Japan to allow 1st-time patients to receive medical services online

It’s going to be difficult to push a swab up the patients’ noses online..

Japan to allow 1st-time patients to receive medical services online

What about follow ups? I have chronic condition that requires me to use medication. I go to the doctor once every two months, asks a few perfunctory questions, writes the script and I get the meds.

Really dont want to go to the hospital right now! and this could be easily done over the phone,

I wonder if the service will be offered in any language other than Japanese.

Do they actually talk to a doctor or some sort of questionare or AI not?

I'm not sure I understand how telemedicine works. Maybe if it is just to get a prescription refilled, I could understand the doctor sending it by email. But an examination? What if I am feeling sick? I want to be examined. I may need a blood test, give a urine sample, have an X-ray, MRI, or whatever. How can a doctor determine that just by asking questions online?

I much prefer going to my local clinic in Tokyo. The doctors and staff are all professional and there is no waiting time since I can make an appointment beforehand. And they can do all the necessary tests there, unless it requires a specialist.

@yubaru same here, every 2 months get tested GFR arteries etc refresh meds,

grateful for the system but in this crisis shouldn't have to go

What about follow ups?

I’m on monthly medical receptionist prescription renewals for a chronic condition. If you don’t need the exam, then maybe your clinic can do the same for you. I’m exempt from needing to see my specialist or get an exam, I just need to see the front desk medical receptionist at the neurology clinic to get a new prescription printed out. The prescription is for pain relieving opioids and other things that can only be given out in a maximum of one month supply. It’ll be interesting to see if they can switch that online too.

This service is for first time patients according to the article.

Im skeptical for a couple of reasons. Firstly, in most complaints, doctors are trained to spot many possibilities by visual contact and physical examination. For example, a patient may present with one symptom, but a blood/urine might find other hidden conditions that require early intervention.

Secondly, many patients have some emotional/psychological reason to seek help. Not getting such an in person examination could lead to serve depression, abuse, or even suicide.

the great advantages are preventing patients from being sat next to virus infected patients, emailed repeat prescriptions would save ｍasses of time,.

It’s going to be difficult to push a swab up the patients’ noses online..

As it is, many of the quacks will give you antibiotics and painkillers without taking a swab of anything.

as well as those who have tested positive for the coronavirus but show light or no symptoms and are self-isolating at home

Very interesting when they are refusing to test people. I've been showing symptoms and have been through so many tests. However, the hospital refuses to tests me because I am not severe enough. I'm severe enough to be hooked up to a ventilator and in need of breathing assistance but not severe enough to be tested for COVID-19

Good move to help people avoid contamination at hospital or just fear and not take proper medecine renewal prescription.

Finally. Long overdue..

Ah, ok. First-time, not the first time. Nothing better soon or later.

Having regular Dr. visits for medical prescriptions, usually monthly, now I can get 3 mos. prescription issued and filled. However, so far Drs and Hospital "require" a face-to-face visit before writing a prescription. I called the hospital 3 times and even reported to the Prefecture Corona Virus center to see if they could get the hospital to do a direct order to the pharmacy for me based upon my medical records. But no chance, they wanted a face-to-face with the doctor. The nurses that I talked to were not very happy with my calls as they could only tell me that it was the policy which they could not change.

Therefore, I just went to a Major Hospital (my regular) yesterday on the city bus to get my prescription. There were 1/3 of the normal crowding and only 60% or so with masks, but all hospital staff including volunteers that I usually talk to had masks. The wait time was far shorter than expected and otherwise normal operation. Amazingly all were very patient and exercised social distrancing, although not exactly 2 meters.

If the government can authorize for 1st time patients, they could and should do for regularly visiting patients that requaire standard medication for known illnesses for which they keep a detailed record on each patient anyway.

If your temperature is 38, press 1. If your temperatureis 39, press 2 ...

If you don't know what your temperature is, press 9.

Can't this be even more automated?

Surprised there isnt a medical vending machine to stick in ¥500 and get a defibrillator that will work on its own, with machine telling you where to put it. "That was 3 charges. To charge heart again, please insert ¥500 more."

gaijintravellerToday 08:18 pm JST

If your temperature is 38, press 1. If your temperatureis 39, press 2 ...

If you don't know what your temperature is, press 9.

Can't this be even more automated?

Could be a chatbot.

https://blog.brewinteractive.com/best-chatbots-in-singapore

We are planning on releasing prefecture-by-prefecture lists of medical facilities where the services are available," said Katsunobu Kato, minister of health, labor and welfare, during a press conference.

Why first timers? It seems a good idea but one needs to question the motive and timing of this plan.

As One would expect this service to be for those already on regular medication as the doctor already knows the confition of the patient.

Here is how it is done in Italy. (In Japanese)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtAUtRImma0

Telemedicine finally reaches Japan. Welcome to the 21st century.