5 Myths About Online Doctors Debunked
The popularity of online doctor consultations was growing before COVID-19 and has taken off since then. In fact, online healthcare is changing the way Canadians interact with their doctors. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation floating around online about virtual healthcare, and this could negatively interfere with someone getting the excellent healthcare they deserve. Here, we debunk five of the most popular myths about online doctors.
Myth #1: Doctor Visits Need to Be in Person
In some cases, you do need to see a doctor for a physical examination. But for the vast majority of reasons for visiting a doctor, you don’t need to be in the same room. If you look back at previous doctors appointments, you might be surprised to see how many issues were diagnosed and treated through discussions about your symptoms and medical history.
Myth #2: Online Consultations Are for People Who Live Far from Hospitals
Online consultations are excellent for the tens of thousands of Canadians who live in remote areas, live far away from hospitals, or live in areas where there is a shortage of healthcare services. But online consultations are also an excellent option for those who find it difficult to access a doctor, whether due to mobility issues, health reasons, or due to time constraints. There’s nothing more convenient than booking an online doctor’s consultation and seeing a healthcare professional virtually from the comfort of your own home.
Myth #3: You Can’t Get a Prescription
One big myth is that you can’t get a prescription filled with an online doctor’s appointment. This is not true. After your virtual appointment, the doctor or healthcare provider can provide prescriptions and refills as necessary. They will send the prescription electronically to your pharmacy where the prescription will be dispensed, often in the same day.
Myth #4: Online Healthcare Is for Urgent Situations
Virtual healthcare services are excellent for emergencies or if you cannot travel to see a doctor. But online healthcare can be used for all kinds of issues, including acute care, chronic care, mental health, women’s and men’s health, COVID-19 screening, travel health, and sick notes and forms. You can even use an online healthcare practitioner if you develop a cold or flu. Do you really want to have to drive to visit a doctor, pay for parking, and sit in a crowded doctor’s office when you’re not feeling well?
Myth #5: Online Consultations Aren’t Secure
Your confidentiality is of the utmost importance. Where online platforms like Skype and Messenger are not secure, online telemedicine technology is designed to protect patient information and adheres 100% to Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). That means your online consultations are private and your information is protected.
MD Connected – Telemedicine Clinics Near You
MD Connected is changing the way Canadians access the healthcare they deserve. We provide personalized virtual care and telemedicine clinics across Canada that meet our patients’ unique needs and preferences. Just choose the option that’s best for you. Tens of thousands of Canadians have used MD Connected for general consultations, prescription renewal, sexual health, mental wellness, travel health, and sick notes and forms. Our team is led by a diverse group of doctors with varying backgrounds and we provide our specialty services in multiple languages. To learn more about MD Connected, contact us by visiting www.mdconnected.ca or e-mail us at mydoc@mdconnected.ca.
