Online doctor consultation (telemedicine)

Online doctor consultation is an innovative technology that provides new perspectives on people's healthcare. In Ukraine, it has official recognition and is legislated. 

Digital technologies make medical care more accessible to patients, regardless of age and at any stage of care: primary consultation, diagnosis, treatment monitoring, observation, and rehabilitation period. It comes with no additional expenses; all you need to conduct a session with a doctor is a phone or computer with a camera and internet access. 

LuxMedic Clinic, a family medicine clinic, allows for the realization of all the beneficial qualities of telemedicine while minimizing the drawbacks of the technology. Our patients have access to a wide range of medical specialties available for online consultation, including services in English.

What is Telemedicine

Legislatively, in Ukraine, it is defined as a complex of measures, technologies, and tools applied during the provision of medical services using means of remote communication, such as the exchange of electronic messages and visual data.

Behind the dry terms lies a true treasure for patients and their families.

Telemedicine offers: 

• Time savings, as the doctor is available right here and right now. 

• Cost savings, as there is no need to travel to the clinic. 

• Safety, with no risk of infection during transport or in a waiting room. 

• Full service, including remote prescription and sick leave notes. 

LuxMedic Clinic patients have access to the most up-to-date interactive online telemedicine technology. Live communication with a professional in the relevant field is available. For instance, it's beneficial for allergy patients; the specialist can see which potential allergens the person is in contact with. 

Types of Consultations at LuxMedic Clinic

We are a family medicine clinic, and we offer a wide range of medical consultations online for our clients and patients, including: 

• General practitioner; 

• Pediatrician. 

• Gynecologist, endocrinologist gynecologist. 

• Dermatologist. 

• Orthopedic surgeon. 

• Neurologist. 

• Allergist. 

• Infectious disease specialist. 

• Dietitian. 

• Oncologist. 

• Rheumatologist. 

• Surgeon, phlebologist surgeon. 

• Gastroenterologist. 

• Endocrinologist. 

• Cardiologist. 

• Mammologist. 

• Urologist. 

• Proctologist. 

• Hematologist. 

• Otorhinolaryngologist, ENT. 

Our specialists will strive to address the issue remotely. Online doctor consultations in Kyiv can be conducted for residents of the region and all of Ukraine.

If this format does not guarantee success in treatment, the consultant will inform the patient, and the patient can schedule an in-person appointment at the nearest LuxMedic Clinic branch. 

Who Benefits from Online Doctor Consultation

The main advantage of telemedicine is the accessibility of medical assistance regardless of distance. Online doctor consultation is useful for: 

• Learning about the results of tests and obtaining a detailed interpretation. 

• Patients with chronic illnesses to monitor their condition and make changes to their maintenance therapy. 

• Individuals with limited mobility, the elderly, post-injury or post-stroke patients. 

• Those who simply do not have time due to a busy work schedule. 

• Families with children, as children feel more comfortable at home. 

• People with weakened immunity. 

• Individuals with respiratory infections, for whom it is not advisable to travel. 

• Those in complex territorial conditions related to disasters or conflict. 

• Those living in geographically remote areas where regular transportation does not function. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, for whom it is difficult to visit the clinic for every little reason. 

It's difficult to list all situations, as life presents numerous challenges. One thing you can be sure of: the clinic's specialist will not harm your health. In situations where video communication may be insufficient, our medical professional will provide guidance on what to do correctly.

With what symptoms and complaints to contact a doctor online

The main advantage of telemedicine is the accessibility of medical assistance regardless of distance. Online doctor consultation is useful for various situations, including: 

• Elevated body temperature, especially in children. 

• Symptoms of acute respiratory infections (ARI) such as malaise, stuffy nose, cough, and sore throat. 

• Digestive disorders include poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Headaches, dizziness. 

• Abdominal pain, lower back pain, joint pain. 

• Non-serious injuries, except open fractures and head injuries. 

• Changes in a patient's condition due to a chronic illness. 

• Decreased performance, chronic fatigue. 

• Mood swings, persistent low mood, depression. 

Organizing an online doctor consultation is easy: contact the clinic by phone as indicated on the website or write to us through the contact form. LuxMedic Clinic offers convenient telemedicine services in Kyiv and in its branches in other cities. 

How an Online Doctor Consultation Works

First, you need to contact the clinic's consultant by phone or using the contact form on the website. Whenever possible, the consultation with the specialist is arranged at a time convenient for the patient. 

Communication with the patient is established through a method agreed upon in advance, such as a messaging app or video chat service. Patients should have their medical documentation on hand, including test results.

For individuals in older age groups, it's advisable to have someone close by to help read and support the video conference. The same applies to online pediatric consultations, where at least one of the child's parents should participate in the conversation. 

The doctor conducts an interview, analyzes laboratory and instrumental findings, and answers the patient's questions. A high-quality camera on the patient's side enhances the effectiveness of the online consultation by allowing the doctor to assess skin color, swelling, and other important parameters. 

At the end of the video call, the doctor provides practical recommendations on what to do and what medications to take. 

Unfortunately, remote consultations have their limitations, including: 

• Unstable connections. 

• Inadequate equipment on the patient's side. 

• Technological or software glitches during the communication session. 

• The need for direct physical contact with the patient, such as palpation.

In such cases, telemedicine is still beneficial. 

Appointments for an in-person visit can be made immediately. However, even when an online consultation cannot address the issue, it is not always necessary to visit the clinic. LuxMedic Clinic offers a home visit service by doctors and nurses for patients.

Sources

1. Haleem A, Javaid M, Singh RP, Suman R. Telemedicine for healthcare: Capabilities, features, barriers, and applications. Sens Int. 2021;2:100117. doi: 10.1016/j.sintl.2021.100117. Epub 2021 Jul 24. PMID: 34806053; PMCID: PMC8590973.

2. Teoli D, Aeddula NR. Telemedicine. [Updated 2022 Sep 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535343/

3. Pooni R, Pageler NM, Sandborg C, Lee T. Pediatric subspecialty telemedicine use from the patient and provider perspective. Pediatr Res. 2022 Jan;91(1):241-246. doi: 10.1038/s41390-021-01443-4. Epub 2021 Mar 22. PMID: 33753896; PMCID: PMC7984505.