At a glance
Remote medicine is booming. However, telephone advice lines and teleconsultations shouldn't be confused. Here's the difference.
Remote medicine has a bright future ahead of it. However, be careful: telephone medical advice and teleconsultation shouldn't be confused. Here's the difference.
According to figures from Absym - the Belgian Association of Medical Unions -, there were reportedly 10 million teleconsultations in Belgium over the whole of 2020. These figures can be explained by three factors:
- The health crisis (Covid-19)
- The growing number of "medical deserts"
- Belgians' new digital habits
While figures for telephone medical advice are still not widely published, it's a safe bet that they're just as high - if not higher - than those for teleconsultation.
What's the difference between teleconsultation and telephone medical advice?
Medical teleconsultation
Teleconsultation is a digital consultation with your family doctor, another doctor, or a specialist. It's therefore billed in the same way as an in-person consultation. This teleconsultation can result in a medical prescription.
Telephone medical advice is a third-party service, public or private, that lets you get in touch with a healthcare professional. This person will give you health advice and direct you towards a consultation or emergency care if needed. The advisor won't issue a prescription. Call charges may be at your own expense.
According to Dr Devos, interviewed by RTBF, teleconsultation has the advantage of saving the patient time. Indeed, for an in-person consultation, you need to factor in travel time and waiting time on top of the appointment itself.
Teleconsultation and the wider shift to digital formats also mean you no longer need to travel just to renew a prescription. Everything can be handled online in a few minutes. Once again, a considerable time saving for both parties.
The limitations of teleconsultation
- A digital consultation doesn't allow for the "five senses of medicine". For stomach aches, coughs or heart palpitations, it's important for your doctor to physically examine you.
- An "online" consultation also requires you to have the right equipment. A smartphone, a computer, and an internet connection stable and strong enough to support a video call.
These technological barriers are compounded by the fact that many people, especially older people, don't understand much about these tools, due to lack of practice or accessibility.
- "All-digital" also can't be forced on patients. They need to be given the choice. Many people also go to the doctor to maintain a social connection and to get out of the house for a bit.
Telephone medical advice
Once again, speed is the key benefit. The main advantage of telephone medical advice is having someone on the line quickly, regardless of the day or time. This person will take the time to listen to the caller's concerns and guide them towards the next steps.
Telephone medical advice isn't limited to physical ailments. There are many organisations and networks that run helplines, for example for issues around addiction, depression, mistreatment or abuse.
As an example, here are two telephone medical advice lines we all know:
- 112, for emergencies, with an ambulance sent immediately if needed
- 070 245 245, the poison control centre
The limitations of telephone medical advice
Telephone advice can't replace a teleconsultation or an in-person consultation. While some helplines are free, telephone medical advice is often paid for - through a subscription with a health fund or insurer, or via a (phone) bill.
Medicall: telephone medical advice from Redion
Following an illness or hospitalisation, Medicall assistance lets you benefit from the support and follow-up of a Care Manager. This person takes care of organising the essential home services needed for the dependent person and for those living under the same roof.
Medicall also offers an unlimited telephone medical advice service:
- A doctor or nurse on hand, ready to listen to your medical questions or concerns
- Advice from our medical team on treatments and health measures
- Up to 21 consecutive days of follow-up for your medical issues.
Article written in collaboration with We are the Words.
