News
Telehealth Consultations
The Australian Government has introduced Medicare funding for 6 months for GPs to provide services via telehealth (videoconferencing such as Skype) or phone if videoconferencing is not available. The purpose is to allow people to access essential health services in their home while they undergo self-isolation or quarantine, and reduce their risk of exposure to COVID-19 for vulnerable people in the community.
These services are available to those who require isolation due to suspected COVID-19 infection (as per guidelines), people over the age of 70, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 50, people with chronic conditions or who are immunocompromised, people who are pregnant and parents with new babies.
If a DFMC doctor has seen you at the surgery face-to-face at least once in the previous 12 months then the service can be related to health issues other than suspected COVID-19 infection. These phone or video consultations will allow you to maintain social isolation and access medical care.
The practice is also offering phone consultations to those who don’t meet the criteria above. The fees are $30-$75 depending on the length of the phone consultation with discounted fees for pensioners, health care card holders and children under 12 years of age.
If you would like to organise a telehealth consultation then call the surgery on 97956422. If you have Skype on your phone, device or computer then let the staff know, together with your Skype username. If you don’t then please give your phone number. The GP will call you at a scheduled time or a bit later if they are running late.
If you have respiratory symptoms please measure your temperature before the consultation if you have a thermometer.