Question 1

How does AskAwayHealth work?

Accepted Answer

AskAwayHealth provides free medical advice.
You can use any one of several ways to send us an enquiry about your health concern.
 We will respond to your enquiry usually within a period of 12-48 hours.
Most comonly, you can send an e-mail to info@askawayhealth.org for specific advice or guidance.
From the FAQ page, click on the red envelope at the top of the page to take you directly to the health care enquiries page from where you can also submit an enquiry.
You may also enquire through Facebook - Askawayhealth; and Twitter @askawayhealth.
 
When you ask a question about a health problem, we would like you to provide as much detail about the all the related symptoms - for example, when did it start; how often it occurs, as well as how much it disrupts your usual activity.
We would like to know about your previous medical background and any medications you have on a regular basis. 
It would also help to know if you have seen a doctor already and whats tests have been done to diagnose and treat the problem.
 
AskAwayHealth is not only for questions, we also provide simple health information in a format that is quick and easy to read, so you can identify your symptoms or get the appropriate information to keep you healthy. We have quizzes that help prompt you think about your present health and whether you are looking after yourself in the best way possible.

Question 2

How can I get a smooth and effective consultation on AskAwayHealth?

Accepted Answer

Treat us just as you would if you were sitting in front of a doctor in a consultation.
 
Please provide as much information about the problem, including details like:
*when it started
*if it has been getting worse
*any treatment you have sought
*any specific details about symptoms and all other changes you may have experienced after it started.
 
In addition, tell us a little about yourself - usually we will need to know your medical background and whether you take any medication.
 
We will most likely ask more questions in response to your initial enquiry, but we find that if you provide much information to start, we can get you detailed answers almost straightaway.

Question 3

Does AskAwayHealth issue any prescriptions?

Accepted Answer

We do not yet offer a prescription service.
 
If we believe you require medication, we would usually recommend a face-to-face medical review.
 
We would provide you with specific guidance on what the condition may be and what possible treatments could be used. 
 
For conditions that can be treated with medicines sold over the counter (OTC), we will certainly advise you on the appropriate dose, duration for treatment and other necessary details to guide you to best care.

Question 4

Can I book a doctor's appointment through AskAwayHealth?

Accepted Answer

Yes!
You can book an online appointment which can take place either by phone (Whats App); or for a face to face appointment we can Skype with you.
 
Most of our advice is provided through e-mail responses within 12-48hours.
Online appointments can be arranged within 7 days of enquiry.
 
At present, we are not able to arrange physical face to face appointments with named doctors or hospitals, but we hope this is a service that may be available soon.

Question 5

Why does AskAwayHealth provide free advice?

Accepted Answer

In the modern-day digital world, health information in many developed countries is freely available.
 
People can access health care information, health research, guidance on health care techniques or management easily and without payment, so we are doing nothing more than expanding the reach of health care to more people who are under-served.
 
In our case, we provide person specific information, and try to remove the jargon so many more people can get basic healthcare advice at no cost and with guidance to appropriate treatment.
 
We promote informed self-diagnosis and treatment where this is appropriate.
We also provide a buffer or interface between the users of our platform and the physical healthcare space that can sometimes be mechanical and confusing.
 
Sometimes it is correct that 'cheap' things can be expensive. This cannot be truer when it comes to healthcare. However, AskAwayHealth is not a cheap service. 
 
It is provided by some of the most experienced and regulated healthcare practitioners in the world, who are motivated to make a difference to people in need of quality healthcare and are donating their time and expertise to help.
 
Put differently, we are promoting and protecting the health of vulnerable people who may otherwise access help from quacks and unqualified providers; or make uniformed self-diagnosis and treatment that creates for them more health problems now and in future.

Your Frequently Asked Questions

How does AskAwayHealth work?

How can I get a smooth and effective consultation on AskAwayHealth?

Does AskAwayHealth issue any prescriptions?

Can I book a doctor's appointment through AskAwayHealth?

Why does AskAwayHealth provide free advice?