You might have a persistent cough or the sniffles, but you just can't take time off work to see a doctor. Or, your child may develop a high fever in the middle of the night, leaving you unsure of how to manage the situation.

Now, as a Discovery Health Medical Scheme member, you can chat to a doctor immediately at any time of the day or night using the Speak to a doctor now function in the Discovery Health app. Here's how:

• For an immediate doctor consultation:
  • Click on the Get Care button at the bottom of the home screen on the App.
  • Select "Speak to a doctor now".
  • Complete a short symptom checker which will determine whether you need emergency or urgent care.
  • For urgent care, you will be asked to give the App permission to use your camera and microphone, and for your health records to be shared with the doctor.
  • You will then be connected with a highly skilled ER doctor for a virtual consultation and diagnosis.
  • If necessary, the doctor can recommend a face-to-face consultation or dispatch an ambulance to your location.
  • After the consultation, you will be able to view the doctor's consultation notes, referrals (if there were any), and use the App to order medicine prescribed by the doctor.
• In non-urgent situations, you can use the app to book an appointment with your own doctor, or with one of the many healthcare professionals in the Discovery Health network, for a time that suits you. Simply click on the Get care button at the bottom of the home screen. You will then be able to add your own doctor's details to the app and make an appointment. Or, you can find a healthcare provider - doctor, dentist, pharmacy or hospital - close to you, by allowing the app to use your location.

What is urgent care, non-urgent care and emergency care? How does payment work for each option?

During your consultation, the doctor will determine if your condition falls under urgent, non-urgent or emergency or care. This and this will inform how the service is paid for.

Emergency care
Emergency situations need immediate attention and care. Examples include trouble breathing, facial drooping, chest pain, seizures, sudden and severe headache, and major broken bones.

• Read more about the Discovery Health app's Emergency assist emergency care feature.
• Emergency and urgent care consultations are paid directly by Discovery Health Medical Scheme.
• Members on the KeyCare Start Regional plan must access urgent care through the KeyCare Online Practice.

Urgent care
Urgent conditions are minor illnesses or injuries that are not medical emergencies, but which require treatment within 24 hours. Some examples include diarrhoea, vomiting, dehydration, fever, flu, accidents, upper respiratory infections, mild or moderate asthma, and bronchitis.

• The consultation will be paid from your available day-to-day benefits. If no funds are available or you don't have day-to-day benefits, you will pay for the consultation yourself.

Non-urgent careNon-urgent conditions don't need immediate treatment.

• The consultation will be paid from your available day-to-day benefits. If no funds are available or you don't have day-to-day benefits, you will pay for the consultation yourself.