Since the pandemic and lockdown periods, online doctor consultation has become more routine and accepted. As a result, many people see a doctor online for regular checkups covering various health issues.

Additionally, we all lead demanding lives these days and may find it hard to physically visit the doctor when we have an endless list of to-dos. With online doctor consultations, it is now possible to get diagnosed, prescribed, and treated for medical issues without travelling to and from doctors’ offices and waiting in queues.

New platforms facilitating online doctor consultations

High-end and sophisticated platforms like Zarcare offer reliable video conferencing that allows patients to speak to qualified, experienced doctors online from the comfort of their own homes. In addition, the Zarcare team has designed the platform to offer convenience and promote patient safety and security.

Talk to a doctor online for any periodical consultation instead of visiting them and describing your symptoms to receive treatment. Take the hassle out of getting appointments, check-ups, and follow-ups.

Taking a closer look at the benefits of online consultations, along with how they are scheduled, will help us better understand their growing popularity.

What is the process for booking online doctors?

Zarcare allows you to request an online consultation. You can create an account and search for a doctor in the category you need assistance. The platform will enable you to book an appointment and contact a doctor via video call or audio. You may also receive a follow-up consultation.

It’s an excellent option, especially if you are too busy to travel to a doctor, live in a remote area without quick access to medical services, or are far away from a hospital and need immediate advice.

You would benefit greatly from an online medical consultation. You’ll find out why as you read on.

24/7 access to medical advice

Online medical consultations do not require you to wait in a clinic or at the doctor’s office. Instead, securely and confidentially, it’s a great way to submit your information and symptoms whenever possible. You can consult an online doctor anytime when you suddenly feel unwell at night or after a long day and you cannot leave the house.

Sometimes, waiting to see the doctor can take hours, days, or even weeks. Many people do not find this comfortable – especially because waiting a long time for a doctor can make them anxious.

Instead, you can access online consultations whenever you want. Those who are elderly or frail and can’t easily travel to a doctor from home can benefit greatly from this service.

Not location-restricted

A telemedicine platform allows you to consult your doctor no matter where you live. At Zarcare, we understand that getting to a doctor when you have time constraints can be difficult and sometimes costly for remote residents. In some cases, travelling can be challenging for people with mobility impairments and have to travel to a nearby city or town to seek medical assistance.

The added advantage for all involved is that healthcare specialists can practice from any part of the country and can be consulted online through portals such as Zarcare. As a result, there is no need to travel to access highly trained and experienced healthcare professionals.

A doctor at your fingertips when you need it

At every step of the process, online doctor services provide convenience from booking to appointment. The appointment slots available can be selected and secured with a click.

With Zarcare, you can get help from a doctor or healthcare practitioner. When you schedule an appointment online, the doctor will be available. In addition, medical advice can be obtained instantly through an online consultation when a person suddenly becomes ill.

In contrast to a physical visit to a hospital or clinic, this process requires only logging onto a video conferencing platform, eliminating the need to take a bath, dress up, travel, fill out health declaration forms, and wait in line. Physicians can consult online as long as they have a stable internet connection.

Zarcare allows online GP consultations in South Africa via mobile phone, tablet, or computer. As a 24/7 service, we can help you get the best doctor’s attention, especially for children and the elderly.

Privacy and non-disclosure guaranteed

It is embarrassing and uncomfortable for some of us to talk about private medical issues and acute symptoms, even in the privacy of a doctor’s office. Sadly, many people avoid going to the doctor because they are too embarrassed to disclose their problem; however, this is dangerous and unhealthy if you do not seek medical help for an extended period.

An online consultation service makes it easier to get help from home – this is something that motivates people to get help sooner. In addition, a high degree of confidentiality is maintained in patient records by most online platforms that offer online doctor consultations.

Zarcare allows you to easily access medical certificates and e-prescriptions from your home. Through video, you’ll experience the same level of privacy you would have in a doctor’s consultation room without travelling physically to them.

Easily accessible and secure prescription services

With Zarcare, online doctor consultation in Cape Town is incredibly convenient. In addition, your medical history is conveniently stored online to reference in case you need it in the future, so you don’t have to go over the same questions repeatedly.

To make it even easier, choose your preferred doctor to discuss your medical concerns in a more comfortable setting.

You can receive prescriptions remotely from your online doctor. The doctor uploads prescriptions to your profile for your reference and easy access.

If your online doctor deems it necessary, they can prescribe antibiotics and allergy medications to eliminate infections and boost your immunity.

Immediate support & urgent care

Specific health issues, including eye irritation, sinus symptoms, coughs, ear pain, migraine, and back pain, those not fatal, need instant medical assistance and can be addressed via an online consultation. Telemedicine is convenient for the patient in these instances. In addition, online consultations make getting medical advice as needed while staying at home possible.

A doctor can also provide you with an e-prescription and direct referrals (to a specialist, for example) if your circumstances need it. Alternatively, you can get an instant medical certificate if you are unfit for work. An online doctor can provide the same services as a physical doctor.

Effortless, cost-effective, and infection-free

Online consultations have the apparent advantage of saving time. However, getting to the clinic will take some preparation and time. When you live far from a clinic, it could take a long time.

Physical medical appointments can be expensive. A hefty bill grows when you factor in transportation costs and the cost of going to the hospital. Online consultations are more cost-efficient than in-person doctor consultations because you make them from home. You won’t have to pay transportation charges, wait in line, or experience stress or anxiety with waiting.

It is still possible to contract COVID-19. To reduce the risk of infection or acquiring other diseases, it’s best to do it online unless it’s an emergency that requires a doctor’s attention. Since everything is done over the internet, including purchasing medicine, you avoid being exposed to crowds.

People who need to minimise their exposure to sick people in hospitals and clinics will continue to consult online doctors even after the pandemic. Pregnant women, the elderly, and patients with chronic illnesses and immune deficiencies fall into this category.

Are you ready to take advantage of online doctor consultations? Then, get in touch with Zarcare today to schedule an appointment.

Zarcare’s online doctor consultations in South Africa are powered by cutting-edge technology and a caring, inclusive team. Our patient and doctor-centric approach aim to enhance patient and doctor experiences in facilitating high-quality care. To learn more about online consultations and talk to a doctor online when it matters most, visit https://www.zarcare.com/.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Virtual appointments require preparation, just like face-to-face meetings. The following steps will help you get the most out of your time with the doctor online:

  • Ensure a stable internet connection.
  • Consider privacy; find a quiet & undisturbed spot.
  • Perform a tech test; make sure audio and video are working smoothly.
  • Prepare a list of your symptoms, frequency, and when they first appeared.

Follow these tips to maximise the benefits of online medical consultations:

  • Make sure you join the call on time for the consultation.
  • If you are taking any medications, let your doctor know.
  • Be precise in your questions about your health.
  • Take notes on the instructions given by the doctor.
  • Your doctor must sign the prescription before you receive it by email.