I have 4 kids. I used to get lost in a medical maze of terror when some weird symptom came up - which would be just about every day in my family. How about you? An online doctor consultation would be a welcome relief, right? Maybe you’re dealing with a migraine (again), or maybe your kid has a weird rash. It’s all too easy to get lost, hitting that Google search button over and over again or scrolling through endless terrifying articles.  

Before you know it, you’re weeping and pricing a casket. Meanwhile, your headache is gone and your kid’s rash is all cleared up, but you’re too lost in certain doom to realize it.  

There is a better way, my friend.  

What if you could email a physician to get reliable answers to your burning medical questions? A Doctors Online service is a resource that gives you quick access to a specialist via email or app. You can turn to psychologists, dietitians, dentists, personal trainers, pharmacists and all different kinds of specialists. Now you can have an online doctor consultation and get real, valid answers from experts who know your specific situation, test results, medical history, etc.

Check out these three ways a Doctors Online service is better than random online searches or your Aunt Helga’s sure-fire diagnosis and remedy via Facebook message.

1. Credible Sources of Information

A Doctors Online service gives you THE best source of information for your symptom checking: actual medical experts. While you can find articles quoting medical experts, reading an article about a few symptoms is a far cry from having a real medical professional answer your specific questions. Googling results can't replace an online doctor consultation.

Because the doctors have the luxury of not responding instantaneously, they can call on experts within their wide-reaching network of other specialists, teaching hospitals, and specialty centers. This makes their responses personal, timely, and amazingly well researched. Plus, if the member has a follow-up question the next day, they’re just another email away.

Online information can get outdated in a hurry, too. Studies and research are constantly informing professionals of new developments. It’s much better to talk to a person who’s staying up-to-date with news and information related to your symptoms. 

2. Maintain your Anonymity

Doctors Online lets you interact on a somewhat anonymous basis. That means that even the most embarrassing symptoms don’t have to be shared face-to-face. You can get the peace-of-mind information you need without worrying about anything coming back to haunt you.  

Are you wondering what type of questions you can ask? Below is a sample…

• A dog bit me while I was jogging. The owner says his shots are up to date. Should I be concerned?

• This is a picture of an odd-shaped growth on my arm. Is it bad? Any ideas?

• My doctor told me not to worry about a nodule on my thyroid. Should I be concerned?

• My recent blood test is attached. My white cells are low. What does this mean and what do I do?

• My knee hurts when jogging. Can I rehab it myself?

• I lost my mom and best friend last year. I have no energy & gained 25 lbs. I think I’m depressed. Can you help?

• I’m scheduled for my first angiogram next week. What should I expect? 

3. Ongoing Dialogue with a Professional

Ongoing dialogue with your friends and family is great for most things: daily life, exciting moments, memories, helpful input on a variety of life experiences, losing a sock in the dryer, etc.  

But there’s a limit to a layman’s knowledge. Your friends may love you and be there to freak out with you, but they can’t necessarily diagnose you. The ability to have an ongoing dialogue with a professional gives you the input you need without the emotional drama you don’t need. 

Come on, be real: what was the last symptom you Googled? Did you freak out a little bit? We’ve all been there, but we need solid information to take care of ourselves and our families. With a Doctors Online service, you can have a real conversation with a real professional and get accurate insight you can use.  

Now it’s your turn! Have you used a Doctors Online service? Do you have questions? Feel free to post them in the comments below or email me at adam@freshbenies.com.