Best Teleconsult & Online Medical Consultation Services in the Philippines

Last Updated – Aug 14, 2023 @ 10:54 am

Only a few decades ago, having a phone or video call consultation with your doctor was unheard of. Today, telemedicine has become a normal part of people’s lives, and a rising number of healthcare professionals and institutions now offer this service via apps and websites.

This is not something new to the Philippines. Digital technology has been leveraged to give healthcare services since the SARS epidemic in 2003, as well as the MERS-CoV in 2013¹. However, it was only during COVID-19 when its popularity grew dramatically.

The Philippines Department of Health and the National Privacy Commission has collaborated to provide free telemedicine services to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country. Since it started, over 70,000 virtual consult sessions have been provided to various patients throughout the Philippines.²

Another Telehealth platform, KonsultaMD, also saw growth during the pandemic, with participating doctors rising more than 18 times.³

The popularity of telehealth platforms is set to continue even after COVID-19. Although it won’t entirely replace face to face consultations, it’s a great starting point to provide convenience to millions of Filipinos who want to stay healthy in the “new normal.”

If you want to know more about Online Medical Consultation Services in the Philippines, you’ve come to the right page.

What is Telehealth?

Telehealth is defined as the delivery of healthcare services and information anywhere and anytime via digital technology, by healthcare professionals and institutions. It can also be simply defined as healthcare through technology.

Telehealth is used to enhance the quality of healthcare services and improve patient outcomes, cost efficiency, and convenience. 

Telehealth brings so many advantages and benefits to people who want to avail of medical services. It can cover the healthcare needs of people of all ages, even in the most remote areas in the country. It can also be used for medical emergencies or urgent care, as well as monitoring.

Related: Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Filipinos

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Why Use Telehealth services?

Here are some of the reasons why you should take advantage of telehealth services.

It provides real-time healthcare

Telehealth is the best mode to connect and get a real-time consultation from a doctor almost anywhere. With the help of technology, you can speak to a healthcare professional without much effort.

You can also get your healthcare concerns addressed immediately, and get your prescriptions filled through one platform.

It collects data efficiently

Telehealth tools have the capability to capture accurate patient information. It is more effective than traditional healthcare systems which may have data entry errors.

More importantly, the information about patients can also be readily accessed by health professionals, while still ensuring patient privacy.

It’s effective for patient monitoring

Telehealth allows doctors to monitor a patient’s status by processing health data collected by wearable devices.

This can be a more accurate method to determine the existing health condition of a person than manually checking the condition of the person.

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What is Telemedicine?

Telemedicine is a form of telehealth. It refers to the delivery of health care in a way that is structured similarly to traditional doctor-patient clinic settings that most people are familiar with.

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Why Use Telemedicine services?

Here are some of the reasons why you should take advantage of telemedicine medicine.

Easy access to specialists

Thanks to telemedicine, you can consult with top specialists even if you are in another country, or are located in a remote area.

Consulting with specialists can be a problem with clinics and hospitals since you have to travel from one place to another just to see the doctor or wait for days, weeks, or months to see a specialist.

Location is not an issue even in rural areas

Technology has made everyone’s medical experience more accessible. All you need is to have a device and internet connection, and you can already consult a doctor.

It is helpful for patients with limited mobility

If you have a chronic disease and need to get regular checkups and medications provided, you can do this with telehealth.

Instead of going to the doctor’s clinic regularly, you can simply do this from the comfort of your home. This is extremely beneficial for patients who are unable to travel, such as older adults and people with disabilities.

It can give timely and urgent care

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, you can get urgent care without the need to go to the hospital. Virtual consultations with doctors will enable you to discuss your symptoms and get treatment without any hassle.

It is more affordable

Telehealth services can save you a lot of money. It is more affordable than in-person visits since you don’t need to factor in the cost of traveling.

There is reduced exposure to pathogens

Since you are not getting physical contact with another person, there is less of a chance to contract germs, viruses, and other harmful pathogens. Others would also not be exposed to your risk factors.

Difference Between Telemedicine vs. Telehealth

Telemedicine and telehealth are two terms that are usually interchanged. However, the two are not the same.

The major difference between telehealth and telemedicine is that the former has a broader scope of remote healthcare services compared to telemedicine.

Telehealth can include remote provider training, administrative meetings, clinical services, continuing medical education, and non-clinical services, whereas telemedicine only covers remote clinical services.

Related Guide: Best HMO & Prepaid Health Cards in the Philippines

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Who Can Use Telemedicine and Telehealth Services?

Anyone can use telemedicine and telehealth.  For those who are unable to visit their doctor’s office, it can be a great alternative and help them get the medical attention they need.

It can also be used by people in rural areas, who would otherwise have to travel long distances just to get to the nearest hospital, as well as those who live in areas with limited or no public transportation.

Telemedicine and telehealth are also beneficial for people who cannot travel due to physical incapacities, or because of cognitive decline.

It can also be beneficial for people whose needs should be addressed by specialists, as well as people with chronic illnesses that need ongoing monitoring and treatment.

Related: How to Get Health Insurance in the Philippines

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List of Hospitals with Telemedicine Services in the Philippines

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Teleconsultation Apps & Websites Available in the Philippines

Here are the most reliable teleconsultation apps and websites in the country.

Note: Star ratings were based on the average aggregated user ratings on Google Play Store, Apple App Store and Facebook.

1. NowServing by SeriousMD

• Consultation fee: Varies per doctor (starts at P600)
• Consultation hours: Varies per doctor
• Payment method: debit/credit cards, Maya, GCash, bank transfer and other remittances

With NowServing by SeriousMD, you can find the best doctor you need to address your health concerns. This app’s services also include in-clinic appointments, receiving prescriptions, getting lab results, ordering medicine, and many more.

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2. KonsultaMD

• Consultation fee: Php499 to P999 per year
• Consultation hours: 24/7
• Payment method: credit card, GCash

This is a telehealth membership service that grants you 24/7 unlimited access to doctors without setting an appointment. Consultation can be done via video call or voice anytime.

KonsultaMD has also partnered with various health institutions such as AC Health, Aventus Medical Care, MetroDental, Hi-Precision Diagnostics, and many more to give better services to its clients.

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3. HealthNowPH

• Consultation fee: App is free, consultation fee depends on service (starts at P699)
• Consultation hours: 8am to 5pm
• Payment method: debit/credit card, GCash, voucher codes

This is an all-in-one health app that provides all your primary care needs. Through this platform, you can easily book lab and clinic schedules, and buy medicines conveniently and skip lines at the pharmacy.

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4. Aide-App

• Consultation fee: Php500 to P900
• Consultation hours: n/a
• Payment method: debit/credit card, GCash

This is a Home Health Care Platform in the greater Metro Manila area that provides home care solutions to people dealing with illness or injury. Whether you need appointment based care, or daily health-related attention, you can turn to Aide.

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5. Medifi

• Consultation fee: Php699
• Consultation hours: 24/7
• Payment method: debit/credit cards

This app grants you the convenience to get consults from over 3,000 doctors anytime, anywhere. Your Medifi consultation can be done through video call, chat, or voice.

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6. CloudPX

• Consultation fee: depends on service
• Consultation hours: Depends on doctor’s schedule  
• Payment method: debit/credit card, Maya (sent through a link)

CloudPX is a fully-integrated medical management system that works with CLoudMD, a practice management system doctors use.

This allows you to schedule online consultations to receive prescriptions, medical certificates, and other doctor’s orders directly into your CloudPX account seamlessly.

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7. SeeYouDoc

• Consultation fee: varies per doctor, free consultation available
• Consultation hours: clinic hours of doctors posted
• Payment method: debit/credit card, Gcash, Paypal, Grab Pay

With the SeeYouDoc app, you can skip waiting and get quality health care services in just a few clicks. Online consultations can be done through video calls, and you can get an e-prescription from board-certified doctors.

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8. Kitika

• Consultation fee: Php959 to P3,259 per year, Php350 consultation credit
• Consultation hours: 24/7
• Payment method: BDO, Gcash, Maya

Kitika is a comprehensive telehealth platform that aims to provide equal access to healthcare by offering real-time medical consultations to those who need it.

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9. mWell PH

• Consultation fee: doctor’s fee + Php100 per consultation
• Consultation hours: 24/7
• Payment method: credit/debit cards, Maya

mWell is a health app that aims to be with patients in every step of their wellness journey. Its services include online doctor consultations, as well as assistance to help users reach their health and fitness goals.

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10. Telimed by Medgate

• Consultation fee: Php1,499 per year (individual/parents), Php2,499 (individual, spouse, children aged 6 months to 18 years old)
• Consultation hours: 24/7
• Payment method: debit/credit card

With Telimed by Medgate, you can get hassle-free medical consultation whenever you need. Telimed by Medgate boasts a roster of specialist doctors that are ready to give you the care you deserve. Consultations are done through your mobile phone.

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11. MyPocketDoctor

• Consultation fee: P450 per consultation
• Consultation hours: 24/7
• Payment method: Over the Counter (7/11, Palawan Pawnshop, Cebuana Lhuillier, LBC, etc.)  online banking (BPI, Unionbank, RCBC, etc.), e-wallets (GCash, Grab Pay, etc)

MyPocketDoctor was the first telemedicine app in the country. This app can connect you with doctors for your urgent healthcare needs. The app also offers appointments to a wide array of medicine specialties.

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12. TelAventusMD

• Consultation fee: Starts at Php600 per year
• Consultation hours: 24/7
• Payment method: debit/credit cards, bank transfer, GCash

By contacting TelAventus through email or Facebook messenger, patients can access care from a doctor through online phone or video call consultation. After, an electronic prescription will be sent to the patient as needed.

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13. Generika (Libre Konsulta and Mobile Lab)

• Consultation fee: Free
• Consultation hours: Schedule-based
• Payment method: n/a

You don’t have to go straight to the hospital when you’re feeling sick. Thanks to Generika Libreng Tele-Konsulta, you can get free medical consultations through your phone.

You can also enjoy free consultation from the Generika Mobile Lab throughout the Philippines. Check the schedule to learn more.

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14. TsekApp

• Consultation fee: varies per doctor
• Consultation hours: 24/7
• Payment method: credit/debit card, GCash, Maya

This is a mobile app that helps patients connect with medical doctors through video consultations. TsekApp doctors can make a diagnosis, recommend treatment, and prescribe medication for various medical issues.

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15. MindCare

• Consultation fee: P1,000 to P3,360, P896 to P1,680 billed before the first session
• Consultation hours: varies per doctor
• Payment method: Major payment gateways

MindCare Club is a network of mental health professionals including counselors, psychiatrists, and psychologists in the Philippines. This Telehealth service focuses on mental health  and uses online video conference to deliver treatment and therapy to patients.

First-time patients are required to have a session with a first-step specialist for an assessment before being referred to the most suitable healthcare provider within the service.

Please note that MindCare Club is not meant for emergencies.

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16. Recovery Hub Philippines

• Consultation fee: Minimum of P1,000
• Consultation hours: Varies per doctor
• Payment method: Major payment gateways including OTC (must be settled before the appointment)

This is another telehealth provider in the Philippines that focuses on mental health. Recovery Hub Philippines boasts a team of licensed mental health professionals that provide consultation, treatment, and other services offered by therapists and psychiatrists.

This Cebu-based service offers services through online video calls. You must register on their website and select from their list of doctors to book a session. Then, you can schedule your appointment.