As part of the Australian Government’s response to COVID-19, new temporary telehealth services have been introduced.
WHY ARE THE CHANGES BEING MADE?
This will take pressure off hospitals and emergency departments. Whole of population telehealth will allow people to access essential health services in their home and will support self-isolation and quarantine policies to reduce risk of exposure and spread of COVID-19. It will also help vulnerable doctors to continue to deliver services to their patients.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
The new temporary telehealth services are available to providers of telehealth services for a wide range of consultations. All Medicare eligible Australians can now receive these services. Some Private Health funds will be direct billed, speak to reception at your MyClinic for more information.
WHAT IS TELEHEALTH?
Telehealth is consultations provided by either phone or video consultation. Services available via telehealth include:
- Routine consultations with the GP.
- Chronic Disease Management, i.e Care planning & reviews.
- Health Assessment for people of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander descent.
- Pregnancy Support.
- Mental Health Services, i.e eating disorder management, care planning & reviews.
Prescriptions will be faxed to your pharmacy of choice. Referrals will be faxed to the specialist. Blood collection requests & scan requests will be put at patient pick-up in reception. For the time being, you will have to collect the originals from the clinic. It is safe to attend the clinic.
IS TELEHEALTH PRIVATE?
Just like normal appointment, your Telehealth visit will be private and confidential.
WHAT SHOULD I DO TO PREPARE FOR MY TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENT?
You can get the best from your Telehealth consultation by doing the following:
- Confirm your appointment with Reception and ensure they have the correct contact number.
- Set an alarm for 15 mins prior to your appointment time so you are ready to take the call.
- Make sure your mobile is set on loud and beside you so you do not miss the call.
- Speak clearly so your voice can be picked up by the microphone and the Doctor/Nurse can hear you.
- If you have a question or want more information during the Telehealth consultation, just ask the Doctor/Nurse.
- If the Doctor has not called you within 30 mins of your booked appointment time, call reception to inform them. The doctor may be running late or attending to an emergency.
- If you miss the call, call reception to inform them. They may have to reschedule you.
ARE FACE TO FACE CONSULTATIONS STILL AVAILABLE?
Yes. It is safe to attend the clinic. Face to face consultation are still available for all patients who do not display any symptoms consistent with COVID-19. You will be asked about any symptoms you may have when booking an appointment and again when attending the clinic for a face to face consultation. If you are displaying any symptoms consistent with COVID-19, you may be asked to leave the clinic and wait in your car. This is to ensure the safety of our staff, Doctors and vulnerable patients.
MORE INFORMATION
Speak to Reception at your MyClinic.