What is Telehealth ?

Telehealth uses communication technology to bring a people living in a regional, rural or remote area and a health practitioner together.  

What are the benefits?

It can save everyone a lot of time, money and stress – neither the client nor the health practitioner have to spend time or money travelling

It is particularly suited for people living in rural and remote areas, people with mobility issues or those unable to travel

Australians living abroad wishing to access Australian services

People who cannot attend face-to-face appointments due to work/family commitments, 

People who prefer to see a health professional outside their town.

Not everyone is going to want a service via telehealth, and not every problem is suited for this type of treatment. However, if you have a computer, can use the internet and are interested in accessing telehealth please speak to us about whether this might suit your circumstances.   

What do I need to access Telehealth?

Telehealth uses computers and video cameras. 

It is easy to use and you don't need to be a computer expert or have any special skills in order to use telehealth.  You only need a basic computer (or tablet) with a camera (webcam), reliable internet connection and some basic knowledge about how to use the internet.   

You will also need a quiet and private place for appointments so you will not be interrupted.

If you do not have the necessary equipment or prefer not to have telehealth appointments at home for other reasons, you may still be able to access these services at your local GP practice. Please contact us to discuss.

How does telehealth work?

Telehealth is a real consult.  We can see and hear each other, talk and you can ask questions.  You might even be asked to look at a presentation or diagram on screen in order to help us explain something.  It is very similar to a normal consult, we’re just not in the same room together. 

If you want to find out more or are interested in receiving a telehealth service please contact us to discuss this option. 

Is Telehealth effective?

Research shows that telehealth is effective and provides similar benefits to face-to-face psychological treatment. Most Australian cancer care patients report a positive patient experience of telehealth, with telehealth consultations considered of equal, if not better quality than face-to-face consultations:  

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15228830802094429#.VI8vaCvF_hs https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/406016/Accessing-cancer-care-telehealth.pdf

Our first-hand experience in providing telehealth services over a number of years suggests that people of all ages quickly forget about the technology and find telehealth an acceptable means of getting a service they would otherwise find hard to access. 

How much does it cost?

Standard consultation fees apply.

Preparing for your Telehealth Appointment

To receive Medicare reimbursement for telehealth services you will need to ensure a GP referral (GP mental health care plan) is sent to the clinic prior to your first appointment. You can send it in by mail, or email, or ask your GP to secure message it to The Health Psychology Clinic. 

Prior to the appointment make sure your equipment is charged, and power cords are available. We encourage the use of headsets/earphones (with microphone) for privacy and sound quality. 

Allow an extra few minutes to get into the telehealth consult room, check you sound and video is working and get yourself settled.

At the time of the consult visit our website www.healthpsychclinic.com.au and click on “enter telehealth room”, or click here.

You might want to bring a pen and paper and a glass of water. 

You need a quiet and private space with reliable internet connection where you are not likely to be interrupted.