The efficiency and effectiveness of telehealth appointments rose to the forefront of general practice during the COVID-19 Pandemic with the need for contact-free medical consultations for both doctors and patients.
Since then, we’ve found telehealth appointments to be a good option for some patients, enabling patients to fit appointments around their busy schedules, and GPs can still provide quality care when needed.
What is a telehealth appointment?
A telehealth appointment offers you the opportunity to discuss your medical concerns with your trusted doctor at SmartClinics directly over either a phone or video call and from a location and time most convenient and comfortable for you.
Just like regular in-clinic consultations, the telehealth appointment service allows you to speak to a medical professional and seek advice for general health concerns.
When you feel unwell, leaving the comfort of your home to visit the doctor can be inconvenient and overwhelming. The doctors at SmartClinics offer telehealth appointments as an option to ensure you can consult with the doctor without risking your health or the health of others.
What health issues are suited for a telehealth appointment?
A telehealth appointment is the right consultation type for you if you are after medical advice for milder issues, such as common cold or flu symptoms, insect bites, a pre-existing condition, discussion of results and referrals, or require a medical certification or prescription refill.
If you are unsure whether a telehealth appointment is right for your health concerns, your local SmartClinics medical centre will be able to advise whether a remote call or in-clinic consultation will be most helpful for you and your doctor.
What health issues are not suitable for a telehealth appointment?
Whilst a telehealth appointment feels just like a regular appointment, there are some conditions or concerns that an in-clinic appointment would be better suited for. We recommend booking to see your doctor in person if you are not an existing patient or haven’t been seen at the clinic in the last 12 months, require skin checks or minor procedures, or do not currently have access to a smartphone to enable video calls for longer and more complex consultations.
How does a telehealth appointment work?
Once you book your telehealth appointment, your local SmartClinics practice will provide you with the information you need to have a seamless appointment. This will include ensuring your practice is using the correct contact details.
At the time of your appointment, your local practice will make contact with you to begin your appointment. Please be available to talk to the doctor in a private setting.
What does a telehealth appointment cost?
Most often, a telehealth consultation will cost the same as an in-clinic appointment. This means you can access medical advice and care from home with no additional costs, or the price of commuting to your local clinic.
However, please contact your local clinic to know if a fee may apply. To be eligible for a Medicare rebate, the person who has the health problem should be present on the call (e.g., for an appointment regarding a child, the child must be present). You will also need to be an existing patient at the clinic and have been seen for a face-to-face appointment in the last 12 months (not applicable to anyone aged under 12 months or people who are experiencing homelessness).
Talk to your GP remotely now
If you believe a telehealth appointment suits you and the treatment you require from your next doctor visit, please contact your local SmartClinics Family Medical Centre to book a telehealth consultation. Discover if your local practice offers telehealth appointments and understand the consultation options available to you from home.