I've had plenty of experiences where I had to wait what seemed like forever to see my doctor. Whether it be waiting months for a routine physical, or hanging out longer than expected in the waiting room because he's running behind. Don't even get me started on the hours I've had to take off of work because the only time I could see him is in the middle of the afternoon.
All of these circumstances made me think that a webcam-enabled visit from my doctor would be kinda cool, and a new company called American Well is trying to make that option a reality for the masses. Starting in January, Blue Cross Blue Shield in Hawaii will be offering virtual visits to their members. Patients can log-on at any time, and there will be a physician available for them to ask questions, get advice, and get prescriptions. Kinda like a phone visit, but with some face-to-face interaction. I like this idea since I'm pretty healthy, and I find that most of my appointments end up being more hassle than they are worth.
Blumarine
Star by Julien Macdonald
Suss
I'd even take a phone call...these days that's a major accomplishment.
1I would definitely do it. I hate going to the doctor's office for something so small (like when I have a sinus infection) and waiting all freakin day.
2I could see myself using this for less-serious visits. Like recently I just wanted to talk to my doc about a pain in my ankle, I knew he wouldn't take xrays or anything serious like that, but I still had to take off work, sit, wait, etc. etc. It would have been nice to just log in and tell him what was up.
3Oh for sure! No more old magazines and nerve-wracking wait.
4Hmmm...maybe if I needed a scrip refill or something, but that's it. I'm paranoid about doctors! They barely pay enough attention to you when you come in to the office, I'd hate to see how they'd act online, if you had a medical problem or question!
5My mom just went in for a foot problem and the doc had a chart on his wall of pain symptoms and their causes. She easily diagnosed herself and it was the same thing the doc eventually said. So even though I would like to always see my doctor in person, I don't think it's necessary with the type of office calls docs deal with day to day.
6It depends on the case. For refills, definitely would love to have that convenience of not going to the doctor's office. I hate the long wait too. But for something new or more serious cases, I would like my doctor to see me in person.
7For general checkups, this would be wonderful! I hate having to schedule 2 months in advance for a 15 minute ordeal.
But if I had any specific problem or concern, I need the doctor to SEE me. And feel what's going on, and order the proper tests to rule out anything serious. I'm pretty sure they can't draw blood or do CAT scans over the phone.
I could definitely use an online appointment though. I wanted to go see a specialist...and all the doctors are booked until February! I just need somebody to SIGN A PIECE OF PAPER to validate my prescription! @_@
8*they can't do them over the internet, I meant! =D
I hate we can't edit our posts after we submit them.
9Depends on what's ailing me on whether I need to see the doc in person or not.
10I wouldn't, never, I mean the wrong diagnose rates would go throw the roof, there's things that you can't do over the internet.
11Absolutely not. In my personal situation, that would not be sufficient.
12NO! It's bad enough that I feel like their pussing e out the door the moment I've meet with them. I'm not going to pay them to mulititask too.
13that would be great for certain situations
14For me, since I work in a hospital, it's not a big deal -- getting to a doctor in the middle of the day isn't a hassle, so I don't mind going. I'd much rather see a doctor in person than via webcam.
15most pharmacies do automatic refills so you don't need to go to the doc for that. and unless i'm seriously ill i only go to the doctor for my annual checkups. no way you can do a well woman examine online! so, if i'm paying you $20 a pop to sit in your exam room, i'm gonna do it in person. sounds like the majority of the stuff mentioned for this program are already available on the nurse line! but whatever.
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