[Q&A] To Receive Telemedicine, Medical Institution Request Required... Visiting for Medication Pickup Is the Principle

From the 1st of next month, non-face-to-face medical consultations will be transitioned into a pilot project. According to the principle of 'follow-up visits as the main focus,' except for certain cases such as patients on islands or remote areas, those with mobility difficulties, and confirmed infectious disease patients, non-face-to-face consultations can only be received if there has been prior face-to-face consultation experience. The changes in non-face-to-face consultations after the implementation of the pilot project are summarized in a Q&A format.

Non-face-to-face medical treatment stock photo. [Photo by Asia Economy DB]

- Who are the eligible patients for non-face-to-face consultations?

▲ Patients should check whether they qualify for the pilot project and, if eligible, request non-face-to-face consultation at a medical institution. Chronic disease patients must have had at least one face-to-face consultation for the same condition within the past year, and other patients must have had a face-to-face consultation within the last 30 days to be eligible.

- Who are allowed limited first-time consultations?

▲ First-time consultations are limitedly allowed for patients living on islands or remote areas, elderly people aged 65 or older who have been certified for long-term care grades, registered disabled persons under the Disability Welfare Act, and confirmed infectious disease patients in isolation. Medical institutions participating in the pilot project are required to post their participation status in easily visible locations for patients. Patients should check whether non-face-to-face consultations are available at their usual medical institution.

- How are non-face-to-face consultations handled for pediatric patients?

▲ If there is prior face-to-face consultation experience, non-face-to-face consultations can be received at the same medical institution where the consultation was previously conducted. If there is no prior face-to-face consultation experience, non-face-to-face consultations are available during holidays and nighttime hours (6 PM to 9 AM the next day), but prescriptions cannot be issued in this case.

- How can patients receive their medications?

▲ Patients can freely designate the pharmacy to which the prescription will be sent, considering the possibility of dispensing and convenience of receiving the medication. In principle, the patient or their guardian must visit the pharmacy in person to receive the prescribed medication. However, for patients on islands or remote areas, those with mobility difficulties, confirmed infectious disease patients, and patients with rare diseases, home delivery can be arranged through consultation between the pharmacist and the patient.