Over the last few years, Telehealth has changed the way health care is delivered, and it is now looking to become a permanent change. Speak to your doctor without spending hours in a waiting room.
What is it?
Telehealth means using telecommunications (phone) and platforms such as Skype and Facetime video calling to conduct medical consultations remotely. You can request new scripts and medical referrals using telehealth. Telehealth is a great way of reducing the chance of spreading infection from sick patients to doctors, nurses and other medical professionals. This also reduces the risk of you picking up any germs whilst sitting in a waiting room with other people.
Who can access telehealth?
Anyone who has had at least one face-to-face consultation with their doctor in the last 6 months. If you have an existing relationship with a GP and seen them within the last 6 months you can call to book a phone appointment and have a telehealth consult with your GP. All medicare-eligible Australians can now receive these services. GPs working in general practice may only provide a telehealth service where they have an existing relationship with a patient.
How to use it
Contact your doctor, mental health practitioner by phone, especially if you have cold or flu symptoms and explain your situation. Request a telephone booking with your doctor. The doctor will then call you at the time of the appointment and discuss any health concerns that you have. Scripts can be sent directly from the doctor to the pharmacy. You can then phone your pharmacy to have the script made up and request delivery if you are to unwell to collect yourself.
Medadvisor App
Pharmacy’s have introduced a mobile application that allows you to have all of your scripts in the app. This allows you to order scripts as required through the app. It also displays how many days supply that you have left and if you still have repeats on the script or need to see your doctor to request a new script. This is easily set up, your pharmacist will assist you with setting this app up and how to use its features.
Australia’s Primary Care System
$106 million for permeant telehealth for Australian patients
$58.8 million to support Australia’s mental health with Better Access to vital services
$41.2 million to deliver better health services in regional and rural Australia
$77 million to improve access to medicare
25.6 million to support our covid-19 efforts through primary care
