What is Telehealth?

In a nutshell, Telehealth is a consultation between a patient and consulting specialist, via video conferencing.

In response to the spread of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) the Australian Government significantly expanded the Telehealth consultation program. As a result, a large number of practitioners who have previously not had experience with Telehealth consultations now use this service to consult to patients. 

Here at SwiftDoc we’ve been using a Telehealth-style model of consultation since well before the pandemic.  Because we believe it is the way of the future, we’ve taken it that one step further by developing our own app.  That means:

• Better control over security – we know how we obtain and store data,
• Easier to use – make appointments, manage bookings, choose practitioners and more in one easy-to-navigate app.
• Fast and reliable – we’re so used to working this way that we’ve streamlined everything – easy booking, easy billing and on-time appointments.
• Convenient – we knew when we started SwiftDoc that flexibility is key. That’s why we offer appointments after hours, on the weekends and on public holidays.

Things to remember and consider when using Telehealth as a patient

The expansion of Telehealth during the COVID-19 crisis occurred quite quickly, so back then it had been a learning curve for a lot of patients and medical practitioners alike who are unfamiliar with the process.  Everyone is a bit more used to it now, but the main things to consider as a patient are:

__Is the platform I’m having my consult on secure? __

Currently providers can host sessions via Zoom, Skype, Facetime and other similar platforms, which all have varying levels of security, so it is worth asking which platform they are using and if they have investigated the level of security. (Here at SwiftDoc we don’t use these, but rather use our App so we can be assured of top notch security). 

Do I need a referral?

Yes, for any services where you need a valid referral to attend in person, you’ll also need a valid referral to attend online (or SwiftDoc GPs can arrange specialist referrals for you).

Can I still use my preferred pharmacy/pathologist?

Yes, absolutely.  With SwiftDoc’s services, we can send your prescription directly to your preferred pharmacist and you can still obtain all your usual pathology and diagnostic testing through your preferred providers.  Other providers may also offer this service, although it will differ across providers depending on what they have been able to set up in their own practice during these busy times.

All content on the SwiftDoc website is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.

Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call the emergency services immediately.