Do it yourself healthcare

There is a growing trend of self-help healthcare, akin to common DIY (do-it-yourself) chores in day to day lifestyles. DIY healthcare opens you up to several choices about your health, but you must always know where to draw the line.

You only need simple tools for DIY healthcare. Some basic level of literacy and an internet enabled device are all that you require. The next thing is to be aware of whatever symptoms or remedies you are seeking.

Armed with these, you can then access many resources and get to treat yourself, almost for free.

DIY healthcare apps have complex algorithms that link your symptoms to possible diagnoses. You will be prompted to seek urgent medical attention if you key in symptoms suggestive of life-threatening conditions. In other cases, simple remedies will be suggested, or over-the-counter medicines that don’t require a prescription.

If any tests are required, you don’t really need to look for a lab. You will be provided with links to online labs that simplify your testing process. The lab will simply send you specimen collection kits and instructions on how to collect the required samples. You then mail back the samples and wait to receive your results electronically, all automatically interpreted and simplified for your understanding. Abnormal results may prompt a call from the lab service, with accompanying advice on the next steps to take.

If what you are ailing from beats computerized algorithms, you will require a formal consultation. No immediate need to leave the comfort of your home or office though. Just search for telehealth consults, and look up a suitable specialist. With the aid of freely available video-conferencing software, your virtual specialist may even get to ‘examine’ you. And your mobile device may even be used for some diagnostic tests, like a tracing of your heart if required. Any formal prescriptions can be sent to you electronically, or just forwarded to an online pharmacy. You just sit tight and wait for the medications to arrive through your door.

DIY healthcare has many advantages. No hospital bookings, waiting or travel required. Your current location will do just fine. The overall cost is lower. You do it all at your own convenience. You may wonder what the use of doctors is in this day and age. They surely are an endangered species, and may not be around for much longer?

You must however be acutely aware of the perils of DIY healthcare. No matter the complexity of automated medicare algorithms, we are still way off before machines can replace human doctors. You will still need to physically see your physician at some point, if only to be sure your DIYs have not missed out anything serious.

DIY enthusiasts out there can get themselves the ‘Doctor-in-an-IPhone’ app developed by the USA’s renowned Mayo Clinic. Only costs USD 50.