- IMPORTANT CHANGES TO TELEHEALTH/MEDICARE REBATES
Please note, as of the 1st January 2022, Medicare have changed their rebate for some appointments. Phone consultations without a video will receive a lower rebate from Medicare. Please familiarise yourself with these new rebates (click here) and contact our office if you have any questions. Thankyou.
During Covid 19, Geelong Endocrinology and Diabetes successfully moved most patient appointments to Telehealth, for the best interests of the patients and our clinicians. We managed this so well, we decided to keep this as an option for our patients (although we would prefer face to face where possible)
Telehealth appointments – at your scheduled appointment time – please wait by your phone or device for a video call from your doctor.
After your telehealth appointment, one of our reception staff will contact you to arrange payment.
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth is an appointment with your Doctor that takes place via a video link over a computer or on a phone device rather than in the Doctors rooms. You can participate in a video consultation from your home via various options.
Telehealth Appointments: how do they work?
The consultation can take place via the following (some clinicians may not be able to participate in all listed below, they will guide you):
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- HealthDirect – Available if both the clinician and patient have a camera on a device (laptop, pc, tablet, mobile phone) – We will email you a link prior to your appointment.
- Zoom – We will email you the zoom details prior to your appointment.
To help make your video consultation a success, please follow these simple steps:
- Be ready at least 15 minutes early to allow for preparation time.
- Test your microphone and camera before starting and look at the camera during the consultation.
- Speak clearly so your voice can be picked up by the microphone
Insulin pump users: If you are using an insulin pump, it is your responsibility to ensure this is uploaded onto CareLink , Diasend , Libreview prior to the appointment time.
Phone consultations: how to they work?
Your doctor will call you on your listed phone number at the scheduled appointment time. Please be patient as the doctor may be running late just as with face to face consultations! Please refer to new Medicare rebates for phone consultations without video (as of 01/01/22)
Privacy and Confidentiality
The same privacy and confidentiality requirements that apply to face-to-face consultations apply to video consultations. Those wishing to participate in video consultations should determine their own level of comfort regarding web based video conference systems before proceeding. Recording (video or audio) of all or part of the telehealth consultation is strictly prohibited for all parties. Our practice does not record video consultations and we do not give patients permission to make their own recordings of a video consultation.
Getting ready for your Telehealth appointment via ZOOM
Step 1. Register with ZOOM – click here ( this can be downloaded onto your computer ) OR downloaded the app via the play store / zoom cloud meetings for your phone ).
Step 2. Please make sure you register before your appointment – testing your video camera and microphone.
Step 3. The ZOOM program allows you to share your data, blood glucose readings etc.
Step 4. Prior to your appointment, you will receive an email with a link to the ZOOM details for your appointment, simply click on the link and wait for your doctor to start the meeting (you will be placed into a virtual waiting room, so please allow time if clinician is running a little behind) OR you may receive a personal ID and password to simply type into the JOIN MEETING tab.
Insulin pump users: If you are using an insulin pump, it is your responsibility to ensure this is uploaded onto CareLink , Diasend , Libreview prior to the appointment time.
After your appointment
Any pathology request forms or other documents may be emailed or sent in the post and prescriptions will be sent via e-script to your email address.
If you require a follow up appointment, your Doctor will inform you of this during your consultation. Your doctor will book and advise your of your next appointment time during the consult. Alternatively, one of our administration staff will contact you to book any further appointments.