Your next medical appointment is just a Zoom call away with telemedicine.

I tell you, sometimes it’s hard not to admit that you’re getting older. I had to see the doctor last week, and just travelling to the clinic, waiting to consult the doctor, and making my way back home made me super “shag”. Can you imagine how much worse it can be for older seniors with difficulty moving around? After grumbling about it to my son, he suggested trying telemedicine. Sounds so cheem right? But it simply means consulting a doctor for medical advice virtually, through a video call! So next time, you can just see the doctor from the comfort of your home – no need to travel or wait at the clinic. After the session, they will deliver your medication and medical certificate right to your doorstep too. Plus, consultation costs are comparable to visiting your local GP!

It’s CHAS eligible too!

Like most people in my age group, I have a few chronic conditions that require regular follow-ups with the doctor. Most of these visits involve simple check-ups and collection of medication. Telemedicine is not only a convenient option, it’s eligible for Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) subsidies as well. That means lower medical bills every month, which is always good, right? 

Since 9 October 2020, eligible CHAS patients can use their subsidies for video consultations for covered chronic conditions. These include diabetes, hypertension, lipid disorder, major depression, stroke and stable asthma.

Google is not a doctor, hor

When most of us kena minor medical problems like migraines and rashes, we like to search the internet and self-medicate. We may think that our condition is easily treatable, but self-diagnosis might backfire and make things worse! Now with telemedicine, your doctor is really just a call away. So why not save yourself some pain, and get a doctor to give you a reliable professional diagnosis? Like the saying goes: Mai kay kiang, don’t try to act smart ok?  

If you have yet to try telemedicine, I definitely recommend you to check it out! With Singaporeans leading such busy lives nowadays, the convenience and time savings are real benefits, and being able to speak to a doctor in real-time about your medical condition is a plus too.

That said, it is important to know that telemedicine is meant for mild illnesses, and is not a replacement for urgent or serious cases. In those cases, you should visit your nearest clinic or hospital to seek help from a medical professional. Don’t say Uncle never tell you hor!

Good things must share, so here is a list of some telemedicine services available in Singapore that you can check out:

Doctor Anywhere

One of the first telemedicine startups in Singapore, with general practitioner consultations charged at $20 including delivery of medication and MC. Simply open the app and you’ll be connected to an available doctor for a video consultation. In the event that your case cannot be adequately diagnosed virtually, you will be advised within the first 2 minutes of your call to visit a conventional doctor, and you will not be charged for the session.

Doctor Anywhere also provides a range of special services like newborn consultations (charged at $15), medical aesthetics consultations, doorstep services for flu vaccination, and home-based health screenings for domestic workers.

Sata CommHealth

Another option is SATA CommHealth, a digital healthcare service provided by the established medical clinic chain in Singapore. Like Doctor Anywhere, the SATA Tele-consultation App connects you with an available doctor for consultation, which costs a flat fee of $15. You may be prescribed medication which is delivered to you at a charge of $6, together with any MC or specialist referral letter required.

Payment can be made via credit card or PayNow. However, the service is only available on:

Mon – Fri, 8.30am to 4.30pm
Sat – Sun, 8.30am to 12.30pm

HiDoc

Unlike the other providers in this list which provide general healthcare services, HiDoc is a platform that connects you with specialists quickly and more affordably. Seeing a specialist in Singapore can be expensive, and most people typically visit a polyclinic to get a specialist referral, which allows them to receive a subsidised rate at most hospitals.

With HiDoc, you can select your preferred specialist and review the charges upfront (which are usually slightly cheaper) before proceeding with the consultation. You can also book physical appointments and purchase prescription medication using the app.

Telemedicine – a convenient way to see the doctor

The next time you need to see the doctor for a minor ailment, why not consider doing it virtually instead? With a growing number of options available, you can get the treatment you need from the safety and comfort of your living room.