What Is Telemedicine and How Does It Work?

Talking to your trusted doctors these days is more convenient and easier, thanks to telemedicine. In the Philippines, the growth in telemedicine came about as a response to the public health crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 


Since then, it has become the most recommended and utilized alternative in getting healthcare services in light of the restrictions brought by the pandemic. 


What is Telemedicine?


According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2010), telemedicine, also known as teleconsultation,  is when an individual seeks and when healthcare professionals deliver healthcare services through electronic information and communication technologies (ICT) such as computers and mobile devices. 


With telemedicine, the exchange between a patient and healthcare professional of the information critical to diagnosis, management, and monitoring of illnesses is done online. 


Types of care you can get from telemedicine


Just like in a conventional hospital or health clinic setup, you can get most of your healthcare needs via telemedicine. Among these are:


  • General health care (wellness check-up)

  • Advice for non-emergency cases like common rashes, colds, coughs, and stomach aches

  • Skin conditions 

  • Medication prescription

  • Counseling (nutrition and diet, mental health therapy) 

  • Results of laboratory tests (x-ray, blood test, ECG, etc.) 

  • COVID-19 testing recommendation and advice on quarantine or isolation


Who can use telemedicine? 


Telemedicine is a convenient and accessible option for everyone. No extra effort of physically going and lining up in a clinic or a hospital just to get checked. 


More importantly, telemedicine extends help to those who face difficulties and troubles in accessing healthcare services physically. Those who live far from healthcare facilities, those who have limited access to transportation, and limited time. 


How does telemedicine work?


Here are some common steps you need to do before and during your teleconsultation: 


  1. Make an account. Usually, your preferred healthcare provider or clinic has an online portal or mobile application that facilitates teleconsultation and telemedicine. You will make an account in this online portal, choose your physician or therapist, and schedule an appointment. 



  1. Check if the healthcare provider is covered by your insurance, otherwise, you will need to pay your consultation fee. Most telemedicine online portals and mobile applications allow you to make online payments. 


  1. Also, most online portals and mobile applications for telemedicine and teleconsultation will ask you to fill out a series of forms asking you about your background, medical history, symptoms, and concerns. 


You may also be asked to upload supporting photos in the portal or app, especially for dermatological concerns.


This information will help your doctor decide if your medical concerns can be addressed through teleconsultation. 


  1. After you’ve made an account and scheduled an appointment, be prepared to wait. Make sure also that the mobile and computer device you will be using for telemedicine is fully charged and your internet connection is stable. 


  1. You will talk to your doctor through a video conference call. Once you are in your teleconsultation, your doctor will ask you further questions about your symptoms and concerns and discuss necessary treatment based on his or her assessment.


  1. Your prescription for medication, advice for follow-up check-ups, and request for diagnostic tests (laboratory, x-ray, ECG, etc.), if there are any, will be sent either on your account or through email. 



Advantages of telemedicine


Although telemedicine has been around for some quite time even before the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become an immensely popular tool and mode of access to healthcare nowadays. This is because it reduces physical contact and lessens your risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. 


Aside from this, telemedicine:


  • Reduces travel time and waiting time, unlike going to hospitals and clinics for  physical consultation 


  • Allows you to get the health care service you need in your own comfortable and convenient settings - at home, at work, even on your vacation 


  • Facilitates fast and immediate communication with your physician and therapist for updating and monitoring purposes 


Limitations of telemedicine 


Despite these enormous benefits, telemedicine may not be the best for everyone or in every situation. Non-emergency cases and situations should seek immediate medical attention in hospitals and clinics. 


Many clinics and healthcare providers in the Philippines have shifted the delivery of their service through telemedicine due to its increased demand. With telemedicine, you can get the healthcare services you need, at your own convenience anytime and anywhere. 

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