I have cough and colds for 2 weeks now. The worst part is that my nose is clogged most of the time and it’s affecting my hearing. I also have stubborn phlegm that doesn’t want to come out no matter how hard I cough. I went on sick leave yesterday just to rest some more.
I also wanted to see a doctor but knowing how it is in hospitals and clinics with the long lines and waiting time, I was having second thoughts. And then I remember MEDGATE being introduced by our HR team not so long ago. I was not able to attend the roadshow but a friend said it’s having the convenience of calling in to speak with a doctor. And so I tried it yesterday.
I first registered online via their website. But to be able to register, your HMO provider must be affiliated with them.
After the registration, I called their hotline. I was able to talk to a nurse. He first asked me about my personal information and medical history. He also asked me what I needed consultation for. After that, he transferred me to a doctor.
The doctor asked several questions to ensure that she’ll give me the correct prescription. Questions vary from when it started to what exactly was I feeling during the call, medications taken and medical history of the family. After the series of questions, she provided her prescription and care plan. The care plan contains the diagnosis or impression, the doctor’s recommendations, and medication summary. She also asked me to repeat it to ensure that I understood everything. The care plan and prescription were emailed to me. The doctor also scheduled a follow up call after two days to check on my health’s progress. How cool is that?
After speaking with the doctor, I was transferred back to a nurse who reiterated the doctor’s care plan. The nurse also requested for a survey, so I was asked several survey-related questions.
I also learned that they can deliver medicines. Lowest price is Php 250.00 with a Php 50.00 delivery charge. Not bad for convenience and especially if you really don’t have the energy to buy the medicines. But I was not sure of the cost of my medicines so I did not avail of it.
Overall, I was very happy with my first experience with them. I was able to get prescription without leaving home. Part of my care plan is to run to the nearest hospital if my condition gets worst. I also need to see an ENT for my ears to get checked to ensure that the hearing loss is just related to my clogged nose. So I guess they still only handle the most common illnesses with obvious symptoms. Other than that, their recommendation would still be to go see a doctor face to face.
Maybe the only thing that was awkward was the survey at the end of the call. Well maybe because I don’t want being put on the spot for such things hehe. I prefer having a link to answer later on. Plus, the consultation with the doctor takes a while (I spoke with the doctor for about 10 minutes), and that’s draining as well. They are talking with patients who have lesser energy at the moment and may not be able to provide appropriate feedback at that moment because they are not feeling well. So maybe, this is something they want to reconsider.
But again, as I said, I am glad there is another option nowadays for doctor’s consultations for sickness that aren’t too critical. For sure, I’ll use this facility again but I hope it’s not too soon hehehe.
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