they are not sure about tele-consultations.
To clear your doubts, we tell you the things one needs to keep handy before a doctor's visit:
Keep necessary documents and old prescriptions handy
Just as you would in a normal pre-COVID visit, remember to keep all documents, old medical history and test report handy. Respect the doctor's time and make use of the appointment. Knowing about any chronic problems, any prior health problems will help the doctor prescribe medications properly.
Talk about all your doubts in the session.
Right now, we don't really know when will it be really safe to go to social events or visit a healthcare facility. Treat your virtual appointment as a regular visit and clarify all your doubts- the dosage, the condition, symptoms and everything you need to know about the same.
Ask for a prescription
A prescription or a written doctor's notes will further confirm your doubts. Do not self-prescribe and if a doctor orders you to undergo testing, abide by them. Prescribed medicines also work better in getting the necessary treatment before consulting the doctor the next time.
Be prepared for a virtual physical checkup
Remember, the doctor knows better about your possible ailment. Even if you are sitting miles away, the doctor, with his or her expertise will be able to find out any spots, lumps or painful triggers. For that, you need to follow proper instructions and do as the doctor says. Tell them about how the pain started, the intensity for better assessment.
Maintain discipline
While virtual consultations can help in times like this, remember that a health emergency is nonetheless an emergency. Do not delay any urgent treatment. Call your doctor or healthcare professional before rushing to emergency care. Follow guidelines, practice precautions before going to the hospital.
When to rush?
While virtual consultations can help in times like this, remember that a health emergency is nonetheless an emergency. Do not delay any urgent treatment. Call your doctor or healthcare professional before rushing to emergency care. Follow guidelines, practice precautions before going to the hospital.
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