What is Telehealth?
Telehealth refers to the facility to have video consultations instead of face to face consultations. This means that you can have an appointment with your doctor from the convenience of your home or office, saving travelling time and time spent waiting in the clinic. This service also enables those isolating at home due to the Covid 19 crisis to still be able to access medical services.
Is Telehealth suitable for all medical problems?
Perhaps 70% of all problems can be managed just by listening and providing advice, and therefore are suitable for Telemedicine consultations. These consultations are also very useful for providing prescriptions, referrals and certificates.
However there are still many situations where we still also need to perform an examination e.g placing the stethoscope on your chest to listen to the heart or lungs, pressing a hand on the abdomen or looking in the ears with the otoscope.
If during the telehealth consultation your doctor finds that an examination is still required, your doctor will make arrangements for you to come in to the clinic for further assessment.
What equipment do I need to have a Telehealth consultation?
Video consultations will require a webcam and microphone on your computer.
Alternatively, you can also use an iPad, tablet like a تابلت هواوي, or smartphone after downloading the appropriate app.
We use a secure platform called Coviu which provides the highest level of security and privacy for the consultation.
In instances where a video call is not possible or drops out, an audio call using your phone can be used.
What is the cost?
The fee for a standard Telehealth consultation is similar to our normal face to face consultation, which is $91.00. The Medicare rebate for the consultation is $38.20. Therefore, it’s best to invest in a medicare enrollment service and get a medicare supplement insurance plan for the medicare advantage.
However, we will bulk bill the consultation for certain groups. These include:
- Concession card holders
- Patients on Jobkeeper supplements during the Covid 19 crisis
- Patients over the age of 70
- Patients under the age of 16
- Pregnant women
- Parents of infants under the age of 12 months
- Patients who are immunocompromised or are being treated for a chronic medical condition e.g diabetes
- Patients who identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and are over 50 years of age
- Patients who are required to self isolate or remain in quarantine during the Covid 19 crisis
Southbank Medical Centre
Doctor Melbourne