When you can’t make it to a doctor or another medical provider, telehealth is a wonderful option. Using a mobile device, telehealth allows you to access skilled physicians throughout South Africa for routine medical care or to assess specific symptoms.
To ensure your visit is as efficient and productive as possible, it’s best to take a few steps before getting started. Here are some tips you can try before your next telehealth exam.
Medical exams are the perfect opportunity to ask questions about your health and wellness. This is especially true if you’re experiencing a new health condition or have been experiencing unexpected symptoms.
Before the visit, take some time to jot down a few questions that you’d like to ask the medical provider. Questions can focus on possible treatments, drug side effects, prognoses, and other concerns. By having questions right in front of you, you won’t need to worry about forgetting something.
It’s also a good idea to check out the instructions for whatever telehealth app you’re using to conduct a visit. While most apps are designed to be as user-friendly as possible, getting acquainted with the instructions allow you to easily navigate any issues during the call.
For instance, you may need to complete an intake form prior to the call to ensure the doctor has your specific healthcare information. You should also know what to do in case a call gets dropped in the middle of an exam, as most apps have a way to easily resume the visit to ensure you receive comprehensive care. If you have questions about the instructions, you’ll also be able to contact a support person on the app for clarification.
It’s always a good idea to have a loved one accompany you during the remote medical exam. This is
especially true if you’ve recently received a new diagnosis, as you may receive a lot of information at one time, which can be overwhelming.
Your loved one can offer support in this case by asking questions on your behalf. They can also help you by taking note of important topics during the call, which can be addressed later during the question and answer segment of the visit. Finally, a loved one can help verify information you received regarding drug treatment and medication doses to ensure therapies are most effective.
The above steps will ensure you get the most out of your telemedicine exam as possible. They can also provide peace of mind, as you can rest assured that you’re receiving quality treatment from a skilled South African doctor.