FAQ

Anyone interested in their health and wellness can raise a web-based teleconsult at Reallysick.sg.

For our general practitioner service, anyone with non-urgent conditions is suitable. However, those below 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent / guardian during the video consultation.

Teleconsultation is a convenient option for many health concerns but may not fully replace an in-person consultation. If you feel you require immediate medical attention or a physical examination, we recommend seeing a doctor in person. A physical examination is also advisable if your symptoms persist or worsen, to ensure a comprehensive evaluation and rule out other potential causes.

Menstrual cramps can often be assessed by video teleconsultation, particularly where the pattern is familiar and there are no concerning features. The doctor will review the severity and timing of pain, bleeding pattern, associated symptoms, pregnancy possibility, medical history and current medications, then advise on management.

Whether any medical certificate, medication or referral is appropriate is a clinical decision made by the consulting doctor on proper medical grounds following assessment, as required by the SMC Ethical Code and Ethical Guidelines.

In-person assessment is advised for severe or sudden pain, pain different from your usual cramps, unusually heavy bleeding, fainting, fever, possible pregnancy, or pain with vomiting.

A fever can often be assessed by video teleconsultation. The doctor will ask about your temperature and how long you have had it, associated symptoms, hydration, breathing, rash, recent travel, existing conditions and medications, then advise on management and whether in-person review is needed.

Before the consultation, measure and note your temperature, list your symptoms and their duration, and have your NRIC or FIN and current medication list ready.

Seek in-person or emergency care instead of an online consultation for breathing difficulty, chest pain, drowsiness or confusion, a stiff neck or severe headache, a rash that does not fade under pressure, persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down, reduced urine output, fever in an infant under 3 months, or fever in someone who is immunocompromised or pregnant.

Influenza and flu-like illness can often be assessed by video teleconsultation. The doctor will review your symptoms and their duration, fever pattern, breathing, hydration, existing medical conditions, medications and any recent travel or contact history, then advise on management and whether testing or in-person review is needed.

Note that antiviral treatment for influenza is most useful when started early and is not appropriate for every patient; whether it is indicated is a clinical decision.

Seek in-person or emergency care for breathing difficulty or breathlessness, chest pain, coughing up blood, confusion or drowsiness, bluish lips, inability to keep fluids down, or symptoms that improve then worsen again with a returning fever.

Uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection in a non-pregnant woman can often be assessed by video teleconsultation. The doctor will review your symptoms, their duration, any previous episodes, pregnancy status, medical history and current medications, then advise on management and whether urine testing or in-person examination is needed.

Attend a physical clinic or emergency department instead if any of the following apply:

1. Below 12 or above 65 years old
2. Male UTI as it is rare and more complex
3. Unprotected sexual activity
4. High fever
5. Back pain
6. Persistent vomiting

Whether antibiotics are appropriate is determined by the consulting doctor. Antibiotics are not suitable in every case, and inappropriate use contributes to antibiotic resistance.

Cough, sore throat, blocked or runny nose and other upper respiratory symptoms are among the most common reasons for online consultations at Reallysick.sg. These symptoms can often be assessed by video teleconsultation, where the doctor reviews your symptoms and their duration, fever, breathing, chest symptoms, medical history and medications before advising on management.

Most colds are viral and improve with supportive care; antibiotics are not usually indicated and whether any medication is appropriate is a clinical decision.

Seek in-person or emergency assessment for breathing difficulty or wheeze, chest pain, coughing up blood, bluish lips, high fever that persists beyond a few days, symptoms lasting more than about 10 days or worsening after initial improvement, or if you have asthma, COPD or reduced immunity.

Gastric discomfort, indigestion, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea are among the more common reasons for online consultations at Reallysick.sg. Mild cases can often be assessed by video teleconsultation, where the doctor reviews the site and nature of the pain, duration, hydration, bowel symptoms, food history, medical history and medications.

A physical abdominal examination is not possible during a teleconsultation, which limits assessment of abdominal pain. The doctor will explain this limitation and advise in-person review where an examination is needed.

Seek in-person or emergency assessment for severe or worsening abdominal pain, pain localised to one area or the lower right abdomen, blood in vomit or stool, black tarry stools, persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration such as reduced urine output or dizziness on standing, high fever, a rigid or swollen abdomen, chest pain or pain spreading to the jaw or arm, recent abdominal surgery, or pregnancy.

You can use this service from anywhere in the world. However, please note that any medical certificates (MC) will be issued under our service based in Singapore. The consultation will primarily provide a medical opinion, and billing will be processed in Singapore Dollars (SGD).