Employee Benefits
Teleconsultation
A teleconsultation is a medical consultation with a registered doctor by video, audio or chat instead of an in-person clinic visit.
What is a teleconsultation?
A teleconsultation (also called an e-consultation or online doctor consultation) is a medical consultation that happens remotely – through video, voice call or chat – between a patient and a registered medical practitioner. The doctor takes a history, may review reports or photos, gives advice, and can issue a prescription where appropriate.
In India, telemedicine practice is governed by the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines issued in 2020, which set out how registered medical practitioners may consult remotely, including rules on patient consent, identification and which medicines may be prescribed in a teleconsultation. Doctors follow these guidelines and any updates by the medical regulator.
What teleconsultation works well for
- Common illnesses such as fever, cold, cough, acidity or minor skin issues
- Follow-up visits and reviewing test reports
- Chronic condition check-ins (diabetes, blood pressure, thyroid)
- Specialist opinions, for example dermatology, paediatrics or gynaecology
- Diet, lifestyle and mental health consultations
Teleconsultation is not suitable for emergencies such as chest pain, breathing difficulty, severe injury or signs of stroke. In those cases, call emergency services or go to the nearest hospital. A teleconsulting doctor may also advise an in-person visit if a physical examination is needed.
Why it matters for employers
Teleconsultation removes common barriers to seeing a doctor: travel, waiting time, taking leave, and cost. It is particularly useful for:
- Field, remote and shift employees
- Employees in smaller towns with limited specialist access
- Family members, including elderly parents, if included in the benefit
When combined with OPD benefits, lab test booking and medicine delivery, teleconsultation can make everyday care far more accessible.
Example
A sales employee travelling between cities develops an itchy rash. Instead of searching for a dermatologist in an unfamiliar city, she opens her benefits app, books a video consultation with a dermatologist, shares photos, and receives an e-prescription. The medicines are delivered to her hotel, and a follow-up teleconsult is scheduled a week later.
Key takeaways
- A teleconsultation is a remote consultation with a registered doctor.
- In India, it follows the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines issued in 2020.
- It is ideal for routine care, follow-ups and specialist advice, but not emergencies.
- Explore our employee OPD benefits and teleconsultation services.