A doctor’s visit can cost you an arm and a leg regardless of whether or not you have medical aid.
Imagine you didn’t have to go to the doctor. Imagine you could access a medical practitioner on your phone.
Well, there’s no longer a need to imagine because the technology is already here.
By simply downloading apps like Unu Health and October Health you can have access to nurses and doctors who can assist you with both mental and physical health issues no matter where you are.
“Telemedicine and virtual healthcare may seem intimidating at first, but they are designed to enhance your healthcare experience,” says Tania Joffe, CEO of Unu Health.
“Unu Health’s innovative app puts medical care at your fingertips, offering a convenient, private and extremely affordable way to manage your health. Embrace this technological revolution and regain control over your health with confidence.”
While the services you have access to in the Unu Health app is mostly free, consulting a nurse or doctor isn’t.
The cost however is far less than what you would pay if you had to physically see a doctor.
The cost of their consultation fee is as low as R179.
You can, however, get a health check and health score for free.
The app itself is free and it is zero rated, meaning you don’t need data to use it.
The Unu Health app can provide information and readings on your blood pressure, pulse and oxygen levels by simply scanning your face.
The health check tool is verified as medical grade, meaning the results are accurate but always leave a small margin of error with all technology.
After inputting your symptoms you are directed to a nurse or doctor within the app; or it will prompt you to go into a doctor’s office if the online doctors are unable to assist.
“The purpose of digital health/telemedicine is to provide convenience for patients at an affordable price, not to cancel the need for doctors, practices, clinics and hospitals,” says Joffe.
The determination of whether a patient needs to see a doctor in person is based on the severity of their symptoms or illness.
The nurse and doctor will consult with the patient and recommend a physical exam if required.
There are various conditions that doctors can treat online. These include flu or colds, stomach-related issues, eye infections, skin conditions, headaches, contraception and genital conditions.
Following a consultation with the nurse or doctor, they are able to provide a script.
Nurses can prescribe over-the-counter medication and doctors can provide antibiotics and prescriptions for schedule 3 (S3) and over medication.
The one downside of using the app is that unfortunately, you might not be able to consult the same doctor every time you log on.
The doctors work on demand through a rotation system, which means when you log into the app and request to see a doctor, you can do so right away – no need to pre-book your consultation.
For this reason, it is possible, but not likely, that you will see that same practitioner every time you consult.
While the Unu Health app sees to physical conditions it does not yet tend to those with mental health issues.
This is where the October Health app steps in.
Unlike the Unu Health app, this app does not diagnose patients but assists those who are struggling with mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
The app is part of the Mental Health Programme (MHP) offered to Bonitas members within the Fund’s Care initiatives but it is free to use by anyone.
The great thing about the app is that you don’t have to have medical aid to use it.
The app is in no way a replacement for a psychologist.
“The solution is complementary … with a focus on helping people build their mental fitness,” says Alon List, CEO of October Health.
“In the same way that the best athletes in the world develop the right mindset to succeed, we believe that individuals need to invest in their mental fitness so that they can perform at the highest level and unlock their potential.
“We focus on helping individuals improve traits like resilience, mental toughness and high agency. At the same time, we provide them with access to a community to support them through their wellbeing journeys.”
While a person will not be able to be diagnosed using the app, it does offer assessments to help individuals understand what they are feeling and what care they should seek.
The app utilises AI Technology that directs individuals to emergency care if they are in need of additional support.
Since there are no consultations with a professional it means that no medication can be prescribed.
“We believe that individuals should be investing in their mental health in the same way as they are investing in their physical health. You would never expect to run a marathon without training but we expect our bodies to handle trauma, difficulty and uncertainty without investing in our mental fitness. It’s time to change that and work with October Health to unlock your full potential,” List adds.
After creating a profile on the app you have access to a variety of courses and talks you are able to attend virtually.
You are able to do 15-minute guided activities like mindfulness and meditation.
There is an AI-generated counsellor called Luna that you can chat to. This is where you can talk about how you are feeling.
She will then offer tips on how you can deal with those feelings.
The app is a great tool for those who are already diagnosed with a mental health health condition.
It helps to check in every day and assess your moods – whether you’re feeling happy or sad, anxious, or overwhelmed.
This way you can monitor your condition and know when you need to see your psychiatrist or psychologist.
IOL Lifestyle
