The recent pandemic, coupled with the emphasis on social distancing and contactless transactions, introduced a digital revolution that has now become the new normal. It intervened in individuals' daily routine on a positive note, and the medical industry is no different!
When consulting the doctor in person was a safety concern, the online medical consultation became an immediate and efficient resolution. It made medical treatment safe, effective and convenient. However, there are a few prerequisites that make the online doctor consultation successful.
Therefore, it is best advised that you prepare yourself and get used to such an advanced digital treatment for an easy and swift recovery. So, what is online medical consultation? Here is everything you need to know!
What is Online Medical Consultation?
Online medical consultation refers to providing health care services by the health care professionals using digital technology for diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases or any injuries. It is the best form of virtual consultations exclusive for the benefit of patients where distance can be a constraint.
Online consultation became relevant in the pandemic scenario, gaining popularity due to its effectiveness and quality of treatment. You can connect to your doctors using a smart device such as your mobile phone or laptop.
Benefits of Online Medical Consultation
Online medical consultations provided an opportunity to modernise traditional treatments, and they succeeded due to their benefits.
- Distance isn't a constraint- When you feel the necessity of a medical consultation, the first important aspect that comes to your mind is the geographical location of the medical facility. Sometimes, you will have to travel a long distance to get treated by a specialist. Therefore, you always think of going to the nearest hospital! With an online medical consultation, distance barriers are negated.
- Convenience - You can consult your doctor at your convenience, sitting at your own house and at a time when you are free. You don't have to take a leave from work to travel to a place or meet a person when time is crucial in your job. You need to have a smart device and an uninterrupted network connection! If you want a second opinion on a health condition, you can register with another doctor and instantly get the consultation.
- Effective medical treatment - You get a designated time for consultation exclusively for your attention in an online medical consultation. Sometimes, you will have to wait for your turn when you visit a hospital directly, which might be delayed for unexpected reasons. And, by the time you meet your doctor, you get tired and lose the energy to explain your issue appropriately. With a virtual consultation, you decide the time and make yourself completely prepared for the best treatment.
- Cost-effective - Compared to the traditional methods of medical treatment, where you have to travel to places every time you need a consultation, online consultation can ensure the best treatment at reduced costs. It can help save your fuel or rental vehicle charges to a great extent.
- Secure storage of personal information - When you have an online medical consultation, your personal information and the prescriptions made every time you consult the doctor is safely stored in your online medical consultation app.
- Online insurance claim - You can use the online medical consultation application to avail a lump sum insurance claim for treating your disorders. For instance, you can use the critical illness rider# option to treat yourself when diagnosed with a critical illness during the policy period. The life insurance plan will make the insured amount payable for your treatment, and you can use it for paying your online consultations as well.

What Makes a Virtual Consultation Successful?
Virtual consultations can become successful when certain prerequisites are satisfied well:
- Ensure to have a stable internet connection.
- Choose the online consultation resource where the technology involved is easy to use. The focus should be on the consultation and not setting up the platform.
- Ensure the platform is flexible to use. You should not find it difficult to access the different resources provided by the online medical consultation app.
- Stay isolated in a room for the best attention.
- Keep your previous reports ready to answer any questions asked by the doctor.
- Position your camera well for better visibility.
Conclusion
Online medical consultation in India became the new normal with the pandemic scenario. It is a virtual consultation session with your doctor for getting yourself treated for an illness or injury. It is cost-effective, convenient, effective and secure. You can make use of your life insurance claim to pay for your consultations too.
L&C/Advt/2022/Nov/2913