Have you sent a child off to college? It’s an emotional and exciting time to watch as they pursue passions, manage hard work – and they’re off on their own for the first time. This can also create healthcare challenges!

Today, I’m sharing how non-traditional access to expert doctors helped our family handle one of those situations.

Running at a great rhythm

Last year, my son Joey was accepted to one of the top music programs in the country. He absolutely loved all of his classes and the opportunity to perform in various ensembles. He plays multiple instruments (show off!) and was selected to participate in both a high-level classical ensemble and a jazz ensemble.

Near the end of the year, he was practicing up to four hours a day to prep for a performance to a panel of professors. This “jury” would determine whether or not Joey would pass his freshman year and be allowed to continue in the program. All of the music program students had to go through this step. The pressure was intense and the music difficult, but Joey was thriving. 

Phone call to mom

A short time before the big performance day, Joey woke up with SEVERE jaw pain. 
He called in a panic. The student health center didn’t have any available time and his pain was getting worse. 

freshbenies Doctors Online to the rescue

I told him NOT to Google his symptoms (it would only cause more worry with impersonal, inaccurate information). Instead, we used the Doctors Online service in our family’s freshbenies membership – a way better option to personally email specialist 24/7 for solid medical advice (you can even attach pictures, lab results, etc.). 

Using the freshbenies member app, we sent a lengthy email with details of Joey’s situation. In a few hours, a doctor responded with specific steps to relieve the pain and inflammation. The doctor’s advice included dosage instructions for an over-the-counter medication as well as alternating heat and ice packs to the affected area.

A beautiful SCORE

Joey followed the treatment plan and his pain decreased significantly. He was able to play in front of the “jury” and passed with flying colors (woo-hoo)! When he came home, he had a checkup with his regular physician. His doctor said the advice we got was spot-on (which we already knew).

Having the Doctors Online service helped us get Joey expert help, fast. Not only was there NO scheduling hassle, but also NO cost to use the service – hey, college is expensive enough already! We avoided an ER visit that would have cost us some MAJOR out-of-pocket cash. Now Joey knows what to do if he has another flare up, and he knows about a GREAT service to use if other issues arise! Just pick up that iPhone and use his freshbenies app (then call Mom, too!)

Now it’s your turn! How do you handle medical questions for a busy family? Comment below or email me at adele@freshbenies.com.