With our telehealth sessions, our practitioners will continue to be able to assess, diagnose, educate and assist you with self-treatment, just as we do in face-to-face consults. These appointments will also include the prescription of exercises and specific injury support advice, aided by the use of our new software, with pictures, videos and step-by-step instructions.
With a growing body of evidence proving that virtual education is as affective or comparable to standard forms of treatment, we encourage all of our patients to try and keep to your current treatment plan using a telehealth consultation so that we can continue working towards your goals. These sessions will prove to be an excellent way for you to keep on track, all without the travel time!
Telehealth Video Consultation FAQ
What is a telehealth video consultation?
A telehealth consultation is a consultation between a patient at one location and a healthcare practitioner at another location. Telehealth is a way in which we can deliver advice, education and management programs virtually to you when they cannot physically come to our clinic.
How does it work?
You book your appointment online or over the phone, just like normal. We will email you a link you can follow at the prescribed time on your device. Your practitioner will initiate the call and at the end supply you with your treatment plan. If you have any questions after the consult, your osteopath will be available by email.
Who will be present?
You and your osteopath. As with a face-to-face appointment, your spouse, partner, family or friend may accompany you if you wish.
What can I expect from my video consultation?
As much as possible, your video consultation will be like a face-to-face appointment.
Your osteopath will review your notes and any imaging results before the consult. They will then get a full history, discuss current symptoms and get you to perform some movement assessments before discussing your treatment and follow up plan.
Is telehealth effective?
There are many aspects of your care that we can deliver remotely, with great success. We recognise that there are some limitations, but there is a growing body of evidence that telehealth is just as successful in diagnosis and management of many conditions.
Some of the things we can cover:
Injury diagnosis
Education about your condition
Empowerment through self-treatment strategies
Individual exercise programs specific to your diagnosis
Pain management advice and education
What do I need for a video consultation?
You need a computer with a camera, an email address and a program to access the internet (chrome, safari etc). Computers are preferable, but you can also use a phone or tablet. If you are using a tablet or phone, you will need to download the Google Meet app and make sure you have them set up on a stable platform (don’t hold with your hands).
How should I prepare for my appointment?
You can help get the best from a video consultation by following these simple steps:
Set yourself up in a quiet room with good lighting. Try to avoid having a window behind you as that will
Avoid wearing brightly patterned or reflective clothing as this may not show up well on camera
Switch your mobile off or to silent mode (if not being used for consult
Speak clearly so your voice can be picked up by the microphone
Look at the camera so you can achieve good eye contact with the specialist
If you have a question or need help during the telehealth video consultation, just ask.
How private is a telehealth video consultation?
The same privacy and confidentiality requirements that apply to face-to-face consultations apply to telehealth video consultations. Our practice does not record telehealth video consultations and we do not give patients permission to make their own recordings of a telehealth video consultation without discussion with your practitioner.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
Our standard cancellation policy applies - 24 hours notice required for cancellation or changes.
What if I feel uncomfortable and want to stop the video consultation?
Most patients feel a little nervous at the beginning of their first telehealth video consultation because it’s a new way of seeing a healthcare practitioner. However, most patients soon feel very comfortable. If during your consult you feel that this is not the right thing for you, let your practitioner know you’d like to cease the consult.
How do I pay for my telehealth consult?
You will be emailed an invoice after your appointment, which you can pay online. If you would prefer to pay this invoice over the phone, simply call the clinic.
Will I still get my health insurance rebate?
At this stage, video consultations are a full fee paying service. Health insurance companies and third parties (DVA etc) are not yet providing rebates for any telehealth. Given the current health climate and need for telehealth, we are hoping that this will change soon. Feel free to ring your insurer and let them know you would like telehealth to be covered.
If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to ask.