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Seeking an Online Doctor’s Appointment? We Answer Some Frequently Asked Questions

There are various reasons why patients in need of medical care are not always able to visit their doctors for a consultation. This could be because they are simply too busy, too ill to leave home and travel, or that they are averse to visiting a medical practice. Thanks to modern video-conferencing technology, patients seeking the care of professional healthcare practitioners can now do so without having to leave home or their place of work. This not only saves prospective patients time and money, but encourages those who would rather avoid doctors to receive professional care when they require it. If you are keen on an online doctor’s appointment with us, we answer some common queries about the process below.

What Makes an Online Doctor’s Appointment Different?

Visiting your medical professional generally requires booking your consultation, travelling to the practice or medical centre, and seeing your physician in person. Virtual consultations, on the other hand, make use of video-conferencing technology that allows one to speak to a qualified general practitioner, no matter where in the world the patient is located. While this will never be able to replace in-person contact with a medical professional, it is beneficial for those who are seeking care but are unable to travel see a GP, or those who are unsure if their current presentation warrants a doctor’s appointment.

What Do I Need for a Virtual Consultation?

Setting up for your virtual consultation could not be easier. You will need a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or personal computer that features a camera and microphone, as well as speakers or audio output channel. You will also need access to an Internet connection and a quiet environment, such as an undisturbed room or office. For iOS devices such as an iPhone or iPad, a recommended default web browser is Apple Safari. Other devices such as Android, Windows, and macOS fair best with Google Chrome. Make sure before your online doctor’s appointment that you can set time apart in your schedule for an uninterrupted session with your GP.

In Which Instances are In-person Consultations Better?

There are some serious conditions that require either immediate medical attention or seeing your physician as soon as possible. These include major injuries and wounds, coughing up blood, finding blood in your urine and stools, severe abdominal pain, seizures, difficulty breathing, and more. If you are unsure about whether or not your presenting condition is serious enough to warrant an in-person consultation, feel free to contact your closest medical centre to find out.

Can I Renew My Prescription Medication?

Many complications can arise from chronic conditions and their medications, and so regular physical examinations with a medical professional are essential. For repeat prescriptions of certain medications, however, an online doctor’s appointment will be sufficient, provided that the medication has been prescribed by an Intercare doctor too. During your virtual consultation, your GP may require that you come in for a physical examination to ensure you are still in good health.

Will My Medical Scheme Cover a Virtual Consultation?

As with a regular doctor’s appointment, we can submit claims to the majority of medical aid schemes. The rate of payment and whether a co-payment might be required or not, is determined by your medical aid scheme’s benefits. In general, the rate for an online doctor’s appointment is lower than a visit to the practice, but this will depend upon factors like prescriptions and treatments. While coverage by a medical aid cannot be guaranteed, the patient in question is still responsible for their account.

Virtual Consultations in the COVID-19 Context

We at the Intercare Group take our measures to protect staff and valued patients seriously. While we maintain a clean and hygienic environment and take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of illness and disease, the best protection from the pandemic is to self-isolate. Within this context, an online doctor’s appointment is a great way for immune compromised patients to protect themselves from infection in public spaces.

As with our physical consultations, your online doctor’s appointment with us at Intercare is easy to book. Simply fill in your details, select your chosen facility, general practitioner, and time slot - and leave the rest up to us.