Telemedicine has revolutionized access to healthcare in the Philippines. From convenience and cost savings to safety and continuity of care, the benefits of telemedicine Philippines users experience are too significant to ignore. That’s why gaining access to telehealth services like online consultation is essential as it’s centered to provide top-notch patient care in just one click.
Whether you are interested in investing in telemedicine platforms or just interested in medical care at home, this blog is for you. Determine the benefits of telemedicine and how it shaped the medical experience of the Philippines as of today!
What is Telemedicine?
A telemedicine or online consultation is a healthcare service that has been available in the Philippines since the pandemic started. This platform became possible through the use of technology, which allows you to have access to this healthcare system anytime and anywhere.
There are countless online platforms that have emerged in the Philippines, and their priority is to provide medical services and other essential health services at home. In short, it became an ideal option for immediate consultation.
Benefits of Telemedicine in the Philippines
Use of telemedicine for addressing health conditions and patient satisfaction are just some of the reasons why it is an effective option for medical care. If you’re still not convinced, maybe the following benefits of telemedicine in the Philippines can help you determine why people choose to use online consultation instead of visiting a clinic or hospital.
Convenience and Accessibility: Healthcare at Your Fingertips
One of the most cited advantages of Filipino healthcare is the convenience it offers. Whenever you seek guidance from an online doctor, you can utilize the video consultation option for the telehealth platform. That way, the online doctor can see you virtually and you can receive diagnosis at home
Expect the following benefits:
- No need to leave home, especially beneficial during bad weather or for those with mobility issues
- Eliminates long commutes and waiting room queues
- Available to Filipinos in remote areas where healthcare is limited
According to a 2022 report by the Department of Health, over 60% of Filipinos in rural communities had limited access to specialists. Telemedicine bridges that gap through platforms like NowServing.
Saves Time and Money
Filipinos spend an average of 30 minutes to 2 hours just to reach a clinic or hospital. With telemedicine, all it takes is a smartphone and internet connection. In short, no travel time and long waiting time is needed as you can receive immediate healthcare by accessing telehealth.
Key savings:
- Travel expenses: No fuel, fare, or parking costs
- Time: Book, consult, and pay within minutes
- Income: Less time off work or missed shifts
For those living outside the urban areas, you can utilize telemedicine to your advantage. Through online consultation, you can seek help from doctors working in the prominent hospitals. No need to travel as you can receive diagnosis via video call.
All-in-one Medical services for Patients and Better Patient Monitoring for Doctors
Online check up services provide easier follow-up consultations, reminders, and access to medical history. All of these are possible with the adoption of telemedicine by almost every doctor in the Philippines. In this case, everyone can simply find a doctor online to get their consultation, follow-up check ups, medication, and more. In short, consistent care is within your reach which can lead to wellness.
Benefits include:
- Secure digital records and remote patient monitoring
- Seamless follow-ups with the same doctor
- Regular check-ins for chronic disease management (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure)
- Easy getting referrals for diagnostic tests, medication prescriptions, and medical clearance.
Enhanced Safety During Health Crises
The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the need for safer healthcare delivery options. Telemedicine emerged as a life-saving solution for patients and frontliners. Even post-pandemic, many patients prefer virtual consults for minor illnesses or follow-ups.
Why it’s safer:
- Reduces exposure to viruses in clinics and hospitals
- Helps hospitals manage capacity by handling non-critical consultations virtually
- Promotes mental wellness by minimizing stress and exposure risks
Growing Availability of Telemedicine Services in the Philippines
The local health tech industry has seen rapid growth. Platforms like NowServing are now trusted by thousands of Filipinos for health check ups, getting medical certificates, online consultations, and more.
Features to expect:
- Video consultation with licensed doctors
- Online prescriptions and medical certificates
- Access to different specialists (internal medicine doctors, general medicine doctors, pediatricians, OB-GYNs, etc.)
Common Concerns and Limitations
Despite the benefits of telemedicine Philippines users experience, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Disadvantages of telemedicine include:
- Requires stable internet connection – a poor internet connectivity can prevent you from accessing the healthcare platform. In short, you cannot use it properly for video consultation or even finish the booking process because of poor internet connection.
- Not ideal for emergencies – Usage of telemedicine platforms are ideal for minor health concerns only. Emergency or high-risk cases should involve physical examinations, which online platforms won’t be able to offer during a health crisis.
However, many doctors offer hybrid services, allowing patients to switch between online and face-to-face consults as needed.
How to Use NowServing for Online Consultations
If you are in need of immediate consultation with healthcare providers in the Philippines, you can easily use NowServing with the following instructions:
- Visit the online consultation website link of NowServing or click this link for immediate consultation.
- Choose a doctor from the list of online physicians available.
- Provide your details and health concern
- Wait for the doctor to confirm your booking
- Answer the call of your doctor
Take note that it is possible for your doctor to request more details by referring you to undergo diagnostic tests. NowServing is partnered with Hi-Precision where you can do the requested labs. Hi-Precision is a prominent health clinic with different branches across the nation. In short, you can easily visit them anywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions can be treated through telemedicine?
Online consultations can possibly lead to limited evidence or findings by your doctor. That’s because the closest communication you can have is through video call, which won’t provide access for physical examination. Thus, it is only ideal to undergo telemedicine for minor health concerns, follow-up check ups, and mental health therapy sessions.
Is telemedicine safe and secure?
Yes. Reputable platforms use encryption and data privacy protocols to protect patient information. NowServing doctors use SeriousMD, which is a safe and secure EMR platform, so you don’t have to worry about your medical and personal information.
How do I pay for an online consultation?
Most platforms accept GCash, PayMaya, bank transfers, or credit cards. Meanwhile, you can also utilize your HMO to help alleviate the expenses for consultation, diagnostic tests, etc. Feel free to check with your health insurance provider if your plan can cover those medical services.
Do I get a prescription or medical certificate after the consultation?
Yes, doctors can issue electronic prescriptions and medical certificates via chat. You will also receive a text message from NowServing containing a notification about the medical documents given by your doctor.
Can I choose a specific doctor?
Yes, you can find doctors who specialize in women’s health, child’s health, and doctors with a general expertise. However, the most common type of doctor you can find are general medicine practitioners and internists. These healthcare providers can help address health concerns for all ages and genders.
If you want to know more about your doctor, you can also view their profiles to know their affiliations and get to know their background. That way, you can feel safe and choose the better option for your case.
Conclusion
As technology and healthcare continue to evolve, online consultations will only become more common—and even essential. Whether you live in the city or province, virtual doctor visits can help you prioritize your health without the hassle.
Ready to consult a doctor online? Try NowServing today and experience the convenience of healthcare at home. You can also download the NowServing app via this link.
