The new normal in health care

We know how health care is an important issue for everyone, something wanting in our society. The rise of telemedicine tries to answer this gap. Since the pandemic, Filipinos have turned to telemedicine, not by choice but by necessity.

They have discovered even today, with the pandemic hopefully behind them, that health care does not have to begin at the hospital lobby; it begins with a mere tap on the mobile screen. Telemedicine has firmly established itself as a practical, reliable and increasingly preferred way to seek medical attention for non-emergency cases. Whether it’s a mother asking a pediatrician about her child’s persistent cough or a young professional consulting a primary care physician for recurring headaches and body aches, online consultations have become a part of everyday life, especially in the post-pandemic era.

Telemedicine platforms like KonsultaMD, NowServing, mWell and Doctor Anywhere (many are available and reliable – take your pick) are helping lead this shift by offering 24/7 on-demand access to primary care physicians, even on holidays, with a mere five-minute or less wait time. Additionally, scheduled video consultations with specialists across various fields and mental health experts are available daily. These services bring more than just convenience. They also enable faster, more accessible health care for common health concerns. As more Filipinos turn to online consultations, this shows a shift in how people take charge of their health.

To better understand the health needs being addressed through online consultations, for reference, Doctor Anywhere’s 2024 data highlight the top five most in-demand specialties: dermatology, ear, nose and throat (ENT) care, obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN), pediatrics and pulmonology.

Pulmonologists often manage cases of asthma and recurring respiratory infections, while ENT specialists are frequently consulted for conditions like tonsillopharyngitis, pharyngitis and the common cold. OB-GYN consultations typically focus on pregnancy-related concerns, abnormal uterine bleeding and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). In dermatology, the most common concerns include acne, eczema, contact dermatitis and skin rashes. Pediatricians, on the other hand, commonly treat upper respiratory infections, viral illnesses, skin infections and diarrhea.

Aside from these specialty-specific conditions, many common illnesses and chronic conditions can also be effectively treated through online consultations. Patients can seek help for common illnesses such as fever, cough, sore throat, laryngitis, flu, sinusitis, cold sores, headaches and red eye. Chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, migraines, gout, painful menstruation, chronic back pain and even cancer are also regularly managed through online consultations. In some instances, patients may receive treatment for related ailments linked to these chronic conditions, such as heart disease and peripheral artery disease.

Commonly prescribed treatments include sinus relief, dry cough medicine, fever reducers and over-the-counter medications for mild symptoms. Antibiotics for bacterial infections and allergy medications are also frequently prescribed, particularly for respiratory and ENT concerns. For chronic conditions, medications for gout, arthritis pain and diabetes management remain in high demand, reflecting the ongoing need for maintenance treatments. There’s also an increasing focus on gut health, with prescriptions for probiotics and related treatments. Through the Doctor Anywhere app, patients can easily order their medications after their online consultations and have them delivered to their homes, removing yet another barrier to accessing health care.

While most users of Doctor Anywhere are based in Metro Manila, a growing number are coming from nearby provinces and other urban areas like Cavite, Cebu and Davao. This expanding reach highlights how telemedicine is a practical solution for bridging gaps in accessing health care, especially for those who may have limited options for in-person consultations due to distance, time constraints or mobility issues.

The largest user group is between the ages of 20 and 40, with the highest concentration of users among adults aged 25 to 35. This reflects the health care needs of young parents, professionals and tech-savvy individuals, who are more likely to turn to digital platforms for both urgent and preventive care.

These trends align with data from the World Health Organization (WHO), which identifies lower respiratory infections and maternal conditions as leading causes of death in the Philippines. But many of these health issues can be managed through teleconsultation, especially for routine follow-ups and early intervention. For patients with chronic illnesses, regular online check-ups can help improve long-term health and lower the chance of more serious complications.

More than just revealing patterns, the data show where care is needed most and how technology is helping to meet that need. The growth of telemedicine isn’t just about convenience. It’s about giving people real access to health care, even when hospitals or clinics are far or hard to reach. With reduced travel time, shorter wait periods and simpler access to doctors and medications, platforms like Doctor Anywhere are making health care more accessible, cost-effective and patient-centered, all while improving the overall health care experience.

In the spirit of transparency, let it be known that it is Doctor Anywhere that I am most familiar with as my family has used it.

If you are a first time user, check if your HMO is accepted on Doctor Anywhere, link your membership in their app and your video consultations will be fully covered.

*      *      *

Email: [email protected]