Telehealth videoconferencing
We are excited to announce the introduction of telehealth facilities at South East Orthopaedic Surgery. You can have a consultation with Dr Amy Touzell and/or our team of expert allied health practitioners from the comfort and safety of your home.
Our secretaries are able to explain how a telehealth consultation is conducted. We use the web-based videoconferencing program 'Coviu' which allows us to share information with you for real-time, interactive discussion and explanation of your imaging, pathology results and conduct a limited examination. As a backup, we have the option of using FaceTime or Whatsapp video call facilities.
Medicare rebates and bulk-billing requirements for telehealth consultations change frequently. As of Monday 6th April, all new patient and review consultations are eligible for a medicare rebate. Patients will be bulk-billed in cases of financial hardship or if they are in a vulnerable position
Telehealth is an evolving and exciting new component of our practice. If you have any questions at all, please contact the practice and a member of our administration team can give you more details.
Frequently asked questions:
What do I need?
You need a smartphone, tablet or computer with a camera and microphone. If you do not have access to this equipment, we are able to conduct a limited consultation over the telephone.
What should I do prior to the consultation?
Our admin team will send you a detailed email when you book your appointment which will explain the telehealth consultation process. This will include completion of our registration and questionnaire online, sending us your referral and any other relevant correspondence including any imaging results. We will also ask you to send us some clinical photos prior and the details of this will be provided in your confirmation email.
Do I need to make an appointment?
Yes! Telehealth consultations require a lot of preparation to make sure we have access to your imaging and you still need to send us appropriate clinical photographs and complete health questionnaires as appropriate prior to your appointment. You will be scheduled to see one of our health practitioners just like a regular appointment. However, given the current suspension of all elective surgery Dr Touzell is conducting more consulting sessions and has increased availability to review patients.
How much is a consultation?
New patient consultations are $125. As of Monday 6th April, you will obtain a medicare rebate of $75.05. If you are experiencing financial hardship or qualify as a 'vulnerable person' (people aged over 70, those who are self-isolating, those with chronic health conditions or who are immunosuppressed, pregnant mothers or parents of young children and/or concession card holders or pensioners) are bulk-billed. Review consultations are always bulk-billed for all patients.
If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to contact the practice.