However, the condition is shrouded in stigma, despite high prevalence rates in society, preventing some patients from seeking treatment in health facilities. Fortunately, you can now consult certified ED specialists online and receive prescriptions discreetly. However, you should follow the simple guidelines below to ensure you get affordable, comprehensive treatment and authorized medications.
Consider The Online Doctor’s License
The first step to finding ED treatment online is ensuring you get a prescription from a qualified source. ED has many causes and varying severity levels that may require specialist examination and unique therapies.
You can get a diagnosis and treatment from a qualified primary care practitioner (PCP), who will evaluate your medical and sexual history before prescribing medication. However, PCPs may also refer you to specialists like urologists and endocrinology if they deem it necessary.
Urologists specialize in the male reproductive system while endocrinologists specialize in hormone-related diseases; the experts diagnose and treat ED underlying causes resulting from their specialization areas.
However, regardless of a doctor’s specialization, they must be board-certified with a valid practising license. In Canada, provincial and territorial authorities confer licenses to practising doctors.
Prioritize Patient Privacy Laws Compliance
If you are looking for an online doctor to ensure discretion and avoid social stigma, then unauthorized access to your medical records is the last thing you want. Therefore, ensure that the online platform you select adheres to consumer privacy laws in your jurisdiction. Privacy laws offer guidelines on patient privacy, and the strategies healthcare providers must employ to protect electronically processed and transferred health information.
In Canada, the Personal Information Protection & Electronic Document Act (PIPEDA) governs all data privacy issues in the Canadian private sector. The law came to be in 2000 in response to the need to foster consumer trust in –e-commerce platforms.
However, it now applies to all private sector industries beyond e-commerce, including the health sector. The law governs personal data collection, use, and disclosure, giving you the right to know which data organizations collect and how.
Establish Service Cost And Whether The Medical Platform Accepts Insurance
Healthcare is typically a costly affair, and the case is no different for erectile dysfunction therapies. ED pills prices begin from $10 per pill, depending on the medication type and dosage.
Unfortunately, ED pills fall under lifestyle pills along with treatments for non-life-threatening conditions like skin conditions and dental care, so most insurance plans don’t cover them.
However, insurance may cover up to 80% of non-prescription drug treatments like vacuum pumps and penile implants. Therefore, inquire whether your healthcare cover provider covers ED treatments, and if they do, ensure you select an online doctor platform that accepts the health cover.
Alternatively, consider platforms that offer affordable ED consultation and treatment packages. You can also view affordable monthly subscriptions should you need a follow-up or desire to switch medications. Finally, look out for online ED discount coupon codes that allow you to lower your out-of-pocket cost.
Consider The Wait Time
Besides fulfilling your need for discretion, seeking ED treatment online also spares you the hassle of in-person doctor appointments. However, online appointments do not automatically mean convenience, as some platforms do not offer same-day appointments.
Therefore, prioritize seeking services from platforms that offer on-demand, same-day appointments and give timely guarantees. Timeliness is a crucial factor, particularly if you have reservations about seeking treatment, as delays may prompt you to change your mind and avoid treatment.
Consider Ease Of Access To Treatment
ED treatment entails getting a diagnosis and receiving the appropriate prescription for your case. Therefore, besides video calls and phone calls with a certified doctor, you also need to access medication efficiently.
Therefore, begin by ensuring the platform you use has a track record of giving patients reasonable access to medication. Some platforms function by sending a prescription to your pharmacy after diagnosis, allowing you to come and collect it at your discretion. Others go a step further and discreetly ship the medication to your home address.
So, evaluate the medication delivery options available and select the most convenient route for you. Also, assess the service providers’ policies on subsequent prescriptions.
Evaluate The Level Of Care
The level of care online doctors give ED patients vary from one online medical platform to another. Some platforms focus on short-term care, or the initial consultation and prescription, while others have systems in place to accommodate a more comprehensive check-up.
Long-term or comprehensive ED healthcare covers lab tests for underlying ED causes, follow-ups, and a treatment plan. Some platforms offer comprehensive care to encourage patients to make monthly or annual subscriptions.
Short-term and long-term ED treatments have their advantages and disadvantages depending on your condition’s severity. For instance, mild and moderate ED cases may not require follow-ups; hence a long-term care plan is not worthwhile for such cases. Therefore, consider the cost for each ED online care plan before investing in one.
Conclusion:
Ubiquitous technology allows you convenient and discreet access to ED treatment online. However, follow the tips above to ensure you get the best quality care for your condition.
