(SPOT.ph) More than a year into the pandemic and we're still advised to stay home as much as we can. Hospitals are the most at-risk places, especially since wards are at critical capacity.
So if you have a non-urgent medical issue that needs attention, it's best to use telehealth services from the comforts of home. Doing so decreases your risk of exposure to COVID-19 or prevents the further spread of the virus if you're COVID-19 positive.
These are the teleconsultation services in Manila for mild COVID cases, mental-health check-ups, or other health concerns:
COVID-Related Consultations
Bayanihan E-Konsulta
Price: Free
How to access: Facebook Messenger
In an effort to help alleviate the stress on the healthcare system during the pandemic, the Office of the Vice President launched Bayanihan E-Konsulta on April 7 to cater to both COVID and non-COVID patients within the NCR Plus bubble. The Facebook page is accessible with free data, since you only need to send them a message through Facebook Messenger.
It's run by medical and non-medical volunteers who facilitate communication between patients and doctors. Consultations are only available from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with volunteers dealing with any remaining backlog on weekends.
The Office of the Vice President also sends out free COVID Care Kits that include medicine, medical supplies (thermometers and oximeters), a monitoring sheet, disinfecting supplies, and food.
The Medical City's COVID-19 Teleconsultation Services
Price: P1,000
How to access: The Medical City's (TMC) website
TMC started offering COVID-19 teleconsultation services on April 26 for patients who are suspected of or positive for COVID-19, have mild or moderate symptoms, awaiting test results, or are completing self-isolation. All you have to do is visit their website and look for the TMC Remote Care option under the Online Services tab. You can book your physician for a TMC COVID Consultation (available daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.) or opt for the COVID Home Care packages.
The latter has three options: a three-day program for patients received by the hospital but advised to do home isolation (P13,000), a 10-day program that's recommended for COVID-19 patients who need close monitoring, which includes a laboratory panel for tests like complete blood count, urinalysis, and other tests as requested by the assigned doctor, plus an on-site visit (P65,000); and a three-day program for patients who can't visit the hospital but need laboratory panel and RT-PCR test (P33,390). All payments are done via credit or debit card.
St. Luke's Medical Center Telemedicine Service
Price: P800
How to access: 0919-065-3019 or 0947-993-8210
St. Luke's Institute of Pulmonary Medicine offers online consultations for suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases. You can call or e-mail either of their branches in Bonifacio Global City (0919-065-3019 or [email protected]) or Quezon City (0947-993-8210 or [email protected]) to schedule a consultation. Lines are open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Mental-Health Concerns
Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychological Services
Price: Free
How to access: Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychological Services' Google Form
The Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychological Services of the Ateneo de Manila University offers free counseling services for adults aged 18 and above. You don't need to be a student at the university.
You can set up an online appointment through their Google Form, but with the growing demand for counseling and limited number of responders, you may have to wait up to three weeks to get a slot. Services will be conducted within one or two sessions; each meeting is aimed at equipping you with coping strategies to better handle the pandemic.
Mindcare Club
Price: P1,000 to P3,360
How to access: Mindcare Club's website
Mindcare Club, launched in October 2019, is a telemental health service with a network of mental-health psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors in the Philippines. Initial assessment is at P896, then you'll be referred by the triage officers to the most appropriate mental-health professional (counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist) that you need. Their rates range from P1,000 to P3,360. Take note that this service is not for emergency situations.
Recovery Hub Philippines
Price: Rates vary per doctor (minimum of P1,000)
How to access: Recovery Hub Philippines' website
Recovery Hub Philippines is based in Mandaue City, Cebu, but they're accessible to any Filipino in need of counseling through online video calls. To book a session, you need to register through their website and browse through their list of doctors in the Psychiatrist / Psychologist section. You can use Google Chrome on your laptop or mobile device on the day of your appointment.
Consultation for Other Non-COVID Medical Issues
AIDE
Price: Rates vary per doctor
How to access: AIDE mobile app (Google Play and App Store)
If you can't come to the doctor, the AIDE mobile app lets the doctor come to you. They recently upgraded their system to feature online consultations with specialists, from OB-GYNs to pediatricians. Licensed physicians can also do home visits for vaccinations, including the quadrivalent flu vaccine, rotavirus, and pneumonia. You can also book COVID-19 tests through the app. AIDE is available on Android and iOS.
KonsultaMD
Price: P499 (annual subscription)
How to access: KonsultaMD mobile app (Google Play and App Store)
KonsultaMD provides online consultations at a cheaper price by offering 12-month subscription plans. Packages start at P499/year, including unlimited voice consults, 12 video consults, benefits given by their partners like Generika Drugstore and Hi-Precision Diagnostics, and issuance of online prescription, medical certificate, and laboratory requests. The service is available 24/7 and gives you access to licensed doctors with various specialties, from general medicine to psychiatry.
Makati Medical Center HealthHub Teleconsultation
Price: Rates vary per doctor
How to access: 8888-8999 local 2189 or 2832
You can set an appointment with your Makati Medical Center doctor through the MMC HealthHub Teleconsultation. Patients who use this service should already have visited the MMC doctor prior to the teleconsult or have an existing doctor-patient relationship. The medical issue should not be an emergency, and should not require physical assessment and diagnostic procedures.
If you qualify, just call their hotline at 8888-8999 local 2189 or 2832 or e-mail [email protected] to schedule a session, then pay through PayMaya, GCash, Alipay, and other online banking options. A Zoom account and app are needed for the actual consultation. MMC's MedExpress is also accessible through Viber at 0998-583-6987; they can deliver your medicine so you can stay home.
Asian Eye Institute
Price: P800
How to access: 8898-2020 or 0917-800-9103
If you need a quick consultation with an ophthalmologist, the Asian Eye Institute offers teleconsultation services. You can call their hotline at 8898-2020 or 0917-800-9103; expect a call with the coordinator before your appointment. The service is available daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also get new specs through their online shop though you may have to schedule a quick clinic visit for prescription lenses.
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Spot.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Reportr.world editors.
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