Consulting with a doctor face to face will always be better than booking an online consultation. However, some persons would rather prefer telemedicine (online consultation) for many valid reasons like;
- Having a busy schedule
- Staying far away from a hospital
- Preferring to see a particular doctor
- Privacy (Not wanting to be seen in the hospital by people you may know)
- Other reasons
This post will guide you to identify when a face to face doctor appointment is better.
We will also be exploring the key differences, advantages and disadvantages between online vs face to face consultation.
Differences between Online Vs face to face Patient Care
The difference between online vs face to face consultation is that the doctor physically assesses you and then prescribes treatment.
However, we will list out in detail the major advantages and disadvantages between face to face consultation vs online consultation.
Advantages of online consultation
Convenience and access:
If you have a very busy schedule, then booking an online doctor consultation might be the best choice for you.
Also, if you stay in rural areas where there is no nearby hospital, then you will greatly benefit from teleconsultation.
Teleconsultation will benefit you if your condition requires assessment by a specialist who is not available in your local clinic.
Reduced infection risk:
While many hospitals try to maintain high standards of infection prevention protocols, sometimes not being in a position where you can get exposed to infection is way better than prevention.
However, the risk of infection should not stop you from visiting the hospital when there is a good reason for it.
Online consultation through telemdicine completely eliminates the risk of getting hospital-acquired infections which is an advantage for both the doctor and the patient.
Online Consultation is Cheaper:
Some people say that ‘We are just one visit to the hospital away from being broke’, and there are some truths behind that statement.
Healthcare in Nigeria can be expensive if you don’t have a health insurance; that is when you pay out of pocket for your own healthcare.
From transportation costs to buying a hospital card/file, to paying consultation fees, then paying for lab tests and finally medications? You can burn all your savings in one day.
But with telemedicine, you remove the transportation costs and the need to open a hospital file.
It is also important to note that this comes with a lot of disadvantages both for you and the doctor.
Find out how HMOs in Nigeria can help you get affordable healthare.
Wider Reach:
This is the greatest advatage of telemedicine over face to face consultations. From anywhere in the world, you can get access to a doctor at any time of the day. That’s a big flex!
Disadvantages of Online Consultation
Diagnostic Limitations:
When you are consulting online with a doctor, you don’t get to be physically examined.
Although a doctor consulting you online can request that you go to a nearby laboratory to carry out some tests and come back for follow up, the urgency of the lab tests may not be present, and could lead to errors in your treatment.
Technology Barriers:
Online consultation requires internet access and a strong network connection for the best experience which might not be available in many places in Nigeria.
Also the not everyone might understand how to use the telemedicine apps or how to book an online appointment.
Reduced Connection with your doctor:
You might prefer to be in the same physical space with your attending doctor for a better experience, however, an online consultation will not give you this opportunity.
Some people have reported feeling a lot better after face to face consultations probably as a result of the nuances in physical interaction with their doctor.
Advantages of face to face consultation
Detailed and Better Assessment:
With Face to face consultaion, you are seen better, heard better, understood better, and also gets to be physically examined by your doctor. This reduces the risk of errors and missing out on some fine clinical details that could change the approach to your treatment.
Stronger Bond:
This explains why you might prefer to be seen seen by a particular doctor over another. The vibes and connection is already there, and you may not have the need to start explaining yourself again to another doctor. This saves the consultation time, and improves your overall clinical experience.
Better if your condition is complex:
If you have a complex medical issue or if it is your first time coming down with a new medical issue, then it is ideal that you book a face to face appointment.
Disadvantages of Face to Face Consultation
Inconvenience:
The main reason why some people dislike face to face consultations is as result of the inconvenience it might cause from transportation to potentially having to wait for long to see a doctor and it can also be difficult to book a face to face appointment if you have a very busy schedule.
Increased Risk of Infection:
Every visit you make to a hospital exposes you to potential hospital acquired infections.
You can get these sitting with other people waiting to see a doctor in the waiting rooms and in clinics. This risk is completely eliminated in face to face consultations.
Higher Cost:
The cost of a successful face to face doctor appointment is relatively higher than what you will get in teleconsultation, with most of your expenses ending up in transportation costs, time off work and businesses and childcare if you are a nursing parent.
Choosing Between Face to Face Consultation Vs Teleconsultation
The main purpose of this post is to guide you to know when to choose a face to face consultation over booking a online consultation.
With several telehealth applications and softwares sprouting all over the country, and advertising the need for a checkup with a doctor, it can be difficult to known when to book an online consultation or to just visit the nearest hospital. But with our comprehensive guide below, you will find it easy to know when you need a teleconsultation vs face to face.
‘Disclaimer: This guide is not all encompassing. Please if you still feel confused on whether to book an online doctor consultation or book for a face to face hospital visit, please just go for face-face hospital visit’.
When to Book an Online Doctor Consultation
If a face to visit is not convenient for you:
If you stay very far away from the hospital or you feel going to a hospital is too risky for you either because you are physically under threat or for some other personal reasons, then booking an online doctor consultation might just be the best option for you at the moment.
When all you need is just counselling:
If you feel like you just need clarifications or you just want to ask questions related to your health; no need for physical examinations or laboratory investigations, then you will benefit more from an online consultation.
For instance, you are about to undergo a medical procedure or you need a second opinion about this procedure or anything else, then talking to a doctor online would help instead of visiting a hospital.
Also, if you feel you need to talk to a doctor out of hours about your condition; like if you feel your mental health is under threat and need an urgent doctor’s attention while staying far away from the hospital, then you should book an urgent online consultation.
For Follow Up Appointments:
If your condition has already been diagnosed, and you are currently taking medications then a follow up appointment online with your doctor might be appropriate.
Also, if you are being managed for a long term illness lasting for more than three months, then online consultation might also be appropriate in this scenario.
When to book a face-to-face appointment
If you have a new complaint:
If you suddenly developed a new symptom or complaint, then it is very important that you book a face to face consultation first to get examined by a doctor. Then you might be subsequently followed up through an online consultation.
Sudden Worsening of your illness:
If you have been sick or have already been seen by a doctor, and probably have been placed on medications, but you notice suden worsening of your condition, then you must visit a hospital immediately for a face to face consutlation with a doctor.
Examples of conditions in this category include;
- Sudden increase in your body temperature
- Serious sore throat that makes it difficult for you to swallow
- Continous vomiting or diarrhea that is lasting more than 24 hour
- Unusual tiredness that makes it difficult for you to to perform your usual daily activities
- Chest tightness or shortnes of breath
- Sudden pain in the ears or eyes
- Rashes that spread quickly or are accompanied by fever
- Severe tummy pain that will not go away
- A sudden change in your behaviour; being very restless, confused or unsually tired.
- Sudden panic attacks, feeling of your heartbeats
- You just don’t know what to do
Final Advice
In comparing online vs face to face consultations, you will find that both have their perks and disadvantages.
The most important thing lies in knowing when you must visit the hospital as quickly as possible.
However, if you find yourself confused at this point, then take our short quiz to find out if you should go for an online consultation or face to face.
Also, it is important to note that you can never be wrong if you choose to book an online consultation as your doctor would recommend a face to face appointment if they think it is necessary in your case.
Common Questions People Ask
Is Online Consultation Good?
Yes, online consultation is good if you cannot readily access a hospital, for cost effectiveness, to maintain your privacy, if all you need is counselling and medical advice, and also for non-urgent medical conditions. However, it is not the best in emergency situations or conditions that require a physical examination, investigations and immediate interventions.
Is Telemedicine Effective?
Telemedicne may not be as effective as face to a to face doctor consultation, however talking to a doctor online is better than making your health decisions from untrusted and unverified sources.
What is the biggest disadvantage of telehealth?
The biggest disadvantage of telehealth is the lack of the opportunity to get examined by a doctor and to carry out basic investiagtions which could result in errors in your treatment.
Why is face to face better than online consultation?
Face to face consultation is better than online consultation because you get to be examined by a doctor, carry out investigations, and because of the nuances in communication whch could make your overall clinical experience better.
Have questions regarding your health? Book an appointment today to speak with a doctor.
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