Telemedicine – What conditions can or cannot be seen?

[:en]Telemedicine is a platform where doctors can interact remotely with patients and/or caregivers to help with the diagnosis and treatment over a distance with the use of information communication technologies such as video, audio, or text. It enables easy and convenient access to health services as you can see a doctor in the comfort of your own home and avoid contact with potential transmission of contagious illnesses. Medical certificates and/or prescribed medicines may be issued during a telemedicine consult.

Telemedicine is limited to the management of non-emergency conditions such as:

• General medical consultation
• Stable chronic conditions and medication replenishment
• Laboratory and health screening results review
• Travel medicine advice
• Specialist referrals

Common conditions that are suitable for telemedicine include the following but are not limited to:

• Cough and colds
• Stable chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol
• Headache and migraines
• Uncomplicated digestive issues (constipation, diarrhea, acid reflux)
• Menstrual problems
• Minor cuts, burns and common skin conditions (eczema, rashes, acne, pigmentation)
• Urinary tract infection (urine dipstick recommended)
• Conjunctivitis with no visual disturbances
• Muscle ache and gout
• Hair-related conditions
• Family planning contraception

Telemedicine is not suitable for emergency conditions such as:

• Chest pain and breathing difficulties
• Deep/bleeding wounds and injuries
• Recurrent vomiting
• Severe abdominal pain
• Fever longer than 3 days duration
• Seizures and/or loss of consciousness
• Sudden vision loss, weakness, numbness, and slurred speech
• Eye pain and foreign bodies in the eye/nose/throat
• First diagnosis of chronic disease or chronic illnesses with poor control
• Repeated acute visits

Please visit your nearest clinic or A&E if you have any of these symptoms or conditions.

Source: MOH Healthwatch

Preparing for the telemedicine consultation to ensure a smooth consult:

• Choose a quiet, bright, private space with good internet connection
• Prepare to verify your identity and share current location
• Prepare medical information such as current health conditions, symptoms, medications and drug allergies
• Provide additional information such as temperature and blood pressure if available
• Use ‘live’ video unless directed otherwise

Interested to consult a doctor on telemedicine?

Visit our website at https://www.healthspringsgroup.com.sg/online-consultation/ for further details.[:]