A. Yes, it is possible. At Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic, we offer non-face-to-face consultations from the first visit through prescribing. However, it depends on your condition. For example, if it is your first visit or pulse diagnosis (脈診) is essential, we recommend an in-person visit. On the other hand, if you have previous treatment records with us or need simple consultation and prescription adjustments, non-face-to-face is fully feasible. The process is simple: we discuss symptoms by phone or video, provide medication guidance, and send herbal decoctions via courier.
📝 Detailed Answer
Yes, that's right. Even ten years ago, I thought 'a Korean medicine clinic is a place you must visit physically,' but nowadays, with better technology and diverse patient circumstances, non-face-to-face consultations have increased significantly. However, there is an important point: we need to distinguish between cases where non-face-to-face is suitable and where it is not.
First, **cases suitable for non-face-to-face consultation**: Patients who have already visited the clinic or are currently taking previously prescribed herbal medicine. Also, cases where inquiry (問診) and questionnaires are central rather than pulse diagnosis—such as skin aesthetics (acne, atopy), constitution improvement, or weight loss support. For these patients, we can sufficiently assess symptoms via video call and adjust prescriptions based on existing data. Particularly for those considering herbal medicine for weight loss—conditions like 'decreased metabolism due to Spleen Qi Deficiency (脾虛)' or 'retention of Phlegm-Fluid (痰飮, unnecessary fluid waste in the body)'—we can thoroughly analyze lifestyle and symptoms even non-face-to-face.
Second, **cases where non-face-to-face is difficult**: First-time visitors, especially those with chronic fatigue, digestive issues, or gynecological problems, require pulse diagnosis. Examining the pulse reveals the actual energy state of the Zang-fu organs (臟腑); omitting it can reduce prescription accuracy. Additionally, pain suspected to involve Blood Stasis (瘀血, circulatory disorders) or acute conditions require direct examination.
Therefore, my recommended approach is: 'First apply for a non-face-to-face consultation → talk with me for about 10–15 minutes about symptoms and lifestyle → if I judge that an in-person visit is needed, I will guide you; otherwise, proceed with the prescription.' I've learned from experience (laughs) that insisting on in-person visits from the start can be burdensome for patients, so I aim to be as flexible as possible.
The non-face-to-face prescription process is simple: 1) Consultation by phone or video (15–20 minutes). 2) Medication guidance (before/after meals, precautions). 3) Herbal decoction prepared and shipped via courier (usually arrives next day). 4) Follow-up call after two weeks. That's all. However, under the Medical Service Act, even for 'non-face-to-face care,' an initial in-person visit is fundamentally preferred, but the temporary allowance since COVID-19 continues, and we apply it according to the situation. If you have questions, feel free to contact us first by phone or chat.