Diagnosis over Skype

I just saw an article on the news about a new service being investigated on diagnosing illnesses over Skype or other video services; just decided to add my worthless two cent opinion on it.

This service would be good in situations where its clear what the person has.  The flu, a sinus infection, a cold, or something simple.  You see, the main problem is that people often have illnesses that any well trained Allied Health Professional can identify, but no one (underline that a billion times) nobody at all is allowed to diagnose but a licensed medical doctor (well some nurse practitioners but see below).

And I have no problem with that.  A nurse practitioner misdiagnosed gall bladder disease and pancreitis as GERD (bad heartburn) with my girlfriend.  She ended up in the emergency ward and was rushed into emergency surgery soon after.  So, really, we all have gripes with doctors sometimes but you really really want to see a doctor for a diagnosis.  That MD (or equivalent medical degree) does mean that they know a thing or two!

So, back to this diagnosis by video.  If a medical doctor can diagnose an illness from a remote location (to her/his satisfaction), then the nurses/medical professionals on site can begin instant treatment and the pharmacy can dispense medication.   It would be a good idea except in situations where diagnosis would involve more than observation or basic medical health signs (pulse, blood pressure, etc).