Find a Doctor on Call Online

You may know the phrase “doctor on call” from hospital workers who specialize in a service and are available all night, or doctors who make house calls on their patient’s schedule. Being “on call” means that you are available to work if necessary, no matter what time it is or what you are doing; if you are a doctor on call and have a patient that needs your help, you provide the necessary treatment at their convenience.

Today, it is actually quite easy and cost-effective to find a doctor on call online. With the rise of videoconferencing technology and innovations in healthcare, telemedicine has created a system that can immediately connect patients to hundreds of doctors all over the nation, if not all over the world. It is an innovation that is completely changing healthcare, and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become a great option for anyone trying to stay at home and avoid contact with strangers.

Telemedicine: Online Doctors On Call

Telemedicine is a real-time virtual interaction between doctors and patients. Originally created to connect rural communities to trained and licensed healthcare professionals, the telemedicine industry has slowly grown into an exciting innovation in the healthcare world and has become a resource for anyone who has access to the internet. However, it is important to note that telemedicine consultations are not a replacement for your primary in-person care provider; instead, it is meant to be a supplement to address minor concerns and symptoms.

The technical definition of telemedicine is the remote treatment and diagnosis of patients using specific and secure telecommunications technology. Telehealth and telemedicine are defined very similarly and often used interchangeably, but telehealth is a broader set of services than telemedicine. Telemedicine is only clinical medical services, whereas telehealth refers to remote clinical and non-clinical services, including provider training and informational or educational sessions. Regardless of which term you use, telemedicine allows patients to use their smartphones, computers, or tablets to find and schedule appointments with real doctors who can offer them the treatment they need.

Benefits of Consultations with a Virtual Doctor on Call

The convenience of doctors on call is unbeatable. From the comfort of your own home, and on your own schedule, you can find and connect with certified healthcare practitioners who can give you the treatment and medicine that you need. Not only is it more convenient than an in-person doctor’s appointment, but it is also a far more affordable option than a traditional visit to a doctor’s office, which can cost hundreds of dollars.

When you want to see a doctor in person, you have to call in and schedule an appointment that fits in their hours. Because so many doctors are busy, you likely have to call months in advance in order to get a consultation. However, telemedicine services will almost always have immediate appointment availability, and a select few are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so they can help you whenever you need it. No more waiting in a doctor’s office for hours; telemedicine consultations are fast and easy to schedule.  And, you don’t have to schedule and pay for transportation because the online doctors on call will help you from wherever you are, whether you’re at home or on the go.

How To: Find a Doctor On Call

Thankfully, most telemedicine services have already made great strides to make their doctors accessible, and their platforms easy to use. When you’re ready to schedule a consultation with a virtual doctor, determine which telemedicine provider you want to sign up with. Each provider varies slightly in the services offered, as well as other factors; for example, some telehealth providers might offer membership plans or subscriptions. Some may be open 24/7/365, while others have more specific hours, such as your typical doctor’s office might have. The most important thing to consider when you sign up with a telehealth provider is that they are legitimate and trustworthy and that you’ll actually talk with a doctor after payment.

It is quite easy to find a doctor on call online. You may be asked to fill out personal information and details about your symptoms and medical history when you are signing up and scheduling an appointment. After you sign up or make an account with a telehealth provider, all you have to do is go to their scheduling or appointment page to find a time and a doctor that works well for you. Request the consultation, and you will receive an email or notification with further instructions explaining how you can connect with the doctor when the time comes for your appointment.

Whether this is a link to follow that will bring you to a secure, HIPAA-compliant video conference or directions on how to access a chat function with your doctor, all you have to do is follow their instructions in order to be connected in live time with a real, licensed doctor. Once connected, you will be able to see, hear, or read questions from your virtual doctor. It is important to answer their questions thoroughly and honestly so that they can assess your symptoms accurately and suggest an effective treatment option for you. If deemed necessary, they will write an e-prescription to be picked up from your local preferred pharmacy. Yes, it’s really as easy as 1, 2, 3!

Frequently Asked Questions!

Are the doctors on call real people?

Yes! The doctors you talk to online are just as qualified, if not more than the doctors you would meet in person. Some telemedicine providers require their staff to take a specific certification in remote diagnosis and treatment. Hence, the doctors you talk to online are qualified and equipped to diagnose your symptoms remotely and even write prescriptions to treat your medical conditions or concerns.

How much does it cost to talk to an online doctor on call?

This depends on a variety of factors, such as your insurance provider and the reason you schedule a virtual consultation. For example, longer appointments addressing mental health concerns are typically a bit more expensive than a quick general consultation. Also, because of the rise in popularity of telemedicine services, many insurance providers now offer full coverage for virtual consultations, so many people can benefit from virtual consultations at no extra cost to them. If you are uninsured, you can expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $99 for a telemedicine appointment; however, this varies from provider to provider.

What can a virtual doctor on call not write a prescription for?

The prescriptions that online doctors can write depend on local and state regulations. Most telemedicine services cannot prescribe DEA-controlled substances, including Adderall and Xanax. Telemedicine providers also may not be able to prescribe muscle relaxants and medical marijuana.

Is telemedicine safe?

Absolutely! Telemedicine is a safe and effective way for doctors to deliver high-quality health care to patients all over the world. However, telemedicine is not appropriate for every situation or health concern. Suppose you are experiencing an emergency medical situation or something that is life-threatening. In that case, it is recommended that you dial 911 or go to your local emergency room or urgent care facility immediately. Telemedicine is only a safe treatment option for non-emergency, common, and minor symptoms and concerns.

Where to Find a Virtual Doctor On Call

You may feel overwhelmed by the countless number of options when it comes to telemedicine providers. Don’t fear; we’ll make it easy for you. When you’re ready to enjoy the benefits of a virtual medical consultation, consider signing up with Telegra MD. Our network of highly qualified doctors all have at least 15 years of experience in the medical field, and they offer services for over 50 minor and common conditions and illnesses. Your health and safety are important, and they should not be on the back burner. Our doctors put patient care and happiness before anything else and will ensure that you receive the best of the best when it comes to diagnosing and treating your health conditions.

Our network of doctors on call is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all 365 days a year. At Telegra MD, we put patient care as a top priority, which means that you will receive high-quality and individualized medical attention. The Telegra MD doctors are friendly, compassionate, and informed, so all of your questions and concerns will be addressed before the consultation is over. If you are uninsured, you can still sign up and schedule an appointment, and we have affordable consultation options so that you can still connect with a doctor and get the medical treatment you need.