Doctor Advocates For Wellness Checkups, Says ‘Hindi Sayang Ang Ibabayad Na Doctors Fee’

These days it’s common to see posts on social media, particularly in Facebook mommy groups, seeking medical advice. Even if it’s clearly stated in the group rules that seeking medical advice is not allowed, there’s always a few “Ano pong gamot sa…” posts each day.

The dangers of such practices cannot be dismissed, and Dr. Krysten Yayen, a dedicated Family Medicine Specialist and Occupational Medicine Physician, brings to light this crucial aspect.

Dr. Krysten’s advocacy

It all started with a post she published on Facebook where she highlighted a common misconception about the value of professional medical consultations. In her original post, she said that an individual messaged her on Facebook in private, seeking medical advice regarding his condition. The individual admitted that he messaged her because, “Ayaw ko kasi magpa-checkup sa doctor, sayang po kasi yung ibabayad na doctor’s fee [sweat smile emoji].”

In the same post, Dr. Krysten highlighted relevant points:

“Wala pong makakasagot ng tanong tungkol sa symptoms niyo nang walang consultation.

“I post health-informative content in social media during my free time, in between consultations, duties, and other engagements. I do this for free because this is my advocacy. But I have my private practice where I am paid and compensated accordingly.

“Doctors, like any other person who has a job/service provided (eg nurses, lawyers, teachers, janitors, street sweepers, architects, engineers, cooks, clerks, dentists, police officers, drivers, nutritionists, med tech, pharmacists, actors, content creators, singers, nail technicians, barbers, list all here..) are given just and fair compensation para sa services na binibigay. Pinaghirapan natin ito lahat - we invest time, money, effort into perfecting our craft for honest living. The only reason why we should do anything for free is if we choose to do it for free.

“Importante ang pera, it pays bills, sends our kids to school, pays for our necessities. That's why we work hard to earn it.

“Kung gusto po ng libreng consultation, there are public/government hospitals, clinics, at health centers.”

In an interview with Smart Parenting, Dr. Krysten further revealed that when she received the said message, she thought, “Ayaw niya magpa-checkup sa doctor pero nag-message siya sa doctor, ano kayang tingin niya sa akin? Hindi niya yata naiintindihan kung ano ang ibig sabihin ng consultation at kung bakit ito ginagawa. Paano kung ganito rin ang naiisip ng iba–na sayang ang resources (oras man o pera) para magpa-checkup.” These thoughts prompted her to publish the post to raise awareness about the importance of doing a proper consultation with a licensed doctor.

The importance of formal consultations with doctors or healthcare professionals

Dr. Krysten acknowledged that with today’s technology and easy access to the Internet, “it is tempting to seek answers to health questions without waiting for a formal [doctor] consultation.” However, she warned that on social media platforms, “anyone can easily post health concerns and share opinions, potentially leading to misinformation and serious health risks.”

She further said, “A question like, ‘Ano po ang pangpa-baba ng BP’ without context cannot receive a safe and adequate answer because doctors do not merely treat the symptoms; we treat the person. Proper consultation is required to determine each person’s specific needs. By viewing patients holistically, we can treat the person behind the illness, addressing their complete well-being rather than just the symptoms.”

For context, Dr. Krysten explained what typically goes on with every consultation and why it’s important: “During a consultation, a doctor-patient relationship is established, allowing patients to openly discuss their health concerns. The doctor asks questions and performs a physical examination to gather information about the patient’s condition enabling accurate diagnosis and creation of personalized treatment. This fosters a two-way discussion, empowering patients to seek clarifications about their care and actively contribute to their treatment plan.”

She also highlighted that a medicine prescription does not a treatment make, more so a Facebook comment. She said, “Treatment is multifaceted and goes beyond a single-word answer. It is never only ‘Ito ang inumin niyo.’ It encompasses pharmacological treatment (medications–correct dosage, dosing, possible side effects and what to do if it happens), non-pharmacological advice (dietary and exercise recommendations, as well as do’s and don’ts), family-focused care (involving the family in supporting the patient’s illness management), and community-oriented care (identifying available resources in the patient’s community to aid in their care). This comprehensive approach ensures patients receive holistic care tailored to their individual needs.

“The doctor-patient relationship extends beyond a single consultation. We promote continuity of care, involving ongoing monitoring and follow-up conditions over time. This allows doctors to track progress, make necessary adjustments to treatment plans, and address any emerging concerns, ensuring patients receive consistent, personalized care,” Dr. Krysten added.

Online consultations

Dr. Krysten is also quick to point out that “formal consultations” can be done via either online or face-to-face, and admits that online consultations have gained popularity during the pandemic to address the need for accessible medical care given the protocols implemented during the said period.

She said, “Online consultations offer a powerful means to connect patients with healthcare services, both during and after the pandemic. Despite the return to face-to-face consultations as community health standards adapt to the ‘new normal,’ telemedicine remains vital in providing remote care to an extend, especially for patients unable to attend in-person appointments (e.g., for bedridden patients, immunocompromised individuals, those with disabilities impairing travel, and other vulnerable populations). However, it’s important to recognize that telemedicine can never fully replace the benefits of in-person healthcare.”

Dr. Krysten points out the reason for this, saying, “While online consultations offer the convenience of remote access to healthcare providers, they usually lack the ability for a thorough physical examination, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis. Additionally, emergent conditions (such as chest pains, symptoms of stroke, or difficulty of breathing) cannot be adequately consulted online and require immediate attention at an emergency or hospital facility.”

Moreover, Dr. Krysten specified tips on how patients should choose their healthcare providers–for both online and face-to-face consultations–and when patients should opt for online or in-person consultations.

Tips for choosing healthcare providers:

• Verify credentials of the doctors and other healthcare professionals.
• Read verified reviews.
• Check privacy and security measures during consultation.
• Ask and understand the terms and conditions of the consultation whether it be verbal or written.

Tips for when to go for online or in-person consultations:

When to Use Online Consultation	When to See a Doctor in Person
Non-emergency medical concerns	Emergencies or urgent medical needs
Minor illnesses or symptoms	Severe or worsening symptoms
Routine checkups or follow-ups that do not necessitate physical examinations or diagnostic tests	When there is a need for physical examinations or diagnostic tests
Medication refills	Procedures requiring hands-on treatment
General health advice or guidance or counseling	Complex medical conditions or chronic illnesses
Limited availability for in-person visits	Concerns about the accuracy or thoroughness of online assessment
When it is safer and more appropriate for the child's condition	Parents prefer direct interaction with healthcare providers

The decision for the preferred consultation type will also be based on the agreement between the patients and the doctor.

The dangers of relying on unverified medical advice

Regarding Googling symptoms, Dr. Krysten said that while it is convenient, “searching for symptoms can be risky. Without medical expertise, it’s challenging to sift through the flood of information on the Internet from unverified websites or opinions from unqualified individuals. Many patients I’ve spoken to report feeling overwhelmed and more anxious after searching for their symptoms online, often left with more questions than answers. The Internet functions as a one-way input-output tool, providing information without interaction or feedback. In contrast, consulting with a doctor offers a professional platform for conversation and active involvement in your own care.

“Board-certified doctors undergo extensive training to develop the skills necessary for asking the right questions, conducting thorough examinations, and synthesizing all available information, in order to develop a diagnosis and management plan specific to each patient. No Internet search or testimonial can compare to the expertise of a licensed doctor,” she added.

Family wellness checkups

Ultimately, Dr. Krysten said that her “main goal is to empower patients to think critically, question, and verify the accuracy of the information they encounter. This enables them to make informed decisions about their health, even in situations where immediate medical consultation isn’t available. By understanding when to apply the information and when to await confirmation by a doctor, patients gain greater control over their healthcare journey.”

Aside from this, she also said that she aims to “enhance patient’s understanding of basic medical concepts and practices, enabling them to take a more active role in their own healthcare. Ultimately, this empowers patients to have more control over their health outcomes, rather than being controlled by their illnesses.”

As a parting advice for parents, Dr. Krysten “strongly emphasizes the importance of regular wellness checkups for the whole family, including children and adults. Wellness consultations are routine checkups for patients who do not necessarily have any symptoms. These checkups serve as proactive measures to monitor and maintain overall health, identify any potential health issues early on, and establish a strong foundation for preventive care. Regular checkups also provide an opportunity for doctors to assess developmental milestones of the children, screen for common health conditions, and offer guidance on healthy lifestyle habits.”

Dr. Krysten’s advocacy for patient empowerment through professional consultation is a clarion call to parents and individuals alike. In an era where information is readily accessible, discerning the need for professional guidance is crucial. As Dr. Krysten succinctly puts it, “Your health is too precious to leave to chance.”

For more insights and health-related content, you can follow Dr. Krysten Yayen on her Facebook page at Dr. Krysten Yayen – Family Medicine.

Read here to learn when your child’s fever requires a doctor’s urgent attention.