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Writer's pictureDoctor Anywhere Team

Telemedicine Explained: Choosing The Right Doctor Online

Updated: Jul 1

It is always best to consult an expert rather than self-diagnose online whenever we have a medical issue or concern. Did you know that you can see a doctor conveniently online to treat various medical conditions?


Filipino doctors

Taking charge of your health and identifying ailments or symptoms early are key to keeping your health in check. For instance, the “three highs”—high blood sugar (diabetes), high blood pressure (hypertension), and high cholesterol—are common chronic health issues amongst Filipinos. These conditions can be managed and treated through medication and ongoing support from licensed doctors, including general practitioners and specialists.


Now, with the convenience of telemedicine, you can easily consult a doctor online from the comfort of your home. Doctor Anywhere's telemedicine services connect you with general practitioners who are available 24/7, on-demand or by appointment. Additionally, our wide range of specialists is available by appointment, even on weekends and holidays.


Selecting the appropriate healthcare provider is an important initial step in improving your well-being. We understand that it can be overwhelming to figure out where to begin with so many available options, so we’ve created an informative guide about the different types of medical providers available on the Doctor Anywhere app and their areas of expertise.



Primary Care Doctors


A primary care doctor, also known as a primary care practitioner or primary care physician, includes general practitioners, internal medicine physicians, family medicine practitioners, and pediatricians. Let's explore each of these specialties!


General Practitioner

A General Practitioner (GP) is a type of primary care doctor. They are also sometimes known as general physicians or general health doctors. General practitioners provide medical care for both chronic and acute illnesses, as well as preventive care. They also refer patients to specialists and those who need urgent care to healthcare facilities. Aside from providing general healthcare, they also focus on health promotion, disease prevention, health maintenance, and counseling.


Internal Medicine Doctor VS Family Medicine Doctor

Internal medicine doctors, or internists, offer comprehensive medical care for both complex chronic and acute illnesses, as well as preventive care, specializing exclusively in adult patients. In contrast, family medicine doctors, or family doctors, provide care across all age groups, from newborns to the elderly.



Our licensed primary care doctors are available 24/7, on-demand, or by appointment through the Doctor Anywhere app. Each online consultation is scheduled to run for about 20 minutes.



Specialists


You can easily book an online appointment and video consult with licensed specialists directly through the Doctor Anywhere app. No referral is required, and each online consultation is scheduled for approximately 15 minutes. Discover our extensive range of specialists, which includes cardiologists, dermatologists, ENT specialists, endocrinologists, gastroenterologists, general surgeons, nephrologists, obstetricians and gynecologists (ob-gyn), oncologists, ophthalmologists, orthopedic surgeons, pediatricians, pulmonologists, rheumatologists, and urologists.


Cardiologist

Cardiologists specialize in the heart, blood arteries, and the cardiovascular system. Many cardiovascular problems are treated by them, including hypertension, minor chest pain, discomfort related to the heart or chest, heart disease management, monitoring of the recovery from heart surgery, and better adherence to treatment regimens.


Dermatologist

Dermatologists specialize in treating problems with the skin, nails, and hair. They deal with issues like psoriasis, skin cancer, acne, and eczema. If you have a history of sun or UV exposure, a family history of skin cancer, or skin cancer risk factors, you should get your skin checked annually.


Endocrinologist

Endocrinologists treat disorders and conditions that affect the endocrine system which involves various glands that make and release hormones in the body. They treat conditions such as diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, metabolic disorders, adrenal disorders, growth abnormalities, and cholesterol disorders.


ENT Specialist

Otolaryngologists are sometimes known as “ear, nose, and throat” (ENT) doctors. ENT specialists treat conditions and disorders that affect the areas in and around your ears, nose, and throat. Consult for advice on problems like hearing loss, ear infections, nosebleeds, abnormal nasal discharge, nasal congestion, tonsillitis, and sore throat.


Gastroenterologist

Gastroenterologists specialize in the digestive system. This includes the esophagus, pancreas, stomach, liver, small intestine, colon, and gallbladder. Seek advice to treat medical conditions such as ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), liver disease, ulcers, and common digestive disorders.


General Surgeon

General surgeons are responsible for the care of patients before, during, and after surgery, in addition to performing procedures for a variety of common illnesses. Consult one if you have any conditions affecting your stomach, breasts, endocrine system, digestive system, skin, head, or neck.


Infectious Disease Doctor

Infectious disease doctors specialize in diseases and conditions that are contagious. These may include cellulitis, influenza, tuberculosis, bacterial infections, infections after surgery or hospital care, parasite infections, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and more.


Nephrologist

Nephrologists specialize in kidney care and conditions that affect the kidneys. Kidney disease, renal (kidney) failure, diabetes, kidney stones, electrolyte, fluid, and acid-base imbalances or disturbances, and hypertension are some of the conditions that they can treat.


Obstetrician and Gynecologists

OB-GYNs provide preventive care and disease management for female health conditions including prenatal care, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), infertility, and menopause. They may also see women for yearly check-ups and procedures like pap tests and breast exams.


Oncologist

Oncologists focus on diagnosing and treating malignancies such as those in the lungs, blood, breast, and others. They work with their patients to develop a personalized treatment plan and provide supportive care.


Ophthalmologist

Ophthalmologists specialize in treating eye and vision problems. They can treat patients for normal eye care as well as those with complex eye problems including dry eyes, conjunctivitis, sore eyes, stye, and post-eye surgery checkups.


Orthopedics

Orthopedic surgeons specialize in diseases and problems of the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. They can handle minor bone fractures, ligament and tendon problems, back pain, knee injuries, muscular discomfort, and post-operative follow-ups.


Pediatrician

Pediatricians are experts in providing care for children from birth through early adulthood. They are trained to treat more complicated disorders like hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD), respiratory tract infections, allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, eczema, and minor illnesses and injuries. If your little one is feeling unwell, you can schedule an online video consultation with a pediatrician. Simply create a separate Doctor Anywhere account for your child to get started. You can use their birth certificate and make the "Registry number" as the ID number in the absence of a government ID.


Pulmonologist

Pulmonologists concentrate on the parts involved in breathing. This involves the lungs and the heart. Consult a doctor if you have lung cancer, pneumonia, asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), tuberculosis, or trouble sleeping as a result of breathing issues.


Rheumatologist

Rheumatologists diagnose and treat rheumatic diseases. These are autoimmune conditions that can affect the bones, joints, and muscles. Some common rheumatic diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, lupus, and more.


Urologist

Urologists treat conditions of the urinary tract in both males and females including bladder cancer, bladder stones, urinary incontinence, and urinary tract infections. They also address the issues related to male reproductive health, such as erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer, prostate enlargement, prostate inflammation, and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).



Mental Health Experts


Psychologist

A person's mental health can be assessed by licensed psychologists through clinical interviews, psychological examinations, and testing. They can offer both individual and group therapy in addition to making diagnoses. Find expert advice over the Doctor Anywhere app for a variety of clinical areas, including depression and anxiety, youth and adolescent issues, relationship issues or couple counseling, workplace politics and career counseling, and corporate coaching. Our psychologists are available online by appointment. Book your 60-minute online session today.



How to schedule an online consultation on the Doctor Anywhere app?


Did you know that many types of health conditions can be treated over teleconsultation? For example, suitable conditions for an online video consultation with a doctor include treatment for common illnesses, such as the flu or cough, and check-ups and medication refills for chronic disease management.


Doctor Anywhere (DA) Philippines provides teleconsultation services with a selection of general practitioners, mental health experts, and specialists, allowing you to see a licensed doctor anywhere you are just by using your phone. Our doctors can prescribe a wide range of medications if necessary, and you can conveniently purchase medications through the app after your consultation and have them delivered to your doorstep.


You can also get a medical certificate at no additional fee following your online video consultation, but it will only be issued if the doctor deems it necessary. Online medical documents such as prescriptions, medical certificates, referrals, and more, will be securely stored on the app.


To book an online appointment, follow these 3 easy steps:


1. Download the free Doctor Anywhere app, and create an account.


2. Select the service you require under "Virtual Consultation" – it could be General Practitioner, Specialist, or Mental Health. 


3. If you would like to consult with a general practitioner, you may see a GP on-demand or book an appointment by tapping the calendar icon. For specialists, choose your preferred healthcare provider and select a date and time.



Doctor Anywhere also accepts COCOLIFE Healthcare, EastWest Healthcare, Etiqa, Fortune Life, Generali, Health Maintenance Inc. (HMI), iCare (Insular Health Care), Lacson & Lacson Insurance Brokers (LLIBI), Maxicare, Medicare Plus, and WellCare Health Maintenance. If you are a member of one of these HMOs or health insurance companies, *link your membership program to Doctor Anywhere to enjoy your telemedicine benefits—fully covered online consultations via the app, with no need for a letter of authorization (LOA)! Here’s how:


1. On the main screen, press "Continue" under "Membership & Health Plan"  


2. Choose "Link Your Membership"  


3. Pick your HMO or insurance provider from the list.


*Visit our website for instructions on how to link EastWest Healthcare, WellCare Health Maintenance, and Medicare Plus memberships.



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