While a large proportion of experts believe that telemedicine enables better access to healthcare ¹ ², some in the established areas of healthcare believe that this comes at the expense of patient safety.
These groups claim that in-person contact with the patient is the only safe method to treat patients for their otherwise untreated illnesses, such as menopause or pre-diabetes. ³
We see things differently.
At CannGo, we firmly believe that first-class and safe healthcare is possible when doctors are equipped with the latest technology. This allows them to optimally care for their patients anytime and anywhere.
Our platform relies on an innovative 'asynchronous' approach, where communication between doctor and patient can take place flexibly over hours, days, or even weeks.
Patient safety first.
Our team ensures that safety is guaranteed at every critical point of contact with patients.
Every month, CannGo checks thousands of doctor consultations for the highest safety and quality standards. We closely monitor the issuing of prescriptions and ensure that our medical support teams react quickly and efficiently and achieve our quality goals.
Myth-Busting: What's really behind the headlines
Myth: "Telemedicine is unsafe and ineffective"
Myth: "Telemedicine is unsafe and ineffective"
The Reality: Telemedicine has proven to be safe and effective, especially during a pandemic. Numerous studies confirm that patients can be cared for just as well as in a traditional doctor's office. It offers improved access to healthcare, especially in underserved areas. ¹
Myth: "You can get prescriptions just by filling out a questionnaire without ever speaking to a doctor."
Myth: "You can get prescriptions just by filling out a questionnaire without ever speaking to a doctor."
The Reality: Patients fill out a detailed preliminary questionnaire to collect a comprehensive medical history. This information is reviewed by an EU-licensed doctor who is subject to the same rules and regulations as any other general practitioner.
In addition, doctors complete consultations via video conference or telephone call.
Doctors on our platform have access to a full suite of tools – they can request further information such as photos or videos, request measurements like blood pressure, and obtain external validation of the medical history, e.g., from the patient's general practitioner.
Almost 40% of patients who begin a consultation are deemed unsuitable and are instead referred to a general practitioner or specialist.
Due to the extensive written documentation that CannGo provides to patients, the general practitioner is also informed about the reasons for therapy with medical cannabis upon presentation by the patient. ⁴
Myth: "Telemedicine platforms fragment the healthcare system"
Myth: "Telemedicine platforms fragment the healthcare system"
The Reality: One of the greatest strengths of telemedicine is the ability to use technology to maintain continuous contact with patients through the medical team.
In contrast, contact with the 'on-site doctor' often ends immediately when you leave the practice, and weeks can pass until you get or attend the next appointment. ⁵
With CannGo, treatment – if desired – continues continuously, including regular check-ups and follow-up consultations.
Myth: "Abuse in telemedicine is pre-programmed"
Myth: "Abuse in telemedicine is pre-programmed"
The Reality: Telemedicine is an alternative form of communication with a doctor, for which the same basic rules apply as for an in-person doctor's visit. Patients are liable to prosecution in many ways if they commit acts of abuse.
Studies show that patients can provide inaccurate or false information both during in-person doctor's visits and during telemedicine consultations. Studies found that patients often conceal or falsify information about their health condition, regardless of whether they consult in person or via telemedicine ⁶.
However, telemedicine offers additional protective mechanisms that can prevent abuse. Potentially suspicious information is flagged to the doctor and checked. Furthermore, a pharmaceutical check is carried out when collecting medication at the local pharmacy. With mail-order pharmacies, an additional identity check is usually carried out by the postman upon delivery.
Patients who use our platform regularly over several months develop a deep awareness of their own health that often goes beyond what can be achieved in a 15-minute consultation every few months with a local general practitioner. This is because telemedicine enables continuous monitoring and regular, automated check-ins. In addition, studies state that telemedicine offers improved patient engagement and education. ⁷
Extensive written information on side effects, intake, and storage of medical cannabis and other medications is sent to patients during and after the consultation. This information helps ensure that patients are well-informed and can use the medication safely.
Myth: "Teleclinics are only about making profits"
Myth: "Teleclinics are only about making profits"
The Reality: CannGo and consultations carried out via CannGo are privately financed and billed, meaning we do not receive a cent of the 60 million euros that general practitioners receive through the public health system. ⁸
Instead, we are already saving the German healthcare system thousands of euros through our own solutions and systems, as well as through self-payer services by patients.
We exist as a supplement to the public healthcare system and employ German and European doctors, other medical professionals, and staff.
Transparent Processes: How CannGo Works
01
Medical Questionnaire
Patients fill out the medical questionnaire and provide detailed information about their illness.
02
Review by Attending Doctor
The doctor selected by the patient reviews the information from the questionnaire and conducts a consultation.
03
Evaluation of Treatment Options
The attending doctor has the opportunity to view all technical or other aids, such as additional documentation.
04
For Private Prescription: Transmission to a Pharmacy
Should a private prescription be issued, the pharmacy to which the prescription is sent can be selected.
05
Further Treatment by the Attending Doctor
If continuation of treatment is necessary, the patients remain in contact with the doctor for further steps.
Our medical team is at the forefront of providing high-level care to patients
30-40% of patients who contact our doctors are not eligible for drug treatment and are offered alternative programs and/or consultation with a personal general practitioner is recommended.
Our transparently designed patient process ensures that patients are fully informed and cared for while preventing abuse and ensuring the quality of care. Through this structured approach, we can not only make medical care more efficient but also ensure that patients receive the best possible care, whether through drug treatments or alternative programs and personal consultations.
We fight the stigma
Certain medical topics are often associated with a social stigma. Many patients who could benefit from certain therapeutic advantages hesitate to take up this treatment for fear of prejudice or misunderstanding. This stigma can lead to patients being reluctant to discuss it with their doctor or decide on the treatment.
CannGo is committed to overcoming stigmas by providing comprehensive education and transparent information. During the consultation, patients receive detailed written instructions on possible side effects, intake, and storage of medications. This information is also provided after the consultation to ensure that patients are well-informed and can carry out their treatment safely and effectively.
We are not a replacement for general practitioners
The current general practitioner system is already overloaded, the shortage of doctors is a reality, and the costs for the public health system are increasingly coming to the fore.
The healthcare system has many problem areas, and we are trying to fix and relieve some of them.
CannGo's telemedicine service improves access for patients who cannot get an appointment with a general practitioner without having to endure long journeys and waiting times, especially in regional areas.
We are not here to fragment the industry but to supplement it, making it more accessible and efficient for patients and healthcare professionals.
