Telemedicine

Telemedicine involves the use of telecommunication technology to provide clinical services to patients without an in-person visit. It allows health care professionals to assess, diagnose and manage patients at a distance using electronic device and software. It is becoming an increasingly important part of the western world healthcare infrastructure, and over last few years near all leading hospitals in United States, such as Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, Massachusetts General Hospital and Cleveland Clinic, and healthcare networks worldwide, for example National Health Service (UK) and Canada Health are utilizing telecommunication technology for delivering healthcare.

Recently, due to the ongoing COVID – 19 pandemic, many countries and leading healthcare systems all over the world have allowed telemedicine clinics, conducted by video- or voice-call, to temporarily replace face to face consultations. Telemedicine can now be used for new patient consultations as well as for follow-up visits, management of chronic conditions, medication management, specialist consultations and a host of other clinical services remotely via secure video and audio connections.

Telemedicine is ideal for following type of patients:

  • Those who are living in rural areas or isolated communities,
  • Patients that have limited mobility, time, or transportation options, and
  • Patients that are worried about exposure to potentially contagious infections

Benefits of telemedicine include:

  • Less time away from work and family
  • No travel expenses or time
  • Privacy
  • No exposure to potentially contagious infections

Tools You’ll Need

  • Smartphone with internet or strong WiFi signal and WhatsApp software for video consultation
  • Telephone (landline or mobile phone) for audio consultation.

Tips for a Successful Telemedicine Consultation

  • Make sure you are prepared for the consultation at least 5 minutes before the scheduled time.
  • Conduct the video call in a well-illuminated room so your provider can see you.
  • Be in a quite setting, away from other people. Turn off background television, music or radio noise.
  • Make sure you are appropriately dressed.
  • Make sure the space is private, so you can discuss personal medical information.
  • If you have hearing or language issues, arrange a translator to assist you, during the consultation.
  • If find using a smart phone or tablet device difficult, ask an attendant to help you during the consultation.
  • Write down any questions for your provider before the visit.
  • Have a paper and pen ready to take notes.
  • Test your device prior to the visit.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I schedule a telemedicine consultation with a specialist?
You can book a telemedicine consultation appointment by calling the hospital helpline.

What do I do the day of my video visit?
Here are some suggestions that may help you prepare for a telemedicine consultation.

Can my family join me during my video visit?
Yes, patients can invite loved ones to participate in the telemedicine consultation.

Who can perform telemedicine consultation?
List of services that offer telemedicine consultations are given here.

What if I don’t have a smartphone, or I do not wish to participate in a video call?
Patients, who for some reason cannot participate in a video consultation, can utilize the option of audio telemedicine consultation. The health care provider will call you on your landline or cell phone.

What are the charges for the consultation?
Kindly call our helpline to learn about the fee structure: UAN: (042) 111 155 555

 

Are video visits secure?

The telemedicine program at SKMCH & RC is currently using WhatsApp for video consultations. These video calls are encrypted, which means that only the two devices involved in the conversation can access the shared data.

Your information and safety are carefully protected when you use telemedicine services, just as they would be during an in-person doctor visit. Each transmission is secure and compliant with all traditional privacy regulations.

You may also connect with your provider via telephone.

 

How do I pay for the consultation?

Payments for the consultations can be made using one of the following options;

Credit or Debit Cards:
You can pay online through your credit or debit cards at www.shaukatkhanum.org.pk/vmc

Online Transfers or Cash Deposits:
You can submit cash or transfer booking fee to any of the following Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust bank accounts:

Account Title: Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust

  • Bank Alfalah Limited (A/c 00391002883531)
  • MCB Bank Limited (A/c # 00776 01 01 0016828)
  • Faysal Bank Limited (A/c 01172007010149)

Easypaisa
You can also send the booking fee through easypaisa mobile account or from any of the 70,000+ easypaisa shops nationwide.

Note: For all online transfers, cash deposits or Easypaisa payments, a copy of the payment deposit slip or transaction ID must be forwarded to the following email address bs4@skm.org.pk or by SMS/WhatsApp to the following number +92 301 1185423, together with your six-digit Hospital Medical Record (MR) number.

 

What are the charges for the consultation?

Kindly call our helpline to learn about the fee structure: UAN: (042) 111 155 555