Chat, Video, or In-Clinic: Which Consultation Type Is Right for You?

One of the most common questions new patients ask is which consultation mode to pick. There is no single right answer, it depends on what you need. Here is a simple way to think about it.

Chat consultations work best for quick, specific questions. Think follow up questions after a previous visit, a question about a mild symptom, or clarifying something about a medication. You message the doctor directly and typically get a reply within minutes, all without needing to set aside a fixed block of time.

Video consultations are the closest thing to an in person visit without leaving home. They work well when a doctor needs to see something, like a skin condition, or when the conversation benefits from back and forth discussion, such as a first time consultation about a new or ongoing issue. Most General Physician, Pediatrician, and Psychiatrist visits fall into this category.

In-clinic visits remain necessary when a physical examination is required. Things like a detailed check up, a procedure, a physical injury, or anything requiring equipment like a stethoscope or blood pressure cuff used in person. Many doctors on Sehat Digital list a clinic address directly on their profile for exactly this reason.

A good rule of thumb: if you can describe your concern in a message and expect a text based answer, choose chat. If you need a real conversation but do not require a physical exam, choose video. If the doctor needs to physically examine you, choose in-clinic.

Whichever you choose, the price is always shown upfront on the doctor profile before you book, so there are no surprises either way.