thanks to American Well for sponsoring this Rookie mommies post.

Waking up as well as realizing you have pink-eye/strep throat/a bladder infection is instant permit for a pity party, right? Not only am I suffering from some horrendous malady, however seeking treatment looms as an challenge that will derail my whole day. That’s the very first situation in which the existence of on the internet doctor’s visits is much better than sliced bread with Nutella spread on it; the second is when I am plagued by a physical problem that’s less urgent, as well as as a result simple to ignore.

Procrastination, I understand you well.

For a couple of months my fingers have been bothering me. Not precisely Emergency-Room-worthy. Stiffness, aches, as well as even a touch of numbness in my fingertips made me question if wise phone overuse is really hurting my body. however it has been simple to spend 99% of my time ignoring it as well as 1% of my time fretting that I’ve got arthritis (even though I don’t absolutely understand what arthritis is) as well as that I’m enabling it to fester in a method that will create a lot more severe long-lasting effects. In other words, I’m not only sore, however potentially lazy as well as stupid.

This morning, I took action. I went to AmericanWell.com as well as signed up. It’s a web site with on-call physicians including internists, nutritionists, pediatricians, as well as household doctors. I utilized the code ROOKIEMOMS (which you are welcome to utilize as well) for one complimentary visit, as well as I linked with a physician by means of a webcam session.

That was an hour ago, as well as now I’m about to go pick up a prescription for an anti-inflammatory as well as have a listing of self-care directions in a PDF that was sent to me after the physician visit. Yay, me!

How does it work?
After signing up, you can search physicians who are promptly offered or routine a specific doctor at a practical time. I chosen a ideal now see with a physician whose profile I liked best. It was quite cool, like having a doctor’s see on The Jetsons. After I requested to link with her, my screen showed a quick animation of what to expect next, as well as then we were connected.

These sees can be held by webcam or even telephone — when seeing is not part of the diagnosis.

I utilized the web site from my laptop, however my good friend Sammy used her cell phone to have a doctor’s visit. She told me that when she was just recently ill (her throat was coated in white as well as she felt like she was swallowing knives) as well as was on holiday in new York City, she at first panicked, “How am I going to discover a physician here?” then she kept in mind American Well. She actually held the phone cam as much as her mouth to ensure that the physician on the other end might see her symptoms. She was able to get an antibiotic prescribed as well as felt much better in two days. (The app is offered for both iphone as well as Android users.)

What are the physicians like?
When I logged on, about 10 physicians were offered on-the-spot as well as lots of many a lot more were offered for future appointments. The one I selected was fantastic: knowledgeable, empathetic, solutions-oriented, plus, she was both competent as well as individual with the innovation that linked us. She even said, “If you were my daughter, I would tell you…” which made me feel positive as well as safe with her advice.

A system with security nets
When my laptop started acting a bit flaky as well as I couldn’t hear a few of what Dr. Mia was stating by means of our webcam connection, we were able to utilize an included chat window. I let her understand I couldn’t hear a few of her words (and I didn’t want to miss anything!), as well as she swiftly directed the session to our cell phones to continue the conversation. This shift was seamless as it was still part of the American Well visit system. considering that she didn’t requirement to see me with her eyes anymore, as well as might tell I wasn’t in severe distress, we might just talk on the phone, she told me.

Let’s just state that it was smoother than lots of of my seminar phone calls with Heather as well as leave it at that.

Is it the exact same as a real-life doctor’s visit?
Of program not. In some crucial ways, it’s even better.

At no time are you left sitting alone on a table in a paper robe wondering exactly how long this waiting will go on.

I got the doctor’s notes from our conversation in an emailed PDF at the end. I like that, since I didn’t want to fail to remember anything she suggested! (Note to self: try to utilize non-dominant hand for tooth-brushing as well as other handbook tasks to provide overused hand a break.)

The visit was on my timeline, in my house, as well as might not have been a lot more convenient. No a lot more excuses.

And there’s nothing to feel odd about. Your experience is absolutely personal as well as HIPAA-compliant, however if you want to share info with your main care supplier later, you can. he or she will definitely not blame you for pro-actively protecting medical care on a Saturday night if you requirement to. as well as Mamas, you are absolutely worth it.

The great news is I have moderate beginnings of carpal-tunnel syndrome as well as by making modifications now I can take care of it. I will not be getting a cane anytime soon.

When I told Heather about my experience, she said, “I like any service that lets mommies do their tasks without leaving the house. If I might see the doctor during my child’s nap rather than securing childcare or bringing along a screamer, I’d absolutely do it.”

How much does it cost?
A see is $49 with a doctor as well as $25 with a nutritionist. Some insurance coverage plans cover on the internet medical visits, so discover out if yours does. (Use our code for one complimentary visit.)

This is a sponsored publish written by me about my genuine experience with American Well. If you want to try it, set up your account now so you are prepared to go. The code ROOKIEMOMS for one complimentary see will be great up until 4/30/2014. Seriously, take care of your self as well as head over to American Well instead of reading one a lot more blog post.