Pediatric Telemedicine in the Philippines

The new normal is here! We shop online, we order food online, we pay & receive money online, and now - we consult with our doctors online.

What is Telemedicine?

Online medical consultation is sometimes referred to as Telehealth, Teleconsultation, or E-Consultation. But Telemedicine is the more accepted terminology in the Philippines as used by the Department of Health (DOH) in its press release last April 2020.

The term telemedicine was first used in the 1970’s meaning “healing from a distance”. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no single definitive definition of telemedicine. However, Oxford defines telemedicine as:

"The remote diagnosis and treatment of patients by means of telecommunications technology."

What are the Benefits?

We enjoy the convenience of telemedicine since this allows us to have a medical consultation in the comfort of our home. A consultation with the doctor without leaving our house, going through traffic, or waiting and fixing our schedule for the clinic appointment.

While we appreciate the ease and convenience of telemedicine, its true benefit comes during the COVID-19 pandemic when we are advised by our government to stay at home. An online medical consultation inside our home means less risk and exposure to the viruses outside.

However, it is very important to note that telemedicine is recommended for non-emergency cases only. Emergency and life-threatening cases are strongly advised to proceed to the Emergency Room (ER) of the nearest hospital in the area.

Telemedicine for Babies and Children

While it may not be a challenge for healthy young adults to go out and visit the nearest clinic or hospital during the pandemic, it is a different story for children and babies. Very young children are NOT advised to wear facemasks as this can lead to suffocation or even choking.

Given this and the risk of exposure, parents prefer a telemedicine method of consultation not just for convenience but for the family’s safety as well.

Online medical consultation via telemedicine is very easy and simple. You just download a telemedicine App, search for a doctor, and request a consultation. That’s it!

Everything from the consultation, payment, drug prescription, and laboratory request will be done within the App.

Want to see “3 Easy Steps for Telemedicine Consultation”? Click Here.

What are the Telemedicine Apps?

In the Philippines, we are lucky to have efficient and reliable telemedicine apps available to us for FREE. Probably the most notable are KonsultaMD and AIDE which have been operating for several years even before the pandemic.

KonsultaMD is partly-owned by Globe Telecom while AIDE is also owned partly by Ayala Corporation. While both are under the Ayala Group, each has its own distinctive feature.

AIDE is unique from its competitors as it provides the option to have a doctor or other health professional visit your home physically. The home visit may be for consultation, laboratory tests, or other medical services including delivery of medicines. At the moment, AIDE only accepts Credit Cards and Debit Cards.

With KonsultaMD, aside from the standard payment methods, you can also pay using GCash, Paymaya, or your Globe Postpaid or Prepaid load. This is very helpful especially to those who do not have a Credit Card or Debit Card available. KonsultaMD subscribers will also enjoy discounts and special offers from its partner establishments.

Another veteran in the field is SeriousMD which has a solid track record. It accepts GrabPay on top of the standard payment methods and has an impressive online queueing system.

Also noteworthy are two telemedicine apps that have proven their worth during the pandemic - Medifi and Seeyoudoc apps.

Medifi provides online access to over 3,000 physicians and the app does not require subscription fees!

Seeyoudoc gives you the option to book for online consultation or book for a clinic consultation and other clinical services.

Want to download and know more about the apps? Click Here.

Looking for an Online Pediatrician? Continue reading below ☺.

Where can I find a Pediatrician Online?

If you are looking for a Pediatrician or a Pediatric Pulmonologist (Pedia-Pulmo), Doc Jem is available on all five (5) apps! This provides flexibility and convenience to our patients in terms of preference and availability.

Doc Jem is a licensed Pharmacist, Doctor, Pediatrician, and Pulmonologist based in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

She is available EVERY DAY for online pediatric consultations via the Apps.

Our Pediatric Pulmonologist, Doc Jem, has hospital affiliations in Quezon City, Manila, Antipolo, and Pasig. She also has clinic hours inside Malls such as Ayala and SM Malls.

Aside from her medical practice as Pedia-Pulmo, Doc Jem also teaches Pediatrics and Physiology to medical students at a local University.

If you have any questions about Doc Jem – Pediatric Telemedicine, or want to schedule an online pediatric consultation, you may send us a message anytime via our official Facebook Page and FB Messenger.

Or visit our website at www.pediatrician-online.com.

Stay safe! ♥

- Doc Jem Team

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