Telehealth is the collective term for a number of different ways of being in touch with your doctor
practice nurse and other health providers without seeing them in person.
This might involve:
- talking over the phone
- sending messages via your patient portal
- emailing or texting your doctor, practice nurse or other health provider, or
- having a video call where you can see your health provider and talk about your condition just as you would if you were in the same room.
Sometimes this is called virtual healthcare or e-consultation.
This way of seeing your doctor and other healthcare providers was particularly useful during the COVID-19 pandemic when it was important to keep physical distance from each other. However it has become an ongoing option for consultations with many healthcare providers. It can be useful if you can’t get to a medical clinic but need an appointment, or if you live rurally.
- If you have difficulty getting to your appointments due to cost, mobility issues, living remotely or lack of transport options, telehealth can make it easier for you to get your healthcare needs met.
- If you have a communicable disease (one that can be passed on to other people), using telehealth helps to keep other people safe from catching that disease.
- It’s also a good option if your appointment is a follow-up rather than a first consultation. It’s a good way to stay in touch with your healthcare provider on a more regular basis if you have a long-term health condition.
- If you’re staying home with COVID or เล่นบาคาร่า UFABET เว็บตรง ค่าคอมสูง think you have COVID, it’s helpful to use some kind of telehealth option rather than turn up or expect an in-person visit. Ring first to see what they suggest about how to have a consultation.
Visit your medical centre’s website or patient portal to find out.
How they would like you to book appointments. There will also be a message on most clinic answer phones. While clinics are transitioning to more telehealth, they may wish all appointment requests to be triaged first. This means someone will talk with you to help decide what form of appointment will be best for you.
In most practices there will be options for having have your consultation by secure email through your patient portal, or by phone or video call as well as face-to-face appointments. What is available depends on the technology your healthcare provider has available. You can also request a video consultation for your child.
You’ll be sent an appointment time and instructions about. How to login for video calls or what time to expect a phone call. The medical team will try to be on time, but as you can understand, they’re juggling lots and may be running late at times. Please be patient. They’ll ring or log on to meet with you as soon as they can.