"Virtual" doctors - what are your thoughts on this?

[FarmerKat]

I see a lot of advertisements for "virtual" doctor visits. They are real doctors but you talk to them via Skype or some other video conference type software for a flat fee. I just read that Walgreens is launching a similar program. I am guessing you just get the next doctor available, not the same one every time.

I am really weary of getting a diagnosis & prescription meds from a doctor who has never seen me in person. I have been misdiagnosed by a doctor in person and so have my kids and DH. Eventually, the right diagnosis was made. But it either took a specialist, review based on the failure of the first treatment or us not taking their word for it because it did not seem right. If this can happen with a Dr who sees you face to face, knows you and examines you, would the odds of incorrect diagnosis not be higher with a Dr who can only see you for a few minutes on Skype?

I am just wondering how others feel about this ... would you use these services? Have you used them? Do you feel comfortable with them?

[kasilofhome]

This is pretty normal for Bush clinics. A lot of the bugs have been worked out over the years. Think about it remember that road in Alaska in king cove....been in nation news for awhile. Often times small clinics need a specialist etc and the weather or distance takes traveling out of the picture.

Skype a doctor....clinicians follow instructions on line relaying info to the doc live.....it works quite well. In home use well have the tools handy

Thermometer, stethoscope, pressure cuff,oxygen tester. Could add to the usefulness.

[DAVID In Wisconsin]

Seems like a good idea to me. I'd have no problems talking to a MD this way.

[TripleD]

Do I have to wait 2hrs past my appointment time to see them ?

[mnn2501]

I would be fine with it for routine things.

I have no need to see a doctor for my ongoing meds that I am having no problems with - except to pay for his daughters college and his new car.

[kasilofhome]

Mnn. There are new changes in the heath care ......mandated Dr visits for refills on many maintenance meds. Oh joy. This will not impact us as husband already was on dreads that required 30 day check in so when I got the letter that a maintenance drug requirements for one of the went this way it is no sweat. But this could really mess with some.

[Wolf mom]

Lots of psychiatrists see their medicaid patients this way. Telecommunication. Keeps costs down.

[sisterpine]

I, personally, found that face to face, online therapy works well in the mental health field as well as generally well in the addictions treatment arena.

I wish that I could visit with a doctor in writing and then video chat so I could be sure we both heard the same information. Other than that I have no problem with it at all.

[Danaus29]

Our insurance offers this service. We haven't signed up. I haven't had any issues that have been simple enough to solve over skype.

[ROSEMAMA]

I guess it depends on how bad (or unavailable) your current physician is?

Clinical diagnosis is not just a science, but an art, and that includes a 'hands-on' approach. I agree that having the basic tools at home is helpful, but what they show us is not always a black or white scene.
For example, you can put on a stethoscope and listen to your heartbeat, but can you identify a murmur? (Some are dangerous and some are not). I have one that's slight and only my cardiologist heard it and confirmed with an US. A stethoscope is also to listen to your lungs and bowel sounds. Does anyone here (not medical) know what to listen for?

These guys go through a lot of school to learn this stuff, but to trying to do it over the web, and relying more on the patient's own physical exam sounds like asking for trouble to me. (More often than not, they cannot even give a consistant history when in the clinic.)

YMMV

[kasilofhome]

Well this far the person doing the testing live and in person has enough training to relay and my understanding is the true Dr. Works hard to educate and aid the person doing the exam or treatment. I guess I have been in environments where it works and the others option left is nothing.

[Sumatra]

I have enough trouble getting things diagnosed, and have seen the high unreliability of a real doctor's visit. To consult one online is nearly laughable.

[EDDIE BUCK]

Originally Posted by kasilofhome

This is pretty normal for Bush clinics. A lot of the bugs have been worked out over the years. Think about it remember that road in Alaska in king cove....been in nation news for awhile. Often times small clinics need a specialist etc and the weather or distance takes traveling out of the picture.

Skype a doctor....clinicians follow instructions on line relaying info to the doc live.....it works quite well. In home use well have the tools handy

Thermometer, stethoscope, pressure cuff,oxygen tester. Could add to the usefulness.

How about that virtual Prostate Exam or wimens getting their Pap Smeared????

[where I want to]

I agree with Rosemama. It depends on how bad your 'brick and mortar' doctor is. I suspect a good Skype doctor is better than a bad doctor of any kind but a good doctor in the flesh is best. If you can find one.......