In today’s world, the Internet has been used in every sphere including medicine, as a result, people began opting for online medical checkups instead of traditional in-person visits. Multiple factors such as convenience and affordability of the process contribute to this trend, however, I believe that priority should be given to live consultations with doctors.
To start with, one of the common reasons for the shift to online services is saving time, especially during the pandemic when physical access was limited. Afterwards, some individuals get used to this practice and find it time-saving with some flexibility, when people can book a consultation online and adjust it to their timetable. Additionally, there are not always acceptable conditions at hospitals for people, because most of the time these places are crowded and patients have to wait a long time to get their queue, unlike online consultations which are generally hassle-free. Furthermore, people who belong to the middle or lower class turned to internet check-ups because of lower costs. For example, private hospitals often offer high costs even for minor services, so those who cannot afford them may prefer online options to save money.
In my opinion, this is a negative trend, because people would not only be the victims of online services, but they would also put their health at risk. Due to the increasing number of scammers and practices without a license, there is a high chance of people being deceived, as a result, patients will waste time and money on unreliable websites or organizations. Moreover, some physical tests require physical contact with a trained person, especially certain medical inspections, such as checking heart rhythm and mobility can only be performed through physical contact. Consequently, if a patient has severe health problems that cannot be accomplished online, it is recommended to visit doctors to avoid the chance of being misdiagnosed.
In conclusion, even though it is hardly surprising that people may choose the Internet for medical services because of affordability and flexibility, in my opinion, it is more sensible to confer with a doctor in person to receive optimal advice and avoid the risk of being scammed.