How fast can I get an MC?
5 min read | slow-down
Can I get an MC in under 3-minutes?
Digital Health Clinic
13 May 2024
Step 1: Ask for what is the waiting time
Most of the waiting is done when you have to queue.
Time Spent: 0 seconds
Step 2: Get your ID ready for verification.
All telemedicine consults require a photo ID verification. Scrambling to find that ID card in a wallet you left somewhere takes time!
Time Spent: 5 seconds to verify your identity (Flash it in front of the video screen for Dr)
Step 3: Tell the Doctor your symptoms clearly
Duration of Symptoms: How many days?
Common Cold
- Cough
- Runny Nose
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Any chest pain or shortness of breath?
- Fever
Stomach Flu
- Diarrhea - number of episodes
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain - cramps or sharp & constant
- Fever
Headache
- Diarrhea - number of episodes
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain - cramps or sharp & constant
- Fever
The doctor will follow up with a several screening questions just to rule out the red flags. This is the most important stage and we never want the doctor to rush through this. The consult time can take anywhere from 2 to 10 minutes on the average, sometimes longer depending on the complexity of illness.
A good doctor should at the end of the consult tell you a 3 key things:
1. What your likely diagnosis is based on the Doctor's professional assessment (even if the diagnosis is unclear, undifferentiated)
2. How you can manage it (even if the management is conservative or purely symptomatic)
3. What to expect and look out for over the next few days (even if the symptoms are currently mild)
Average Time Spent: 60 - 300 seconds
Step 4: Make Payment Promptly
Settle your bills promptly after the consult to avoid delays. At our platform, medical certificates are issued alongside the receipt once payment has been made.
Time Spent: 30 to 60 seconds
Conclusion
Telemedicine is a convenient way to get a much needed medical certificate if your symptoms are mild. This may be the preferred option to regular clinic consults. There are notable limitations however, and some conditions may not be suitable for tele-consultation.
Total Time Spent: usually under 10 minutes by Telemedicine
In-Clinic Visits: usually take 1 to 3 hours
How many days of MC should I expect?
At Remedy.sg, your health and convenience are our top priorities. Our medical certificates are issued by qualified and registered Singapore Doctors under Digital Health Clinic [Ministry of Health License No: R/23M1175/MDS/001/232] . All our physicians are proud members of the Singapore Medical Council (SMC). Our meticulous selection process includes thorough background checks, credential verification, and personal interviews, all part of our commitment to bringing you professional care in telemedicine services.
The below is just a guidance which will vary depending on the type and severity of your illness.
| Illness | MC Duration (Estimated Duration) |
|---|---|
| Diarrhea & Vomiting | 1 to 2 days Usually resolves quickly within 24-48hours. If you have diarrhea lasting more than 3 days, have blood in stools, fever or persistent sharp tummy pain, please see a Doctor in clinic for a proper assessment. |
| Headache | 1 day Usually resolves within a day with adequate pan relief, rest or hydration. If you have sudden onset intense headaches (thunderclap-like), headaches that are triggered by exertion (e.g. exercise or sex), early morning headaches, you may need a follow up with a Neurologist who can arrange an MRI for you. |
| Cough, Runny Nose, Sore throat, Fever | 1 to 3 days Usually improves within 2-3 days. If you have any chest pain (e.g. when coughing or taking deep breaths), shortness of breath or persistently high fever > 3-4 days, you may have a more serious infection. Do visit your GP for a physical assessment. |
| Hand Foot Mouth Disease | 7 to 10 days Usually improves in about 5 days, but considered infectious for up to 10 days. Most individuals recover well. Some individuals may experience temporary finger or toe nail loss subsequently. If you have persistently high fever, numbness or weakness in any part of the body, sensitivity to light, neck stiffness, severe headaches or are unable to tolerate orally because of significant pain, you may need to visit the emergency department. |
| Chicken Pox | 7 days Usually improves in 5 to 7 days. Considered infectious as long as there are fluid filled vesicles that have not dried up. If you have persistently high fever, numbness or weakness in any part of the body, sensitivity to light, neck stiffness, severe headaches or are unable to tolerate orally because of significant pain, you may need to visit the emergency department. |
| Insomnia or Poor sleep | 1 day Usually improves with adequate rest. Sleep Hygiene is advised: (1) No activity or work in bed (2) Don't stay in bed if unable to sleep (3) Remove clocks from the room - clock watching or counting hours left to sleep worsens the condition (4) Regular exercise (in the early evenings) (5) Avoid day naps (6) Avoid Caffeinated Drinks. |
| Low Back Pain | 1 to 2 days Usually improves with early mobility and avoiding carrying heavy items. If you have numbness or weakness in the lower limbs, bowel incontinence, difficulty passing urine you will need to be attended urgently in the Emergency Department. |
| Gout | 1 to 2 days Usually improves within 24-48hours with adequate hydration & pain relief (colchicine, NSAIDs +/- Prednisolone). If you have 3 or more attacks in a year, you may want to consider starting Uric Acid Lowering therapy (allopurinol). We will be able to advise you and arrange the necessary blood tests required. |
| Period or Menstrual Cramps | 1 day Usually occurs around day 1-2 of menses. If you have missed your last period, significantly heavier flow, have abnormal vaginal discharge or fever, you will be advised to visit a GP for further assessment. |
Are digital MCs valid in Singapore?
MCs are legitimate as long as they are issued by SMC-registered doctors. As the MC is a computer-generated MC, the doctor's signature is not required. The doctor's name and MCR number are stated on the DigiMC. To further cement its authenticity, ensure that the digital MC is issued from the https://mc.gov.sg domain. If your employer does not accept your MC, you may inform them that this is a new initiative by GovTech and point them to this webpage www.mc.gov.sg for more information. For further clarifications, your employer can contact GovTech via the support form.
At Remedy.sg, your health and convenience are our top priorities. Our medical certificates are issued by qualified and registered Singapore Doctors under Digital Health Clinic [Ministry of Health License No: R/23M1175/MDS/001/232] . All our physicians are proud members of the Singapore Medical Council (SMC). Our meticulous selection process includes thorough background checks, credential verification, and personal interviews, all part of our commitment to bringing you professional care in telemedicine services.
