A phone or video call with the doctor

The doctor cannot examine you over a call, and does not try to. What they can do is listen, look at what you show them on camera or send beforehand, and tell you what is likely going on and what the next step would be. Sometimes the answer is "come in this week"; sometimes it is "this can wait for your check-up"; sometimes it is "go to a hospital now". All three are useful to know before you travel.

It is optional. You can also simply message or call for a time, and have the same conversation in the chair.

How it works

1. Pick who it is for, what is bothering you, and a time

   For you, your child, a parent or someone else. Choose from the common concerns or describe your own. Pick video or phone, and a time that suits you. From abroad, choose your country code.

2. Pay

   ₹500, paid by UPI when you book.

3. A WhatsApp confirmation, with the link

   You get a WhatsApp message confirming the time, with the video link if you chose video. Send any photos, X-rays or reports as a reply to that message.

4. The call

   The doctor asks what is bothering you, looks at what you have sent or shown, and tells you what is likely to be needed and what to bring.

5. If you need to come in, choose a visit time

   At the end of the call, or afterwards on WhatsApp. If you do not need to come in, you will know that too.

What to have ready

• What is bothering you, in your own words, and since when.
• Any earlier X-rays, scans or reports: a phone photo of them is enough.
• The medicines you take.
• For a video call: a quiet spot with good light, and a phone you can hold up to your mouth.

What it costs

If you go ahead with treatment here, the ₹500 is adjusted against it. The cost of any treatment depends on what the examination finds and what you choose; the doctor explains the options and gives you the cost in writing before anything is done.

Who it's for

• You are not sure whether what you have needs a visit.
• You are nervous, and want to hear the doctor's voice before you sit in the chair.
• You live outside Malad, or outside India, and want to plan before you travel.
• You are booking for a child or a parent and want to talk it through on their behalf.

If you are in pain and cannot reach the clinic, or you have swelling that is spreading, a fever, or difficulty swallowing or breathing, go to a hospital emergency department straight away.