The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a number of rapid and dramatic changes to general practice, and as a result of this we are able to offer several new ways to consult with both the practice and your clinician. These can offer significant advantages to you in terms of convenience and timeliness, as well as currently allowing us to maintain social distancing, keeping everyone working in and visiting the practice safe. We will continue to offer these flexible options during and post the pandemic.
We now offer the following types of consultations:
- Electronic consultations – available exclusively through Manage my Health. These are generally most suitable for straightforward enquiries, simple medical issues, follow-up from previous consultations, medication adjustments, as well as ongoing management of recurrent issues on a case-by-case basis. If the clinician receiving the communication feels that an alternate consultation type will be more helpful, they will advise that. Standard consultation charges apply.
- Telephone consultations – can be a very effective option for issues not requiring physical examination. Due to recent legislative changes we are now able to provide ACC consultations and renew sickness benefits via telephone consultation. Phone consultations can additionally be supported by electronic communication of relevant information such as forms/photos and arranging any required investigations, prescriptions etc. If a physical examination or face-to-face consultation is required, the clinician will arrange this. Standard consultation charges apply.
- Video consultations – an increasingly popular communication medium. We currently offer these via a stable, secure platform provided by Manage My Health. You will need to have downloaded the Manage my Health app onto a mobile device in order to access this. Our admin team can help with that if you have any difficulties. Standard consultation charges apply.
- Face-to-face consultations – the classic. Most appropriate for issues which require physical examination, treatments, or if you simply feel more comfortable with this style. We are currently still having to limit the number of face-to-face appointments in order to manage our Covid-19 public health requirements, so please be understanding if an alternative is suggested, or if there are delays in us being able to see you.
These have been a very challenging past few months for everyone. We are however extremely fortunate that we were in our wonderful new building over this time. The investment in a purpose-built practice has meant we have had the space, systems, IT infrastructure and of course the staff to be able to meet the challenge of needing to provide quality healthcare in new, innovative and flexible ways.