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General
Frequently Asked Questions.
Whatsup Doc is an affordable, convenient, high quality telemedicine platform that uses WhatsApp to engage with patients. You can receive expert medical advice, counseling, scripts, sick notes, referral letters, lab tests and more, quickly. Skip the tedious queues and save on travel costs and time. Consult with us from anywhere. Your personal healthcare provider is just a Whatsapp message away.
Telemedicine/Telehealth or virtual doctor consultation is the use of technology to provide medical care from a distance. This can involve voice calls/video/text messages/photos/etc. You will be consulting with real, qualified medical practitioners. You can consult with healthcare providers from anywhere. Telemedicine offers unparalleled convenience with flexible scheduling. Telemedicine is more convenient and affordable than regular GP visits, reduces travel and other potential overhead costs and helps in decreasing the risk of spreading contagious diseases.
Simply message “Hi” to our easy Whatsapp number 074 600 6000, follow the prompts to complete the necessary information. You will then be connected to one of our available doctors who will continue the consult in the Whatsapp chat.
Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm
Saturday 9am to 1pm
Public Holidays Closed
Yes, all of our healthcare providers are real, qualified and registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
For on-demand consultations, once you complete the necessary information. You will then be connected to one of our available doctors who will continue the consult in the Whatsapp chat.
Coming soon!
Whatsup Doc uses the most secure digital scripting platform in South Africa. A link will be sent to you with the option to email the script to a pharmacy of your choice, or alternatively you can present the access code contained in the link to your pharmacy to receive your medication.
Yes. Your medical records are secured using the highest international standards. Whatsapp messages are encrypted and can be further secured. We advise using strong passwords, biometrics, app lock, chat lock, etc to secure your Whatsapp chats.
Your ID/Passport number, Cellphone number, email address.
Currently Whatsup Doc services are only offered in English, however we are planning to offer more language options in the future.
Your ID/passport number is legally required to consult with a medical doctor. You may consult on behalf of a child if you are the parent or legal guardian.
To allow efficient and effective communication in the Whatsapp chat, voicenotes are discouraged as they may delay the consultation.
No. Capture your details once and you never have to do it again. It is your responsibility to always keep the information up to date by editing your saved records.
Permission
Frequently Asked Questions.
We can help with expert medical advice, counseling, scripts, sick notes, referral letters, lab tests and more.
• Allergies
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Athlete’s foot
• Birth control – need recent pregnancy test with date and patient name.
• Chronic conditions
• Cold sores
• Cough (Lower respiratory tract infections)
• Diabetes
• Diet Consultations
• Epilepsy
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Eye conditions (conjunctivitis/dry/itchy/red eyes)
• Fever
• Flu/sore throat/runny nose/etc (Upper respiratory tract infections)
• Gastritis/Ulcer/Acid Reflux
• Haemorrhoids/Piles
• Hair loss
• HIV – uncomplicated management
• Hypertension
• Joint pains
• Medication adjustments/repeat scripts
• Mental health
• Mild Sprains/strains
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Sinus problems
• Skin conditions (Acne/bites/rashes)
• STIs/Thrush
• Stomach issues (diarrhea/nausea/vomiting/constipation/etc)
• Substance abuse counselling/treatment
• Thyroid disease
• UTI (urinary tract infections)
• Weight management
And more
Whatsup Doc is unable to help in medical emergencies, prescribing of certain schedule 5/6 medicines, consultations requiring physical examinations or treatment of patients younger than 2 years of age. Telemedicine technology is always improving but is currently limited and can not fully replace face-to-face consults.
Yes, at the discretion of the treating doctor. We are unable to help you with long term/incapacity leave.
Your script can be emailed to your preferred pharmacy that offers delivery.
The on-demand consultations only allow for Whatsapp chat with images and other media. You may book a telemedicine appointment with your preferred doctor which will enable you to video/voice call or text your chosen healthcare provider.
Yes, you can receive medical advice. No scripts or other documents will be issued in anonymous consults as patient details are required for this.
Consultations are for one patient at a time.
Yes. Our sick notes are strictly monitored, are completed by healthcare providers registered with the HPCSA and are therefore legally compliant and valid. Original digital sick notes can be emailed directly to your employer or your employer may contact us via email info@whatsupdoc.net for the original digital sick note. No stamps are required for digital sick notes. WE ARE NOT ABLE TO COMPLETE ANY ANNEXURES OR TEMPORARY INCAPACITY FORMS. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE SICK LEAVE AVAILABLE.
You will not be charged if we are unable to help you even with medical advice.
No, we do not offer this service.
Payment
Frequently Asked Questions.
Cash rates:
- Standard Consult: R260 (expert medical advice with scripts/referrals/labs/& more – no sick notes).
- Full consult: R280 (expert medical advice with scripts/referrals/labs/sick notes (if according to policies and at the doctors discretion & more)
- Follow-up consult: (for following up of results) R115.
Medical aid consults are billed on 0130 billing codes. (rates vary from R220 – R350).
A secure online payment link will be sent to you at the end of the consult. You can pay using your credit/debit card. For patients using medical aid, a claim will be sent and processed to your medical aid.
Yes we accept most medical aids. Rates Vary.
All consults are billed on 0130 telemedicine billing codes.
We will process the claim and if your medical aid rejects the claim we will issue you with an invoice with payment details.
A secure online payment link will be sent to you at the end of the consult. For medical aid patients, a claim will be sent to your medical aid for processing.
Whatsup Doc is not selling a commodity that can be exchanged or refunded. We provide a professional healthcare service. Please contact our admin department if you have any issues or queries.
We know times are tough, petrol costs are exorbitant, transport is expensive, cost of living is through the roof. This is why we have decided to keep our consults so affordable, to make it accessible to all.