It is a private and secure way to have a consultation with your doctor without having to be in the room. All you need is a phone, or preferably a computer or tablet with a camera. Most of our telehealth consultations are conducted on a purpose-built, secure online platform. This allows us to share clinical notes, send documents (like prescriptions or work certificates) and review imaging studies with you.
We've had positive feedback on these types of consultations from our patients. They're pleased they don't need to come into the clinic but can still receive a diagnosis and some advice on managing their problem. Our doctors believe that most of the information necessary to make a diagnosis is gleaned from the conversation they have with their patients, rather than the clinical examination or imaging studies. As a result, this can be a great way to initiate a treatment plan.
Our team is experienced at telehealth consultations and can often tell a lot about your injury by taking a full history, asking a few key questions, and seeing how you're moving or are restricted in your movement on-screen. We have been doing this type of consultation for a long time - it's not just because of COVID-19. Our team manage many of New Zealand's elite athletes overseas in this manner.
Not necessarily. In many cases, Telehealth can be very important. In most cases, we would suggest that either your initial consultation or follow-up is done via Telehealth, preferably not both. It would be desirable to see you physically at one point in your journey with us. The best thing we can do is begin working on your problem as quickly as possible. Telehealth sometimes facilitates our ability to see patients more easily during their working day.
Not only can we diagnose your issue, but we can arrange imaging and further investigate your problem as needed. We can also prescribe medication, arrange work certificates and create a treatment plan without you having to leave your home or workplace.
Your doctor will determine when/if you need to come into the clinic to be seen in person for further assessment.
Simply book an appointment and at the time, mention that your preference is Telehealth.
