Telemedicine in Singapore: How to Use It
Telemedicine in Singapore has seen rapid growth in Singapore post-COVID. Speedoc has announced a partnership with Parkway Shenton to expand our reach, hot on the heels of a successful round of Series B funding. There seems to be a lot of optimism surrounding online medical consultations, and various healthcare providers are following suit to provide this service.
Let’s find out how you can take full advantage of telemedicine services in Singapore, and optimise your video consultation experience!
How does telemedicine work?
Nowadays, it is as simple as downloading an application onto your mobile device, where you will speak to a medical professional via a video consultation. The Speedoc platform even allows you to book doctor and nurse home visits on the app or website. If you’re too weak to leave your home when you are sick, you can easily log into a telemedicine app to receive medical attention for your symptoms. Rest assured that all members on the Speedoc medical team are Singapore-licensed.
How to prepare for telemedicine in Singapore?
Whether you are a business traveller who requires long-term medical attention or a digital nomad who needs a referral letter to a specialist, telemedicine providers such as Speedoc can assist you with that. To ensure you get the most out of the virtual consultation with your chosen healthcare provider, here are some of the best practices that you may find useful:
Choose the right platform
Not all medical conditions can be treated over a video consult but minor ailments such as a sore throat, cough or a cold can be checked out on online platforms. Chronic diseases and conditions that come with severe pain may still require in-person care for a more accurate diagnosis.
Please visit the Accident and Emergency department, or dial 995 for an ambulance immediately if you are experiencing any life-threatening symptoms that may require urgent attention, such as:
Choking
Head trauma
Severe burns
Broken bones
Large open wounds
Breathing difficulties
Sudden loss of vision
Profuse bleeding, severe blood loss
Sudden onset of weakness, numbness, or slurred speech
Prepare ahead of time
While this isn’t a formal Zoom meeting, preparing ahead of time will help in making sure your video consultation is a fruitful one. A telemedicine appointment should be approached in the same way as a face-to-face consultation with your doctor. So it is advised to be well-prepared with all the necessary medical history, medication records, and a detailed list of symptoms you may be experiencing prior to the appointment. Jot down any burning questions or nagging concerns you have, and don’t forget to record the medical advice from the attending healthcare provider too.
Find a quiet and private space
To improve communication with your healthcare provider, try to minimise distractions and interruptions. Situate yourself at a quiet and private location before starting your video consultation. If you are at home with your children, perhaps you’d like to consider retreating to a room for a few minutes to prevent any disruptions. A well-lit area and a stable internet connection are necessary for optimal video and audio quality, especially when there are symptoms that needs to be visually examined such as skin rashes or eye redness.
Test equipment and connectivity
Doctor’s consultation through a video call will require your equipments and internet connection to be in top form to avoid any potential technical issues. Check that your camera, microphone, and speakers are all in perfect working order. Additionally, don’t forget to check that your internet connection is stable too. Although not mandatory, but it would be extra useful if you happen to have a backup device ready in case of any hiccups.
Dress appropriately
While you may be at home, it is important to dress appropriately for your telemedicine consultation. This creates a professional environment, respecting your healthcare provider’s time as well as expertise.
Be transparent and honest
To receive constructive advice that are most relevant to your condition, you will need to openly communicate your medical history, current health status, and symptoms with the attending doctor. This also applies when you have any concerns pertaining to your sexual health, where some may feel uncomfortable sharing certain details. It’s best to be honest, even if you haven’t been adhering to prescribed treatments and medications.
Communication is a two way street. If you need more clarification and details, you should always voice them out to the doctor during the telemedicine session. Effective communication ensures that your healthcare provider understands your concerns and addresses them effectively.
Payment and insurance for telemedicine in Singapore
Like most telemedicine providers in Singapore, Speedoc accepts cashless payments via debit or credit cards and even online fund transfers. The payment invoice will be sent to your email, along with any requested medical certificates or referral letters. When it comes to medical insurance, some insurance companies have partnered with various telemedicine platforms in Singapore. With that being said, you should always check with your respective insurance provider if your insurance policy covers the costs of any services rendered via your preferred telemedicine platform.
Healthcare Made Easy
The future of healthcare is here. Receiving quality medical care should never be a hassle. You don’t have to wait for hours at the hospital, nor figure out where, when, and how to receive timely medical care.
With Speedoc, our end-to-end holistic care system will connect you with qualified medical professionals, whether you need in-person or remote healthcare monitoring.
