Consulting doctor without leaving home, and in less than 5 minutes

To obtain a teleconsultation, a patient downloads a telemedicine app, creates an account and, after answering a few questions, will be connected to a doctor via video link on his device. The cost of a video consult varies with each provider, but is a
To obtain a teleconsultation, a patient downloads a telemedicine app, creates an account and, after answering a few questions, will be connected to a doctor via video link on his device. The cost of a video consult varies with each provider, but is around $20 (not including medication), although some providers have peak period surcharges. ST PHOTO: DESMOND FOO
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The Sunday Times tested out a telemedicine app to see just how easy it would be to get an electronic medical certificate (MC) from the comfort of one's home.

With claims of food poisoning, midnight vomiting, early morning diarrhoea, and persistent nausea and lethargy, this reporter contacted a doctor over the phone.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on September 08, 2019, with the headline Consulting doctor without leaving home, and in less than 5 minutes. Subscribe