Sick leave avoided with virtual GP service

Marie Sampson shares her experience with Teladoc Health’s Virtual GP service on a Saturday when she needed medical assistance.

“Our company takes great care of its employees and frequently reminds us of the benefits available. When I fell ill on a Saturday, feeling worse by the hour, I recalled the service we had access to and decided to try it.

It was fantastic because it was so straightforward. I quickly logged in and received a message stating that a doctor would reach out within a specific timeframe. Within an hour, I received a call from a lovely doctor who offered to chat with me right away, which was terrific. She prescribed me antibiotics for an issue I had with my ears, as I had nearly lost 90% of my hearing. The doctor advised me to schedule an appointment with my regular doctor on Monday to check for a possible burst eardrum, which I suspected had occurred after I sneezed and heard a pop, leading to silence in one ear.

That afternoon, I went to my local pharmacy, got my prescription filled, and saw my doctor on an emergency basis the following Monday. He confirmed that the antibiotics would help and explained that my cold and flu symptoms were causing some blockage, contributing to loss of hearing. He also noted that my eardrum was delicate but intact.

Thanks to the antibiotics, I avoided a week off work, saving me from taking sick leave. The service proved invaluable.

Mental Health Support Available

It provides a quick and efficient way to consult with a medical professional—whether for immediate medication or alleviating concerns, including mental health issues. Even if someone hesitates to see a counsellor directly, they can speak with a medical professional who can guide them appropriately.

I encourage anyone hesitant to try it to know it’s easy to use, efficient, and invaluable. Many struggle to reach doctors or medical staff; even contacting a pharmacist can be challenging. Living in West Wales can make it even more challenging to access care.

Excellence Employee Support

I would recommend using this service, as it offers excellent employee support. The process is simple and leads to positive outcomes, providing prompt treatment.

I also want to highlight how effortless it was to collect my prescription at the pharmacy. I initially worried about potential issues, but the process was seamless. When I arrived at the pharmacy, I handed over the code from my mobile, and they quickly processed it without any hassle. It was literally that easy.”