How Does Online GP Service Work?

Posted by tedmark on February 14th, 2013

 In today’s fast paced and hectic world, having an online platform or a website where patients can consult licensed General Practitioners (GPs) and specialist doctors online is certainly a blessing in disguise. After all, who wouldn’t want to have easier access to medical opinions and advice? For people who dread booking appointments with doctors or specialists only to wait for months for the appointment, opting for an online GP service is much more viable. Online doctors are available 24x7 and by making a small payment, you can consult them and get their opinions at a time that is convenient for you.

When it comes to obtaining services from online doctors, you can choose to receive answers to direct questions, receive advice or get a second opinion. However, you should ensure that the online GP who is going to answer your query is experienced and certified to practice medicine. Look for websites that have leading specialists in the field to get answers in an affordable, easy and quick way.

So how does this kind of service work? Well, firstly, you need to choose the service that you need. Sometimes websites offer a whole host of online consultation services, so you need to opt for one that suits your needs the best. For example, perhaps you would like to consult by email, audio or video.

Generally, you can choose to consult a general practitioner or a specialist medical doctor. If you want an opinion on simple health problems then it would be advisable to go for the cheapest option, i.e. a chat with an online GP. Some websites also offer the opportunity to ask follow-up questions depending on the package you have purchased. If you have medical issues which would require the opinions of a specialist then you should select the specialist you require for the list of available online doctors. Since these specialists have their own areas of expertise it will cost you more, however, be sure to choose the relevant specialty.

Some of the websites offering online doctors services have a medical board consisting of experts and this is the most expensive option. If you chose this option, you will not only be getting consultation but also detailed reports. This option is suggested for those who have life-altering diseases or those struggling with complex health issues.

Once you have selected the option that you would like to proceed with, you can move on to the next step and submit your brief medical history along with a description of your symptoms and a question. Next, the online GP will examine your information and will be in a position to give you medical advice tailored to your particular needs.

Some websites will require their patients to fill in a form, upload, if appropriate, files pertaining to their medical history or presenting condition and complete the payment before they are permitted to ask a question to the online GP, specialist doctor or the medical board. Once all the formalities are completed, you will be able to get quick answers to your questions and if your pack enables you to ask follow-up questions then you can do that too. Online doctors are a far more reliable option when compared researching the internet on your own on to try to self-diagnose or self-treat since this method will not guarantee that you haven’t missed something out. It is your health after all so it’s better to be safe than sorry!

While it is true that no online GP or specialist doctor service can replace the task of letting a doctor examine you in person, this kind of service is still a valid alternative particularly when you live far away from your doctor, have little time, or you are embarrassed to discuss your issue with your regular doctor. Consultations on the Internet from online doctors are a great way for those who are unsure about what to do with their health concerns. A good online doctor will be able to provide you with a detailed explanation of the problem or condition you are facing and provide advice accordingly. These doctors also provide tips on dieting so that you can recover and get fit as soon as possible in a healthy way.

If you are troubled by a health issue, then surfing the Internet and chatting with online doctors is an option that you must surely consider. While most problems could be referred to an online GP there is also the option to consult with a specialist in case of complicated and specialized issues.