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MDWebLive has launched a service offering live video medical consultations via webcam between patients and board-certified doctors from multiple specialties.

The service offers after-hours and on-call medical consultations, and allows medical consultations for patients while they are travelling or living in remote areas.

According to its developers, the website

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is intended for use with non-urgent healthcare related matters such as mild infections, hypertension, thyroid conditions and HIV counselling.

The NHS claims it is keen to follow suit, and is looking into the possibility of providing a similar service to UK patients.

"We are aware of the power of this technology, and we are currently exploring this channel," said Adrian Price, head of ICT infrastructure at NHS Direct, the NHS' 24 hour health advice and information service. "We think this could be a possible way of delivering health services to patients."

MDWebLive records sessions to allow physicians to review patient interactions, verify medical information and provide the basis for re-examination of diagnosis. The site also stores patients' medical records and sends prescriptions digitally to reduce handwriting error. The NHS however, admits that concerns for security are the key factor holding back the launch of such a service in the UK.