Telemedicine Explained
What is it?
Telemedicine refers to remote clinical services that utilize electronic
communications and software to facilitate health care without an in-person
visit. These services are conducted via secure video and audio connections,
typically on a mobile device or computer. At the Clinic Group,
it refers to online consultations (video calls) with our doctors, which are done through a secure web application.
When to use and when not to use Telemedicine?
Telemedicine isn’t appropriate for emergency situations like heart attack or
stroke, cuts or lacerations, or broken bones that require x-rays, splints, or
casts. Anything that requires immediate, hands-on care should be handled in
person.
However, telemedicine is very useful for simple issues and follow-up
consultations. Skin rashes, colds and flu, insect bites, headaches, sore throats,
diarrhea, and pink eye are some other common issues that can be addressed
using telemedicine.
Why use Telemedicine?
Covid-19 has caused a massive acceleration in the use of Telemedicine
worldwide because it allows people to access clinical care without having to
physically come to a healthcare facility where the risk of being exposed to
Covid-19 virus and other infectious diseases from other patients is high.
More and more healthcare providers around the world now offer telemedicine
services as part of the services they provide, and medical aids are also
adjusting their cover to include Telemedicine for the benefit of their members.
Besides safety, Telemedicine has other advantages for the patients:
- Less time in waiting room
- No transportation costs
- No need to take time off work
- Eliminate child or elder care issues
- More affordable (Consultation fee is less than a face-to-face consultation)
How Telemedicine works
Watch the video to understand how Telemedicine will work for you
How much does it cost?
Telemedicine rates are reduced rates from a face to face consultation. General Practitioner is E300 and a Specialist Doctor is E400.
How do you pay?
Cash payments can be made through EFT or Mobile money.
Members of medical aids that support our Telemedicine initiative can use their medical aid card to access our Telemedicine services.
To make a booking Mon – Frid, 8am – 5pm : 7908 6359
Telemedicine FAQ'S
What is it about?
It is a service that allows a doctor to consult with a patient remotely through a video call.
What do I need?
The call can be received on a computer, tablet or cellphone, as long as you have an Internet connection. The device needs to have a built in or external camera, a microphone, and speakers or headphones. You also need an email address.
Which application or software is used?
The software we use is called Theraplatform. It is a web-based software and you do not need to download anything. It is a secure software where we are sure that data privacy is upheld.
Which doctors can I consult with?
For now, in our pilot project, only Dr Terlonge our Paediatrician is available for online consultations. We will then gradually add more doctors.
Does my medical aid pays for it?
For now, this is a cash service we offer and patients need to pay the consultation by EFT or Mobile Money prior to the consultation. Please contact your medical aid directly to know whether they would refund you the consultation. We will email you the invoice and receipt anyway.
How much does it cost?
The consultation with Dr Terlonge, who is a specialist, costs E 400. This fee will be applicable to all our specialists when they join. General practitioners consultation will be E 300.
LEARN MORE
All you need is a computer or cellphone with an email account and an internet connection.
We use a secure web-based application which guarantees data privacy is upheld.
Consultation fee is payable by EFT or Mobile Money prior to consultation.