Telehealth

Telehealth uses a phone or video call to connect you to your healthcare provider (doctor, clinician, allied health caregiver or specialist nurse) without the need for a face-to-face appointment. Your health care team will assess your individual needs and decide if telehealth is an option for you.

St John of God Health Care use a phone or video call platform called Webex for telehealth appointments. After your appointment is confirmed, follow these instructions to assist you with accessing Webex and troubleshooting.

• No need to travel to our facility.
• Reduced wait time to see your health care provider.
• Reduced time away from home, school or work.
• More flexibility with appointments.
• Allows a family member or friend to attend the appointment with you.

Telehealth is a specialty designed service. Only services deemed appropriate are provided via telehealth. Your health care needs are assessed on an individual basis and other services may be offered to you if telehealth is not appropriate at any stage of your care.

• Choose a quiet, private, well-lit area to take the call, free from interruptions and where your discussions cannot be overheard. Please note that treatment cannot be provided while you are operating a motor vehicle.
• Invite a family member or friend to join you in the appointment if you wish.
• Have any documents or information requested by your provider to hand.

For more information, follow these instructions to assist you with accessing Webex and troubleshooting.

Telehealth phone call:

• a working phone
• a quiet space so your healthcare provider can hear you

 
Telehealth video call:

• a working laptop or desktop computer (with camera, speaker and microphone), tablet or smart phone with a front camera, speaker and microphone (make sure it’s fully charged or has access to power)
• an internet connection
• your email address
• a well-lit, quiet space so your healthcare provider can see you and hear you
• data allowance (a video call will consume some of your data allowance, if this is an issue please consider a voice-only call)

Note: you can also use headphones that connect to your device for clear audio and to protect your privacy.

Your verbal consent to treatment will be obtained at the beginning of each session.

You will be required to cover any costs you incur related to your computer or phone including hardware, software or data.

Speak to your health care provider about any costs related to your treatment.

We are committed to ensuring your privacy. Your personal details, including those disclosed during your telehealth conference, will be handled in accordance with our usual privacy and confidentiality procedures. We have selected the secure and confidential platform Webex as our provider of telehealth video conferencing. Telehealth conferences will not be recorded by your health care provider and you should also not record the conversations.

You can also protect your own privacy by not sending any personal information to our services by email or SMS messages.

Your health care provider will decide what follow up care you require. They may choose to book another telehealth appointment or request that you attend a face-to-face follow up appointment.

The details of your telehealth appointment are documented and added to your medical record. Your medical record is treated confidentially at all times and complies with our privacy policy, State legislation and State Department of Health standards.

If you have any concerns or questions about your upcoming telehealth appointment, please contact your health care provider.