I just saw an ad for one. You video chat with a medical professional. How does an actual diagnostic work? Would you do it?
I can't think of a scenario that it would make sense for us. We don't run to the doctor just for a cough. Most of the items they list are treatable with OTC medicine or would require in-person evaluation to actually get right. It seems to encourage over prescribing medicine, especially antibiotics.
I think this was discussed a few months ago because I had wondered if the person on the other end had to be licensed in your state or could be anywhere.
I could have utilized this a few weeks ago when I went to the derm's office. I knew I needed a prescription to clear up the stupid breakouts I get every few years due to excess stress. He gave me the prescription I had 3 years ago. Could've saved me from having to lug DD around.
Post by MadamePresident on Mar 3, 2015 0:46:33 GMT -5
If it's like a nurse line, but over a video chat, I could see that being useful, but I just can't see how a doctor could make a full accurate diagnosis without seeing someone in person. You would think that would be a huge liability. Especially if there was a misdiagnosis.
We have this at work now in place of any real health care coverage. We pay I think $49 for the service. Fortune 500 company. People are understandably pissed. I'm just waiting for the inevitable lawsuit..
Oh and if you call and the doctor tells you to see someone locally, you still pay the fee.
Post by undecidedowl on Mar 3, 2015 4:14:16 GMT -5
I think it would be great to reduce the number of truly unnecessary doctor visits. But, I'm thinking of it as more of a glorified nurse call, where they screen the patient and send them in for anything concerning. I know my neighbors have taken their baby in several times for just congestion, and that's the type of thing where the doctor could confirm that without a fever or fussiness they don't need to expose her to more germs at a doctor's office.
Yes, I've used it and I'm the one who posted about it-if you feel like searching, should be right around Christmas.
It's $10 for us. I've used it for sinus infections-ours is either over the phone or a video chat. My employer uses TeleDoc. The doctor is licensed in the state you're in-it's potentially particularly useful if you're out of state and don't have a doctor available who is in-network or don't know the area well enough to find a doctor.
I have also used it for an infection on my toe...you send in pictures prior to the phone call. In that case they were able to diagnose it but couldn't prescribe anything since the medication required ongoing liver function testing. I ended up in the doctor's office and he confirmed the diagnosis.
DS isn't on my plan, but I wouldn't use it as much for him. I'd be OK with using it for EIs for him since every single one has had the same series of symptoms and we know them well enough now.
Our Minute Clinic copay is $10 also, but it was nice to make the phone call, schedule a time, or, in one instance (the sinus infection) call at 4am. The prescription was ready when the pharmacy opened that day.
I used Teledoc (over the phone, not video) at 1230am when I up in agony with a UTI. Talked to the doctor, got antibiotics called into the 24 hour pharmacy, and was able to actually get some sleep that night. It's the only time I have used it but I was glad to have the option. I can see it being helpful on vacation too.
I think Telemedicine is great in certain instances. I hope the medical professionals are responsible enough to use their judgment.
In regards to UTIs though it does make me slightly nervous since they don't take a urine sample to send out for culture to see which antibiotic it's sensitive and resistant to. With the over prescription of antibiotics and increased resistance I think medical providers should be more conscious to prescribe correctly.
In addition you can't check for fever or CVA tenderness over the phone which could indicate a more severe infection.