Perhaps you have heard of an online doctor service but weren’t quite sure what it meant or what it might involve. Maybe you know someone who has used such a service to obtain a medical certificate online and you are curious to know more. This article will explain some of the key features of the model and how it works, so that you can better understand if it is appropriate for your needs.
The premise might be familiar to you, or perhaps you have never encountered it before. The family clinic is transferred online and in to the digital age with the use of technology. Rather than visit a bricks and mortar surgery in the real world, you can now access a range of medical features via a doctor online. The website is the reception where you book an appointment and schedule yourself an appointment from a range of fully qualified doctors. The doctors will typically list their qualifications, achievements and particular health interests so that you can align yourself with the person you feel best suits your needs. It can be helpful to read the summary of each doctor’s skills ahead of making an appointment so you can specifically select the doctor that you would like to see. This can be particularly appropriate if you have a specific area you would like advice on and the doctor has specified their expertise.
Where technology helps
If you prefer apps over websites, check to see if the online medical provider offers this facility. You can visit your app store, search for the business name, download the software and book yourself in. If you prefer to deal with a person, the larger online clinics will advertise a phone number to make contact with you. Note where the clinic is based before you book, as typically you will need to be present in the same country as the services supplier.
Check to see if the online clinic offers the services that you are after, that may be a prescription, a consult, a certificate or a referral. If you can’t see what you are after, some of the most comprehensive services will offer a live chat function on their website where you can enquire about what you need if you are unsure.
Convenience is king
An Internet health service provider can offer a 24/7 online doctor service, it can be the ideal way to obtain a medical certificate online outside of traditional business hours. Getting sick doesn’t usually follow a 9 – 5 or Monday – Friday pattern, so the availability of doctors around the clock can be very convenient.
The online service provider will need to capture some contact and healthcare details from you in order to deliver its service, so you will need to create an account first. Once this step has been completed you will be able to access the platform features and book in for an appointment via audio or video. There may be a difference in pricing between the options, so check if that is the case. Once you are booked in, wait for the doctor to call you at the pre-arranged time and enjoy the convenience of being able to take the appointment in your own home.
If you are seeking a prescription the online doctor will need to ask for details on your medical history, current symptoms, previous prescriptions and the current medication being taken, if any. It is important to answer these questions honestly so that the doctor can offer their professional opinion to your request.
Making the system work for you
Perhaps it’s a medical certificate that you need to cover some days absent from work with cold, flu or period pain. Employers request official evidence of your illness and will need a doctor’s certificate to verify your claim. The timeframe can be problematic for many as feeling ill, getting a certificate to work within a couple of days and trying to get back to work can be a lot to juggle, all the time whilst trying not to miss further time off work. An online healthcare provider can meet you out of hours in your own home, ensuring that you get your certificate to your employer on time with the minimal amount of fuss.
Final thoughts
The next time that you need to provide proof of sickness for your employer, considering getting a medical certificate online. Saving the time spent in doctors’ waiting rooms and exposing yourself to crowded areas in the current post pandemic climate make an online doctor very appealing, it is the ideal way to get what you need, when you need it. Reducing your exposure to other illnesses and making an appointment time that suits your lifestyle really takes the stress out of organising a meeting with a doctor.