Whether you have recently returned to Australia or are visiting for the first time, learning about telehealth services is essential. These services allow you to consult with doctors online and even receive prescriptions to treat your ailments.
Since their legalization, telehealth services have gained significant popularity due to their convenience and ease of accessibility. However, before starting your appointment, you should know a few important things.
This post will guide you through the process of an online doctors appointment. These tips will help you have a smooth consultation and be fully prepared for likely eventualities.
To start with, you will learn more about online appointments with a medical practitioner.
Understanding Online Doctor Consultations
Telehealth services are medical services available online, including doctor consultations.
These consultations will connect you with doctors near me, including general practitioners or specialists.
During this consultation, you will discuss your condition with the doctor either via video or by phone. The doctor may ask you follow-up questions to assess your case. Then, they will decide whether you need to see a doctor in person and what treatment you will need to take.
Since this consultation is online, you can see a doctor even if you are in a remote location. Likewise, you will have greater access to specialists. In fact, you can even find doctors available at all hours only after a short waiting period. However, if it is an emergency, you should always call 119 instead.
Preparing for Your First Online Appointment
Ahead of your online appointment, you should prepare for the video or phone call. First, you will need to have a device that connects to the internet and has a camera (for video consultations).
Then, you should set it up in a quiet, well-lit room. Next, you will need to verify that your network is good so that the call does not drop midway.
In addition, you should have the following information noted down:
- Current and recent ailments or conditions
- Current medication
- List of symptoms
- Test results (if there are any)
However, you need not worry since most telehealth services will give you all the information you need to prepare for your appointment.
What to Expect During the Telehealth Consultations
Since you are not physically present during online appointments, they can differ in some ways from traditional consultations. Generally, online consultations go through the following steps:
1. Starting the Session: Identity Verification and Consent
At the beginning of your online appointment, you must verify your identity and consent. To prove your identity, the doctor will ask you for details about your identification, such as your date of birth. They will then cross-reference this information. Once they know your identity, they will ask if you consent to being treated.
2. Discussing Your Medical History and Symptoms
Once the doctor has verified your identity and received your consent, they will ask what symptoms you are experiencing. They will also ask about your medical history to gain a broader perspective on your health.
3. Possible Physical Assessments via Video
After discussing your medical history and symptoms, the doctor may judge that a physical assessment is necessary. For the sake of your privacy, having a private room is best.
During this assessment, the doctor may request that you use tools you already have at home, such as a scale. If you need more specialised tools, the doctor will communicate with you beforehand to facilitate your access to these tools.
4. Recommendations and Treatment Suggestions
Now that you have finished with the physical assessment and symptoms discussion, the doctor will discuss your treatment or recommendations. They will also offer resources to understand aspects of your health better.
5. After the Appointment: Next Steps
Finally, the doctor will send scripts online if necessary and possible. If you need a medical certificate such as for sick leave, they will also send it. Likewise, they will organise your referrals, tests, follow-up consultations, or even general practitioner home visits as per your needs.
Conclusion
This post explained how online doctor consultations occur, from preparations to follow-up scripts and referrals. Although telehealth services can feel intimidating, the process is fairly simple. So long as you have a steady internet connection, a device to make the call, and your medical information, you are ready.
During your consultation, you will discuss your condition with the doctor and do tests as necessary. From this discussion, your medical information and physical assessment results will clarify your next steps.
Now that you have all the information to do a consultation, take charge of your health and get an appointment from telehealth services like PrimeMedic. These services are there to make seeking medical treatment more convenient.
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