Telemedicine in Singapore: How to Use It
Discover how to easily see an online doctor in Singapore.
Telemedicine in Singapore has seen rapid growth in Singapore post-COVID. Speedoc has announced a partnership with Parkway Shenton to expand its reach, hot on the heels of a successful round of Series B funding. M1 and Fullerton Health are even deploying telemedicine services for Singapore’s maritime sector powered by 5G connectivity. There are even trials of new telemedicine clinics that run all day and all night. There seems to be a lot of optimism surrounding online medical consultations, and various healthcare providers are following suit. But how can you fully take advantage of telemedicine in Singapore? Find out how below.
How does telemedicine work?
Nowadays, it’s as simple as downloading an app onto your phone or tablet, where you have video consultations with a medical professional. Some platforms, including Speedoc, even allow you to book a doctor visit or a nurse visit on their website, where you can get medical care when you need it. If you want to stay home when you’re sick, you can easily log into a telemedicine app to get a medical certificate for your illness. Rest assured, direct telemedicine providers have qualified doctors on their platforms so you’ll always be getting top-notch advice, all the while skipping the clinic queues.
How to prepare for telemedicine in Singapore?
Whether you’re a business traveller that needs constant medical attention, or a digital nomad that needs referral letters for medication, telemedicine in Singapore can help you with that. To make sure you have a successful and productive virtual consultation with your healthcare provider, here are some of the best practices that you can follow:
1. Choose the right platform
For minor ailments such as a sore throat or a cold, you can check out platforms like Speedoc, Minmed, and Whitecoat. The public sector is catching up too: eligible patients at the National University Health System can use the OneNUHS app, the first telemedicine platform for public healthcare in Singapore. If you need medical services outside of normal business hours, the Ministry of Health has a list of approved telemedicine providers who are able to provide telemedical services 24 hours every day. There are platforms that specifically focus on mental health too.
That said, not all medical conditions can be treated over video consultations. Chronic diseases and conditions with severe pain may still require in-person care for a more accurate diagnosis. Visit the A&E emergency medical department, or dial 995 for an ambulance immediately when you have a life-threatening condition that may require emergency attention, such as:
- Sudden onset of weakness, numbness, or slurred speech
- Head trauma
- Broken bones
- Severe burns
- Large open wounds
- Severe blood loss
- Choking
- Shortness of breath
2. Prepare Ahead of Time
While this isn’t a Zoom meeting for work or your classes, preparing ahead of time will go a long way to make sure your online consultations will always be fruitful. Think of a telemedicine appointment as if you were meeting your doctor face-to-face. So prepare for your consultation by gathering all necessary medical records, medications, and a detailed list of any symptoms you’re experiencing. Jot down any burning questions or nagging concerns you’ve got for your healthcare provider, and don’t forget to record the medical advice too.
3. Find a Quiet and Private Space
Choose a quiet and private location for the telemedicine consultation. If you’re home with your children at your Singapore condo rental, perhaps you can retreat to your bedroom so they won’t disrupt your call. To improve communication with your healthcare provider, try to reduce distractions and interruptions. A well-lit area and a stable internet connection are necessary for optimal video and audio quality, especially when you need to show skin rashes or any skin irritation to the doctor.
4. Test Equipment and Connectivity
While you may not be live-streaming a game, consultations through video call of course require your equipment and internet connection to be in top form so that you can stay focused. So make sure your device is ready to capture, listen, and speak! Check that your camera, microphone, and speakers are all in perfect working order. Also, test your internet connection to avoid any potential technical issues during the consultation. If you’re especially prepared, always have a backup device ready in case of any issues.
5. Dress Appropriately
While you may be at home, it is important to dress appropriately for your telemedicine consultation. That creates a professional environment, where you show your consideration and respect towards your healthcare provider’s time and expertise.
6. Be Transparent and Honest
To get the most effective advice, you need to openly communicate your medical history, current health status, and any symptoms you’re experiencing. This also applies when you need sexual health advice, where some may feel uncomfortable sharing certain details. That said, it’s best to stay honest, even if you haven’t been adhering to prescribed treatments and medications.
All that communication goes both ways. If you need more clarifications and details, you can always ask the medical care provider during the telemedicine session. Effective communication ensures that your healthcare provider understands your concerns and addresses them effectively.
7. Payment and Insurance for Telemedicine in Singapore
For most providers of telemedicine in Singapore, they often accept cashless payments, be it from debit cards or credit cards. Also, don’t forget that there are delivery charges for your medicine delivery on top of your prescription. Most of the time, you’ll get the payment details, along with your medical certificate, be it via email or within the platform.
When it comes to medical insurance, some insurance companies have partnered with the various telemedicine platforms in Singapore. If you’re working full-time in Singapore, you can check if your employer covers the cost of telehealth. Check with your insurance provider if they cover costs on the telemedicine platform you use.
Speedoc: Healthcare Made Easy
The future of healthcare is here. Receiving quality medical care should never be a hassle. You shouldn’t have to wait for hours at the hospital, nor figure out where, when, and how to get the right care.
With Speedoc, their end-to-end care system will connect you with qualified medical professionals, whether you need in-person or remote monitoring.
Enjoy partner rates with Speedoc today with these exclusive codes!
• MetroRes2023 – Book a health screening (from $90) or a food allergy test (from $183).
• MetroVIP2023 – Consult a doctor over a video consultation call for $11.88 only (via the Speedoc app)
