As more and more Filipinos are connected to the Internet, it also opens more doors and opportunities to make life more convenient, including health through teleconsultation sites.
Before 2020, teleconsultations were not popularly used in the country, especially in the provinces. However, the global health crisis changed everything for the industry because it allowed users to connect with doctors and other healthcare services without leaving the comfort of their homes and risking their health.
Table of Contents
- What is teleconsultation?
- Advantages of Teleconsultation
- Teleconsultation websites and apps in the Philippines
What is teleconsultation?
Teleconsultation (also referred to as telehealth) is the process of obtaining health consultations through electronic means, especially through the Internet. These teleconsultations can be through a mobile app, chat, or audio or video call. This allows physicians to diagnose and treat patients without physical contact with them.
Advantages of Teleconsultation
1. It’s convenient.
The biggest advantage of teleconsultation is convenience, where you don’t have to go out of your house to go to a clinic and queue in long lines of patients. Through teleconsultation, you can connect with qualified physicians in the comfort of your home, especially if what you’re experiencing does not need immediate attention.
2. You can talk to real professionals.
Teleconsulting sites also provide a means to connect qualified personnel to handle your case and give professional advice and diagnostics. There is no need to search the Internet and self-diagnose only to see worst-case scenarios.
3. You can avoid contact with other people.
Since you’re not leaving your house, you can avoid getting infected by people in clinics or hospitals. At the same time, if you’re the one who is sick, you will not affect the vulnerable people in those health facilities.
Teleconsultation websites and apps in the Philippines
Since 2020, many teleconsultation sites were established in the country. It is also expected to grow as the year progresses and more people become comfortable talking with doctors online. Here are some of the top teleconsultation sites in the country today.
1. AIDE
Chat Consultation Price: Php500 – Php900
Video Consultation Price: Php600 – Php1,000
Payment Method: Debit/Credit Card, GCash
AIDE is a Home Health Care Platform operating in the greater Metro Manila area, offering various services, including doctor visits, at-home diagnostics, nursing care, home vaccination, and consultation. Using AIDE is fairly straightforward:
Step 1: Download the app through Google Play or App Store and select either Chat or Video Consultation.
Step 2: Choose a doctor and their schedule.
Step 3: Wait for the doctor to accept.
Step 4: Make your payment and wait for the confirmation.
Step 5: Go online on your scheduled appointment and proceed to the video call/ chat.
2. Doctor Anywhere
Video Consultation Price: Php550 – Php1,499 (depending on specialization)
Payment Method: Credit/Debit Card, GCash
Doctor Anywhere aims to be true to its name and have a doctor available anywhere for consultations through their app. They offer a wide range of healthcare experts, from general practitioners to cardiologists, pediatricians, dermatologists, psychologists, and more. They are also covered partners with the leading HMOs and insurance. To use Doctor Anywhere:
Step 1: Download the Doctor Anywhere app on Google Play or the App Store.
Step 2: Create an Account.
Step 3: Connect with a local doctor, general practitioner, or specialist.
Step 4: Have the video consult with a doctor.
3. HealthNow
Consultation Price: varies per doctor
Payment Method: Credit/Debit Card, GCash
HealthNow is an all-in-one healthcare platform for your primary care needs that is easily accessible through their mobile app. By using the app, you can consult with a licensed physician, buy prescription medicine, and schedule clinic appointments. To consult using the HealthNow app:
Step 1: Download the HealthNow App through Google Play or the App Store.
Step 2: Click Consult Now from the homepage.
Step 3: Type in your concerns to inform the doctor about your issue before the appointment.
Step 4: Pay for the consultation fee.
Step 5: Enter the waiting room.
Step 6: Start your video consultation with your doctor.
4. Kitika
Subscription Prices: Php700 – Php4,209
Payment Method: BDO Bank Transfer and GCash
Kitika is a subscription-based telemedicine service you can access through Chat, Voice Call, or Video Call via their website. They currently offer three subscription tiers based on your needs and budget, allowing subscribers to access teleconsultations, e-prescriptions, laboratory requests, medical certificates, laboratory packages, and hospitalization access.
5. KonsultaMD
Consultation Fee: Php150 per month (Konsulta Plus Subscription with 12-month lock-in period)
KonsultaMD is a joint venture of Globe Group, AC Health, and Salud Interactiva that provides a one-stop shop for all your healthcare needs. They offer 24×7 Online Doctor Consultations from general practitioners and specialists, diagnostics, as well as round-the-clock pharmacy. They can also help you with e-prescriptions, e-medical health certificates, general health information, and mental health support. To use KonsultaMD:
Step 1: Download the KonsultaMD app on Google Play or the Apple Store.
Step 2: Select Click Consult Now.
6. Medifi
Consultation Fee: Php699
Payment Method: Debit/Credit Card
Medifi can give you access to over 3,000 verified general practitioners and specialist doctors for you to choose from within the comfort of your home. They are also HIPAA Compliant, so you don’t have to worry about your confidentiality and information protection. To use Medifi:
Step 1: Download the app through Google Play or the App Store.
Step 2: Explain how you feel that will better explain your experience to your doctor.
Step 3: Find a doctor by clicking Consult Now. You can search by doctor name or by specialization.
Step 4: Request for a consultation and wait for your doctor.
Step 5: Get medical assistance through chat, photos, and videos.
Step 6: Pay for your consultation through a credit or debit card.
7. mWell PH
Consultation Fee: varies per doctor specialization
Payment Method: credit/debit card, Maya
mWell PH prides itself as the country’s first fully integrated and fully digital health and wellness platform. They offer various services, including 24×7 consultation, mental health services, laboratory, pharmacy, and more. They also advertise having a doctor ready for consultation within three minutes or less. To use mWell PH Consultation:
Step 1: Download the mWell PH app through Google Play or the App Store.
Step 2: Select Consult Now or Consult Later.
Step 3: Select the patient for consultation. It can be for yourself, your child, your parents, or someone else.
Step 4: Identify the reason for your consultation, such as cough, fever, cold, stomach pains, or mind health. You can also attach existing medical records and laboratory results.
Step 5: Choose a doctor, whether a general practitioner or a specialist.
Step 6: Proceed to payment.
Step 7: Patiently wait for the waiting room to join the call.
Step 8: Start the consultation.
Step 9: See the summary of your consultation.
Teleconsultations in the Philippines have come a long way since the pandemic, and they will only continue to improve and expand to other services in the healthcare industry. Hopefully, they will be more accessible in other parts of the country that don’t have a resident doctor.
Have you ever used a teleconsultation app? Share your experience in the comments.