Dr. Eboni Green
November 26, 2021
There are many reasons why you might not be able to see a doctor. For example, appointment issues, having to work, and COVID-19 restrictions are common reasons why you may not be able to see a doctor in person. However, the modern world of the internet and alternative communication methods makes it easy to find medical help from home. Sources range from standard telephone calls to specialized apps designed for telemedicine using smartphones and tablets or other intelligent devices and instruments.
Video consultations with doctors and nurses aren’t new. Yet, the need for remote communication has increased significantly over the past two years due to COVID-19. In fact, patients were advised not to schedule surgeries except for the most severe conditions. Therefore, doctors and nurses began offering remote video consultations via webcams. Your PC, tablet, and smartphone are capable of video consultation over the web. And it isn’t only general practitioners that offer these services. For example, you can provide personalized assistance and doctor-led in-home testosterone replacement therapy consultations using the power of apps.
At the most basic level, telemedicine apps are available on your phone or with purpose-made devices. For example, a FitBit is a telemedicine device that analyzes your vitals, such as your heartbeat. Yet, there are many telemedicine devices available that typically operate using an internet connection. Using microphones, a doctor can listen to your heart and a mobile arm unit can read your blood pressure. Internet-connected pacemakers can continuously send your heart readings to your doctor. The apps for these are generally purpose-built and can be installed on almost any smart device. They are usually free; however, you may be charged a fee from some specialized private apps.
The internet is full of useful medical sites and journals. In addition, each country has its own national health advice services. For example, the UK’s NHS website offers a comprehensive and detailed guide for looking up symptoms. There are also tons of advice on what to do should your illness exacerbate and when you should or shouldn’t see a doctor. Additionally, there are specialized sites for more severe conditions. For instance, Epilepsy.org offers specific advice for the illness. At the same time, the USA’s Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provides information on COVID-19 and other viruses and diseases.
Of course, you may not have access to the internet or know how to use the internet to search for information. However, your home probably has a working telephone you can use for specific medical services. You will be aware of your local emergency services, such as 911 or 999. Yet, these are reserved for life-threatening and severe incidents. And you can be fined for misuse of emergency response. Fortunately, you can assess your situation for non-emergency helplines. For example, Britain offers the NHS’s 111 services for medical advice when you aren’t well. Also, most GPs provide phone consultations and will call you when they have some free time.
Online doctors and nurses are available through various channels. Your local doctor’s might offer this service as standard as it has become more popular due to the pandemic. However, you can also contact private medical professionals using free or paid apps on your phone, tablet, or PC. MDLive is among the best apps for consulting non-emergency doctors and nurses. However, the medical staff on these apps are in high demand. Therefore, you may need to wait for a response. Some doctors will get back to you on the same day, while others might ask you to wait.
Of course, you can use the internet to search for your symptoms to find help and guidance. However, it would be best if you were careful to avoid unofficial blogs and source your medical advice from official medical sites. For example, you will find more accurate and helpful medical information from a place like Mayo Clinic or NHS than you will from a parenting blog where mothers and fathers offer advice. Although advice from parents is well-meant, the nuances of medicine are better sought from medical journals and official websites.
Sometimes, it can be challenging to distinguish your symptoms between related or similar illnesses. Additionally, telemedicine services are not always available, or you may not have internet access. And non-emergency services such as 111 sometimes subject you to very long waiting times before you get to speak to a trained professional. Fortunately, you can find a little peace of mind if you ask someone you trust for help. Suppose you are desperate for advice or reassurance. Try calling your parents, siblings, or your best friend. Family and friends will help you through a situation. They might offer help when they are available, such as going with you to the emergency room or setting up a telemedicine conference for you.
The good news is there are a variety of ways to find non-emergency medical help from the comfort of your home.
