How can digital healthcare help you?

Find out how Babylon’s services can support your health.

What is digital healthcare?

You’re reading this right now on a screen. Maybe it’s your phone, a laptop, or a computer at your local library.

Digital healthcare — also called telehealth — is simply a way of using these devices and their connections to deliver health services. You can access your healthcare through video or phone calls, or through an app or website.

And by healthcare, we mean any aspect of your health and wellbeing, including services that keep you well and services that help you when you’re sick.

The Babylon app provides digital healthcare, and can also connect you with in-person services.

What does Babylon do?

Babylon lets you use connected devices to access a whole range of healthcare services.

Some are designed to keep you well. These help you to:

• Monitor a range of health data, such as your step count, weight, body temperature, and blood sugar
• Bring in your health data automatically from other devices like fitness watches
• Learn how to make changes for better health
• Set health goals and get rewarded when you meet them (this feature is currently under development)

And if you’re sick, with Babylon you can:

• Check your symptoms to learn about possible causes and what to do next
• Book a video or phone appointment with a healthcare professional. Not just doctors, but also nurses, pharmacists, therapists, and physiotherapists
• Arrange for tests, which can be in-person if that’s what you need
• Explore your test results
• Manage prescriptions and refills

Why should I try digital healthcare?

There are some clear benefits to using digital health care.

Convenience

Digital health care puts you in control. You are able to speak to a healthcare professional at a time that suits you, day or night. And . . . you won’t have to sit in a waiting room for hours.

Specialist support

Digital health opens up access to a range of medical expertise. Even if you live in a rural or isolated community, you can find a medical expert to help. And for repeat appointments, you’ll be able to talk to the healthcare professional you’ve spoken to before who understands you and your health needs.

One-stop healthcare

Digital health services like Babylon let you view all of your healthcare requirements in one place. So you can access appointment notes, test results and prescriptions, plus any health data you’re tracking, all through one app or website.

Long-term condition management

You may, in some regions where Babylon's services are available, have access to tools used for the management of chronic health issues. If you have diabetes, asthma or high blood pressure, some of our tools can help you to monitor your condition. They can also provide healthcare professionals with personalized insights to advise you on staying well.

When should I book a digital health appointment?

Are you thinking about booking a digital health appointment but are unsure if it’s right for your health concern?

Great news: you can book a Babylon appointment for almost any symptom or condition, or even just to ask if your issue can be discussed over video or by phone.

If your clinician thinks you need a face-to-face appointment or in-person tests, they’ll let you know. They might refer you to a specialist, or suggest you book at a nearby clinic.

You might need to see or doctor or a nurse in person for:

• Vaccinations
• Blood tests
• Pap smear tests and other procedures
• Baby check ups
• Some physical examinations
• Some medications, including controlled or otherwise restricted medicines

How does a digital health appointment work?

Once you’ve registered with Babylon, it’s simple to book an appointment. Open the app, click on “book appointment” and follow the prompts.

You have space to share your reason for booking — just add the symptom or condition you want to talk about, and any other relevant details. And you have the option to upload a photo to help your clinician understand the issue. You can select who you’d like to talk to and find a date and time that works for you.

How should I get ready for my telehealth appointment?

Most appointments are 10 minutes long. Your clinician can cover a fair amount in that time, but it’s a good idea to be prepared.

Take a little time beforehand to think about or write down the most important things to mention, including:

• What’s worrying you — keep in mind that there’s no such thing as a silly or embarrassing question. If it’s important to you, your healthcare professional wants to hear about it
• When your symptoms started
• What makes you feel better or worse
• Any treatments you’ve already tried
• Any medication you're taking

You’ll receive a reminder when it’s time for the appointment. Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed. This could be at home or work, or anywhere you can have a private conversation.

Check you have good phone reception or a stable internet connection. But don’t worry if the signal drops out. Our Babylon clinician will call you to continue the appointment by phone.

For more information, check the Babylon FAQ on how to prepare for an appointment and check out our video on this topic too.

What about the rest of the family?

Busy family life can make it hard to schedule the appointments you need for yourself and your children. Digital health may offer the answer.

You can add children or other family members or dependents so that they can also talk to a Babylon healthcare professional whenever they need to.

Try Babylon today

Babylon offers high-quality, 24/7 comprehensive health care. Let us help:

Find out if your insurance plan provides no-cost access to Babylon’s doctors and therapists

Download the Babylon app

Learn more about our services

More information

Mayo Health. Telehealth: Technology meets health care.

www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/telehealth/art-20044878

*Please note that not all services described in this article are available to all Babylon members in all locations.