The ‘new’ concept of telemedicine

Over the past few years, telemedicine has changed how we access health care, providing people with the ability to consult a doctor without leaving their homes. For many Filipinos, where medical care can be challenging due to geography, traffic or busy schedules, there are telemedicine platforms like KonsultaMD, SeriousMD, Aide, edifi, NowServing, EzConsult, DocKoTo and Doctor Anywhere Philippines.

Telemedicine consultations are usually charged per query or as part of a health plan. Such consultations last about 15-20 minutes and typically cost around P500-700.

To get a sense of how telemedicine has affected the healthcare industry, I had a chance to ask Doctor Anywhere its experiences.

Doctor Anywhere has become an essential tool for many patients and doctors. Through the firsthand stories of those who have used the Doctor Anywhere app – whether as patients seeking care or as doctors delivering it – telemedicine is offering a new way for Filipinos to manage their health. This is viewed as a welcome development, considering how important health care is and how inaccessible it is for many people.

For Jerson Nachamag, Doctor Anywhere has transformed health care access into a convenient, reliable experience. “The app is so easy to use, available 24/7 and has truly made a difference in my health care,” he noted. With convenient access that doesn’t require a trip to the hospital, Jerson continues to rely on the app, appreciating its practical features and accredited health card compatibility.

The convenience of telemedicine doesn’t stop with ease of access. For Faith Lynne Buyoc, the Doctor Anywhere app was a lifesaver when she wasn’t feeling well. “It saved me time, energy and money. Most importantly, I didn’t have to go to the hospital unless necessary,” she said. Faith, who initially felt uneasy about the idea of video consultation, found comfort in the professionalism and care of the doctor she consulted with. “The doctor really took the time to ask the right questions, and I felt heard. I didn’t feel rushed, and the prescribed medications worked perfectly.”

Both Jerson and Faith emphasized the value of telemedicine in managing their health records. Through the Doctor Anywhere app, they could easily track their consultation history, access medical information and download prescriptions. As Faith noted, “They respect privacy and security, with password-protected files.”

The benefits of telemedicine aren’t limited to patients. For doctors, platforms like Doctor Anywhere provide a more efficient way to manage their practice. Since the pandemic, Dr. Leonor Cruz-Dedoroy, an ob-gyn with Doctor Anywhere, has embraced telemedicine as an essential part of her practice. “Telemedicine was a clever solution to the restrictions we faced. It allowed us to extend health care services despite the challenges of distance and time,” she shared. Today, it remains a valuable approach for connecting with patients quickly and reliably, regardless of location.

With telemedicine, health care providers are no longer limited by geography. “Our market extends countrywide,” Dr. Dedoroy remarked. The app has also streamlined patient care. Having access to a patient’s previous consultations, medical records and lab results through the platform enables her to offer continuous and comprehensive care without missing a beat.

For Dr. Maria Carol Dieta, a general practitioner, telemedicine has provided new opportunities that she never imagined possible. “Who would have thought you’d speak with a patient who is at the top of a mountain? I did,” she shared. “The patient had Starlink and was ready with a bag of medicines for her trip. Mountaineering folks are smart, Starlink is smarter, but no matter how smart both those things were, it was Doctor Anywhere that saved the day.”

Beyond this unique experience, telemedicine has expanded Dr. Dieta’s reach far beyond the traditional limits of clinics and hospitals. “I never thought I’d have patients outside the Metro. Doctor Anywhere gives me the tools to manage my practice, from North to South of the country. Patients can book checkups in advance, and I can easily manage my calendar,” she added.

For Dr. Norbert Domingo, a pulmonologist, the platform offers more than just convenience. He shared a memorable experience of helping a 28-year-old patient who had a four-week history of cough. During their video consultation, he quickly identified that she was in slight cardiorespiratory distress and needed immediate medical attention. “She was rushed to the ER and diagnosed with a life-threatening condition. Without telemedicine, she may not have received help in time.”

Dr. Domingo also highlighted how telemedicine has helped improve patient engagement and satisfaction. “Patients prefer telemedicine before visiting a hospital, especially those with chronic conditions. It allows them to get medical advice promptly, without the hassle of travel.”

The platform’s flexibility also benefits doctors by allowing them to manage their time and workload better. “It reduces the time spent on administrative tasks and lets me focus more on providing care.”

The benefits of telemedicine are undeniable. From the convenience of home consultations to the efficient tracking of health records and the peace of mind that comes with 24/7 access, platforms like Doctor Anywhere are paving the way in the Philippines, offering practical solutions to many of the health care system’s traditional challenges.

As telemedicine continues to evolve, it’s clear that both patients and health care providers are embracing the use of digital health. From life-saving interventions to more routine consultations, telemedicine offers a lifeline to accessible, efficient and effective health care. It’s safe to say that the future of health care is not only in hospitals and clinics – it’s in our hands, quite literally, through the devices we use every day.

H