AMWELL: Online Doctor Visits In Minutes

Dear fellow mom: When was the last time you went to see a doctor? Or rather, how long have you been wanting to see one? I just gotta tell you that you’re not alone in this dilemma. It’s really hard to plan for a doctor’s appointment and end up waiting in line all afternoon instead of doing the chores and getting the kids on time for their scheduled naps.

And so we find “Dr. Google” so to speak, to be a convenient go-to consultant for any ‘minor’ health problems we may have. And in all fairness, Google has served me well, leading me to great health websites which I need to read and comprehend well before I could figure out what I need to do to remedy my anxiety or mild skin irritation, and to outdated forums talking about a digestive problem which I’m not sure if it’s exactly what I was having. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate Google a lot, but it was still time-consuming to read through a lot of information before I could decide on a treatment.

So I ask you again, fellow mom: Have you heard of telemedicine? Yes, that word exists! Did you know that you can now consult a REAL, licensed doctor online? And the best part of it is that you don’t need to schedule an appointment. AmWell doctors are available 24/7!

American Well is a well-known telehealth company which works as a platform for connecting licensed doctors, dietitians and psychologists to patients. It’s like a virtual clinic! But like I said, the best part is you can simply “walk in” at AmWell and find the available doctor you need to have you properly checked, diagnosed and prescribed with. Here are some of the common concerns you can raise with an AmWell doc:

• Bronchitis
• Cough 
• Sinus infection 
• Sore throat 
• Urinary tract infection 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Fever 
• Pinkeye 
• Flu 
• Sprains and strains 
• Cold 
• Respiratory infection 
• Headache 
• Depression 
• Anxiety 
• Weight concerns 
• Smoking cessation

I know it sounds unusual at first to see a doc for the first time via your webcam, but these reasons made so much more sense to me as a mom as to why telehealth is awesome:

• It’s cheaper than going for an actual visit to the physician. Aside from the lower professional rate at AmWell, I get to save money from gas or from getting a taxi ride to the clinic.
• It’s more accessible. Simply from the touch of my smartphone or tablet! AmWell doctors are available 24/7.
• It’s more convenient and time-saving. No queueing! I don’t need to wait in line, and I get to stay at home and rest (and do mommy tasks), instead of traveling to the clinic.
• It’s more reliable than self-diagnosis from searching online. Thank you Google, but I find better peace of mind from a human medical practitioner now. I get the right prescription right away, instead of having to search through forums and information websites.

You also need to know that consulting with an AmWell doctor is HIPAA compliant, and your privacy as an outpatient is strictly respected.

Our readers have an awesome opportunity to try Amwell for a $1!  Yes, just use the coupon code HEALTHY4

This is a sponsored conversation from Mums the Word Network and Amwell. All opinions are my own.