Online Doctor Consultations vs In-person Consultations in South Africa

Healthcare in South Africa is experiencing a transformative shift as people weigh the benefits of online doctor consultations and in-person doctor consultations. South Africans are often looking for a “doctor around me”, whether looking for a doctor in person near where they live or work or an online doctor app that’s always close by on a smartphone. 

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With the increasing accessibility of virtual healthcare with online doctor apps, it's important to understand the dynamics of these two approaches. 

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Choosing between online and in-person doctor consultations is a crucial decision to make. So, we spoke with one of our healthcare experts, Dr Chido Siame, regarding online and in-person medical consultations, offering her valuable thoughts to help South Africans make informed choices about their healthcare needs.

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Meet Doctor Chido

We had the pleasure of interviewing Doctor Chido Siame, our Clinical Care Lead at Kena Health, to explore common questions about virtual and in-person doctor sessions.

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So, who is Doctor Chido Siame? Dr. Chido is dedicated to ensuring the delivery of top-tier care and fostering the professional growth of telemedicine practitioners at Kena Health.

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A passionate medical professional, she's committed to enhancing healthcare access for underserved populations. Dr. Chido's background in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Pretoria, complemented by ongoing Public Health studies at the University of the Western Cape, equips her with the expertise to blend clinical knowledge with a devotion to public well-being.

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With a diverse career, including roles as a Doctor Clinician, OVCY Clinical Technical Advisor at FHI 360, and Hospital Team Lead at Broadreach Healthcare, Dr. Chido excels in clinical care, technical guidance, and program management. Her accomplishments include international conference presentations, TV news interviews, and contributions to cutting-edge medical protocols.

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So, keep reading for helpful information that Dr. Chido shared with us.

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What are the benefits of having online doctor consultations?

Okay, online doctor consultations offer convenience, accessibility, and timely medical advice. They remove geographical barriers, reduce wait times, and provide a secure platform for discussing health concerns. 

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Patients can access expert guidance from the comfort of their homes, promoting early diagnosis, treatment, and overall healthcare efficiency.

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What are the benefits of going to in-person doctor consultations?

So, in-person doctor consultations are crucial, especially in emergencies. Specialists can perform immediate assessments and interventions, saving lives and treating complex or rare medical conditions. In-person visits also facilitate hands-on examinations and diagnostic tests.

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When is it necessary to have an in-person check-up from a doctor?

Interesting question, so in-person doctor check-ups are essential for preventive healthcare, chronic disease management, and monitoring overall well-being. 

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It's necessary to see a doctor annually for routine check-ups, as well as when experiencing new or persistent symptoms, managing existing conditions, seeking vaccinations, or as recommended by age and medical history for early detection and timely intervention.

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How much does an online GP doctor consultation cost in South Africa?

The cost of an online doctor consultation varies between apps and platforms in South Africa. Kena Health offers online doctor consultations for R235, including nurse consultations. Simply download the Kena Health app and follow these easy steps to get started.

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How much does a physical GP doctor consultation cost in South Africa?

Seeing a GP doctor in person can cost about R500 or more per consultation.

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How do I make an online doctor's appointment?

It varies depending on the platform or app. For example, an online doctor’s consultation with the Kena Health app does not require an appointment; simply log in, register and consult in minutes with these quick, easy steps.

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Where can I chat with doctors online in South Africa?

There are various online doctor apps and websites that offer online medical services in South Africa, including the Kena Health app.

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When should I go to the hospital instead of having an online doctor consultation?

Please go to a hospital in case of emergencies, including injuries and suspected severe, potentially life-threatening medical conditions.

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For example, if you're having chest pain, perhaps that's not the first place you should go, or you're having trouble breathing. An online consultation is not the first place you should go, and you should go directly to a hospital.

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Also, if there's an injury as well, suspected injury, an online consultation might not help you that much because the doctor's not able to examine physically, and then obviously you would need to go for an x-ray anyway if it's that kind of thing, or if you need sutures, that's something that needs to be done in person.

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How do I choose the best online doctor for my consultation?

The ‘best online doctor’ depends on what suits your needs and wallet best. Things that could help you choose a doctor include: 

• Ensuring that the doctor is registered with the HPCSA is essential 
• Personal recommendations or reviews from people who have used the doctor or service
• The cost of their consultations 
• Their operating hours
• The availability of appointments when you need them

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How would an online doctor diagnose and treat me without physically seeing me?

It's remarkable how skilled clinicians can effectively manage numerous common primary healthcare conditions using a high-quality, tech-enabled online platform or app that facilitates seamless communication between clinicians and patients.

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Our clinicians aim to understand a patient's symptoms comprehensively. Patients can articulate their symptoms through text, voice, video and by sharing images within the online doctor app.

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These audio-visual tools enable our doctors to provide clinical diagnoses for many routine conditions, including STIs, UTIs, respiratory tract infections, and more.

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Additionally, visual examination is often unnecessary for contraception renewals, advice, and mental health counselling.

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Suppose our clinicians deem it necessary to conduct physical tests or provide referrals for in-person treatments. In that case, they can generate referral and pathology letters accordingly.

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How do I find the best doctor near me if I need to see someone in person?

So, to find the best doctor near you for in-person consultations, follow these steps: 

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Ask for recommendations from family, friends, or colleagues who have had positive experiences with local doctors. 

• Confirm which doctors your medical aid covers to minimise out-of-pocket costs. 
• Use reputable online directories or websites that list healthcare providers. 
• Consider doctors affiliated with reputable hospitals or medical facilities in your area. 
• Look for doctors specialising in that field if you have a specific medical condition or need. 
• Read patient reviews and ratings online to gauge the doctor's reputation and patient satisfaction.
• If you have one, ask your GP for recommendations based on your medical history and needs. 
• Explore the websites of potential doctors to learn about their education, experience, and services offered. 
• Choose a doctor you feel comfortable with and confident in their level of expertise. 

Remember that the best doctor for you may vary depending on your needs and preferences, so take your time to make an informed decision.

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In the evolving world of South African healthcare, online and in-person consultations offer opportunities and challenges. The decision between the two depends on individual preferences and healthcare needs. 

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South Africans can make informed choices to ensure their well-being and access the best healthcare solutions by understanding both approaches to medical care.

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Thanks, Chido!

We had a superb time chatting with Doctor Chido about pill prescriptions and other interesting topics. We look forward to catching up again soon.

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The choice between online and in-person consultations with doctors in South Africa depends on individual preferences, healthcare needs, and circumstances.

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Online consultations offer convenience, affordability and accessibility, while in-person doctor visits are essential under certain circumstances. 

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The future of healthcare likely involves a combination of these methods, ensuring that patients can access the care they need in the most suitable way for them.

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Download the Kena Health app.

Do you need an online doctor consultation? Download the Kena Health app and talk to a nurse and doctor in a few minutes.