Telehealth Is Here to Stay
Virtual medical consultations — once a novelty — are now a mainstream part of healthcare delivery. Whether by video call, phone, or secure messaging, telehealth connects patients with doctors and specialists without requiring travel to a clinic. For the right situations, it's every bit as effective as an in-person visit.
If you're using telehealth for the first time, it helps to understand what the format involves, how to get the most out of it, and when it may not be appropriate.
What Telehealth Is Good For
Not every medical concern can be assessed remotely — but many can. Telehealth is well-suited for:
- Follow-up appointments and routine check-ins
- Medication reviews and prescription renewals
- Discussion of test results or investigation reports
- Mental health consultations (therapy, psychiatry, counselling)
- Management of stable chronic conditions (e.g. diabetes, hypertension)
- Minor illness assessment (cold, rash, urinary symptoms)
- Referrals and specialist discussions
- Second opinions
When In-Person Care Is Necessary
Some situations require physical examination, diagnostic equipment, or hands-on care that telehealth cannot provide:
- Chest pain, breathing difficulty, or signs of stroke — call emergency services
- Physical injuries requiring examination or imaging
- Conditions that need blood tests, cultures, or other specimen collection
- Situations where physical examination findings are critical to diagnosis
When in doubt, it's always appropriate to call your clinic first and describe your symptoms. Staff can help determine the right format for your care.
Before Your Telehealth Appointment
Technical Setup
- Confirm which platform your clinic uses (Zoom, a dedicated health app, phone call, etc.) and whether you need to download anything.
- Test your camera, microphone, and internet connection at least 15 minutes before the call.
- Charge your device fully or keep it plugged in.
- Find a quiet, private space with good lighting — ideally, position light in front of you, not behind.
Medical Preparation
- Have your list of current medications and doses nearby
- Write down your questions or concerns beforehand
- If relevant, have any home monitoring readings ready (blood pressure, blood glucose, temperature)
- Have your Medicare or insurance card available in case it's requested
During the Appointment
Telehealth consultations follow largely the same format as in-person visits. Your doctor will:
- Confirm your identity and reason for the appointment
- Ask about your symptoms, history, and any changes since your last visit
- Review any medications or results you've shared
- May ask you to describe what you're experiencing or show a skin concern on camera
- Provide a diagnosis or working plan, answer your questions, and advise on next steps
Feel free to take notes during the call. It's perfectly acceptable to ask your doctor to slow down, repeat something, or confirm what they've said.
After Your Telehealth Appointment
Most telehealth platforms provide a follow-up summary or allow your doctor to send through referrals, prescriptions (e-scripts), and pathology requests electronically. Confirm before you end the call:
- How any prescriptions or referrals will be sent to you
- Whether any follow-up tests or appointments are needed
- What symptoms or changes should prompt you to seek further care sooner
Privacy and Confidentiality
Reputable telehealth platforms are required to meet the same privacy and data protection standards as in-person medical care. Ensure you are using your clinic's official booking system and avoid conducting consultations from public spaces where others could overhear.
Telehealth is a powerful tool — and when used appropriately, it removes barriers to timely, quality care. Don't hesitate to ask your practice whether a telehealth appointment is suitable for your next visit.