Today it becomes easier to consult with a doctor when you are sick. Telemedicine services make it easy to conduct online consultations with your doctor. This kind of healthcare service is growing rapidly all over the world.
Yups, telemedicine is also quickly becoming an essential part of Malaysian health care. With technological benefits, telemedicine can operate 24/7 and now be used by patients to get treatment remotely.
Moreover, the pandemic Covid-19 points out how technology including telemedicine is useful for Doctors and patients, especially when they’re impossible to meet to do consultations and treatment.
According to research, the most popular telemedicine app is a mobile smartphone (81%). The least used technology was a desktop computer, which was used during sessions by only 5% of respondents. Less than 20% of customers used a medical video conference app, an app offered by their doctor, or an insurance provider, according to the findings, while 79% of consumers called in via phone call.
Telemedicine has been growing in many countries, including Malaysia which is developing right now. This has a direct impact on the quality of care patients receive, as well as their lives. By understanding how telemedicine is developing in Malaysia, you can develop strategies that will benefit your business.
What is Telemedicine?
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, telemedicine is using technology to provide medical care remotely. A doctor in one location uses a telecommunications network to provide care to a patient at a different place.
Telemedicine typically takes the form of phone calls when the patient asks the doctor for guidance on non-emergency medical issues that don't need the doctor to see the patient. When necessary, in-person consultations cannot be replaced by telemedicine; they are supplemented instead.
Since receiving medical advice or treatment via telemedicine doesn't require a physical visit, it now serves a practical purpose for both patients and healthcare professionals. In comparison to waiting to see a doctor or other healthcare provider, it is also less expensive.
The benefits of Telemedicine
Some benefits why telemedicine becoming popular are mentioned below:
- Telemedicine allows doctors to treat patients from anywhere in the world without having to leave their work or home environment.
- It allows doctors to provide treatment faster and more accurately than traditional methods.
- Telemedicine can help reduce travel costs by allowing specialists to treat patients within a few hours of arriving at the hospital or health clinic.
One article from News Medical showed that because of its affordability compared to other types of medical consultations, convenience, saving time, and treatment, Telemedicine is now growing popular. Moreover, patients can easily get records online which has the potential to improve patient prescriptions.
Telemedicine can improve the experience for both patients and doctors. Last but not least, it results in better health outcomes, which ought to be the main goal of all medical services.
The benefits are great in teleradiology, telemental health, telecardiology (especially echocardiography), home telecare, and teledermatology.
However, most academics concur that more research is needed due to the scant current information about the benefits or cost-effectiveness of telemedicine.
How Telemedicine works
One article from WebMD shows how telemedicine works. The two most typical are:
A patient website platform: a patient portal enables you to schedule appointments, ask for prescription refills, and send and receive emails from your doctor or nurse. Your lab or imaging test findings, as well as their interpretation, can be shared with you by your doctor. In many cases, this is quicker than waiting to call them.
Virtual consultation: some doctors will accept phone calls or video conferences for appointments. These discussions can frequently be held with specialists in mental and behavioural health and urgent care facilities.
Further, many additional medical conditions can benefit from telemedicine, including psychotherapy and teledermatology, etc. Other common conditions treated with telemedicine include the common cold and flu, diarrhoea, etc.
Telemedicine Services in Malaysia
Here are some of the telemedicine services you can access in Malaysia.
1. DoctorOnCall
DoctorOnCall is the first medical video consultation platform in Malaysia that blends cutting-edge voice and video technologies with the expertise of the country's top doctors.
The users can do Medical Video meetings anytime, anywhere, on a computer or smartphone. DoctorOnCall provides services such as Ask Doctor, Health Screening, Specialist Doctor, Specialist Hospital, etc. Download for iOS or Android.
2. Doc2Us
As a patient, you may text chat with a doctor or any other healthcare specialist at any time, anywhere with Doc2Us. You can also use audio and visual messaging to explain your situation more clearly. Download for iOS or Android.
3. Teleme
Teleme offers a seamless, effective healthcare experience by providing online connections between patients and doctors, pharmacists, and medical labs.
You can do online consultations, e-prescriptions, medicine delivery, and health screenings among other services. Download for iOS or Android.
4. Doctor2U
With this app, you can get the benefits of healthcare options, like ordering a home visit from a doctor or chatting with doctors online via live chat or video.
You can also request the delivery of medicine or an ambulance. You may quickly purchase your medication from their online store, and they have a network of more than 2000 verified doctors on their site. Download for iOS or Android.
5. BookDoc
Not only Malaysia, but you can also access BookDoc in Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Thailand. Through BookDoc Activ, it promotes an active lifestyle in addition to connecting patients with healthcare specialists.
By using BookDoc Activ, customers can treat themselves as being active by receiving bonuses and deals from their service providers and retail partners. BookDoc also seamlessly connects with apps for navigation, transportation, lodging, and restaurants. Download for iOS or Android.
Wrapping up
Telemedicine is on the rise, with advancements in technology, we’re seeing more and more people using telemedicine to get the health they need without having to leave their homes.
The use of telemedicine does not limit future visits to the doctor's office. However, in other cases, it does make healthcare more affordable and accessible. Additionally, it can save the patient time waiting in the doctor's waiting room.
It’s safe to say that you should have a long-term investment strategy and be prepared for changes in the market. Telemedicine is an exciting new trend that has the potential to change the way people live and work.
Do you have any business ideas regarding telemedicine? Or do you already have one and need to find a professional and highly skilled agency to build your app? VirtualSpirit is more than able to help you. We are a group of diverse teams committed to building the best app your business ever needs. Book a call now!
