Teleconsultation with Medgate Philippines

Telemedicine is a healthcare model established years ago for hospitals to extend care to their patients in hard to reach and remote areas. Since then, though not all Filipinos are aware that the Philippines has one, it is considered as an efficient and convenient model of care.

Medgate is the leading international provider of telemedicine, with operations in Switzerland, the Middle East, and Australia, it is now in the Philippines – The Medgate Telemedicine Center.

This service gives us, runners and fitness enthusiasts, an alternative way of getting consultation and medical advice for common sports injuries that do not require emergency care. There can be Achilles Tendonitis, Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS), Plantar Fascilitis, Runner’s Knee, or Shin Splits.

Teleconsultation Experience

I just called to consult regarding a (run-induced) itching on the face and neck after a short run around Makati.

As I called the consultation hotline, a nurse answered, asked some questions to make sure I am are not calling for a medical emergency. He got all my symptoms and was put on hold for a while as he connects me to a physician.

While on hold, instead of hearing music, Medgate are sharing some interesting health trivia

After a few minutes I was connected to Dra. Ramirez. Again, I was asked some standard questions to make sure that it’s not an emergency call. The consultation went as one you would get in a clinic, only over the phone.

The cause could be some pollutants or pollens. Intense exercise, may also cause clogged sweat glands resulting to itching. I was given some recommendations like wiping off the sweat that clings to the face or neck during runs, checking on the clothes I wear and also to watch out for my food intake before I exercise. The doctor also made sure that if I develop hives (which I usually do not get), difficulty in breathing or swelling (face or tongue), I should immediately seek for medical attention by visiting a doctor.

Thankful to know that this itching is not a reason to hang up my running shoes and I’m not allergic to running and exercise!

How to Avail of Medgate Telemedicine Services

At Medgate Philippines, getting help, with medical professionals can be done in just 3 easy steps:

1. Call the reception desk at (02) 705 0700 and inform them about the symptoms you are experiencing. A nurse will answer the call and will all need these together with your personal details and HMO provider.

Another option is to use the Medgate Ph App. The Telemedical assistant will get back the proposed time for you to accept the video call.

2. Send photos of affected areas via email or via the app, as applicable.
3. Wait for the medical team to discuss the diagnosis and ideal treatment for your condition. The doctor can also email what has been discussed over the phone if you wish to have a copy of it and can issue a prescription if necessary.

When additional laboratory exams are needed, the doctors will send the request via email and patients can go to their HMO accredited diagnostic facility.

Telemedicine is beneficial during these times considering traffic and travel expenses. There’s also no need to line up and wait for your turn when visiting a clinic. With Medgate Philippines, it is good to know that now we have a world-class, non-emergency medical advice, quickly and easily, anytime, anywhere.

Medgate Philippines service is currently available for those with HMO (health maintenance organization). For those without any HMO, retail access is possible for Php 2,000 for 1 year of unlimited consultations.

Medgate Philippines Telemedical Consultations numbers:

Manila – 02 705 0700 | Cebu – 032 265 5111 | Davao: 082 285 5111 | Dumaguete – 035 522 5111 | Globe – 0917 536 2156 | Smart – 0998 990 7540 | Sun – 09257147794