The Healthcare Institution of South Iceland

Telemedicine

Heilbrigðisstofnun Suðurlands is the first public-sector partner of Fjarlækningar (Telemedicine Services). The collaboration is a one-year pilot project, and initially the service will only be available to patients of the primary healthcare center in Vestmannaeyjar.

The aim of the partnership is to improve access to medical services, reduce waiting times, and create more capacity within primary healthcare to focus on more complex cases. There are plans to expand the service to all HSU primary healthcare clinics in the near future, and later to additional healthcare centers throughout Iceland.

At present, the service is only available to HSU patients in Vestmannaeyjar.

Open service

Website Fjarlækningar

The Process with Fjarlækningar

Using your phone or computer, you answer a series of targeted questions about your health concern. A physician will review your case and respond within two hours during opening hours from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Select your health concern or request from the list
1. Log in with your electronic ID and select the care pathway that matches your symptoms.
Answer a set of standardized questions
1. The questionnaires are custom-designed in collaboration with Icelandic medical specialists for each specific condition, creating an experience that closely mirrors a consultation with a physician.
  When home testing can help improve diagnostic accuracy, you will be guided through the process. For example, you may be asked to take a urine test, which can be obtained from your local health clinic or pharmacy, and submit the results directly through the patient portal.
Patients with serious symptoms are directed to the appropriate level of care
1. If your responses indicate any serious symptoms or warning signs, your case can be immediately referred to the appropriate healthcare service for prompt assessment and treatment.
A physician reviews your case and recommends treatment and next steps
1. A physician carefully reviews your responses and, based on their medical assessment, recommends the most appropriate treatment and next steps.
You receive the outcome, medical advice, and a prescription if appropriate
1. You will receive a written assessment and recommendations, and if medication is required, a prescription will be sent electronically to the national prescription portal, ready for collection at your preferred pharmacy.
  Your assessment also includes educational information related to your condition, including self-care guidance, preventive advice, and recommendations for over-the-counter products that may help manage your symptoms.

Many common and well-defined health concerns can be assessed and managed without an in-person visit to a doctor's office. With Fjarlækningar you can securely and easily submit a request and receive care from a physician when appropriate.Services include:

Common colds, coughs, and sore throats
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and vaginal infections
Contraception
Seasonal pollen allergies
Cold sores
Shingles (skin rash)
Erectile dysfunction
Pinworms
Prescription renewals (medication refills)

The Healthcare Institution of South Iceland

Telemedicine

The Process with Fjarlækningar

Response within two hours

The Process from Start to Finish

Well-defined health condition