Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Telemedicine - Phone call to doctor

I am in home stay like most people in the UK, Singapore and other parts of the world. I can't go out to the doctor. So I just did a 'telemedicine' phone call. It was simply to renew pills, but the doctor wanted to see me and speak to me.

Private consultation. First you have to pay them. Credit card on the phone.

The cost in the USA depends on your insurance. In the UK consultations at a doctor or hospital are free, but a long wait unless you go privately, which you can do by paying or though insurance.

In Singapore hospitals can be subsidised out of your CPF, or compulsory savings deducted from your salary during your working life in Singapore (for Singaporeans and permanent long-stay residents).

The Singapore cost could be about 50S dollars, 49 Euros, forty three pounds sterling, just for a quick consultation or chat to get a renewed prescription.

Then sign a form promising to pay them, even if the call is terminated by either of you.
Signing was easy. Not like a contract I signed online in the UK months ago, which required a specimen signature on file. For the doctor in Singapore it was just like signing when somebody delivers mail. I moved the mouse over a box and got a jagged version of my signature.

Would they phone me or should I phone them?

I was worried aboout what to wear - and would I have to undress. No. Just a chat. My family say, 'You're a worrier.'

They phoned me. They told me there was a click button to connect.
Eventually by scrolling down an email I found it.

The family asked me which video service the doctors were using. It was not zoom but a medical call service which connects the patient's records and the call.

Useful Websites
Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong
https://platomedical.com/

USA
https://platomedical.com/

About the Author
Angela Lansbury is a travel writer and photographer, author and speaker.

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