Telehealth
Video consultation with Latrobe Regional Hospital
Latrobe Regional Hospital is committed to providing patient-centred specialist outpatient care for patients and their families.
We want to ensure you receive a holistic, integrated and accessible service with expertise from local and metropolitan doctors.
One of the ways we are achieving this is through video consultation known as 'Telehealth'. This system links patients to consultants and removes the burden of travel and time constraints.
You can find out more by watching this short animation.
Your GP or specialist will send an email request to the consultant you (or your child) needs to see. They will contact the Telehealth Facilitator who will arrange a time for you to have your video conference with the consultant. The facilitator will also provide you with a consent form giving permission to bill Medicare. A video consultation can be conducted in your home if the specialist considers it is clinically appropriate and if your home is located in a telehealth eligible area. If you are attending the video consultation at your doctor's clinic, the Telehealth Facilitator will send a link to your doctor enabling them to access the video link-up at your appointment.
If a video consultation is suggested, you may still choose a face-to-face consultation instead.
Note: Not all appointments are appropriate for video consultation so it is best to discuss this with your doctor. For your information: Sending out to the patient's home For your information: Sending out to GP clinics The benefits of Telehealth include: Some of the disadvantages include: To access a video consultation at home you will need a laptop or desktop computer with a microphone and either a built-in webcam or external camera. You will also need internet access, a telephone and an email address. The telephone can be a mobile phone or a landline. Tablet devices may also be used and in some cases a smart phone. Check with your Telehealth Facilitator if you are unsure. LRH Telehealth from home - Information for outpatients: Telehealth from home LRH Telehealth with clinical support – Information for outpatients: Telehealth with clinical support LRH Telehealth using Jabber Guest - Android devices: Android devices LRH Telehealth using Jabber Guest - Apple iPads or iPhones: Apple iPads or iPhones LRH Telehealth using Jabber Guest - iMac and MacBook: iMac and MacBook LRH Telehealth using Jabber Guest - Windows PC: Windows PC As with any consultation with a health professional, the patient's health details will remain confidential and private. Patients who are: The exception to the above is an approved care recipient of a residential aged care facility or a patient attending an Aboriginal Medical Service. In this case, the 15km minimum distance criteria does not apply. You can view Telehealth eligible areas for Medicare billing by clicking here The patient (or parent of a child) will be asked to sign a consent form indicating they give permission to bill Medicare for the consultation. This will be emailed to them by the facilitator and returned electronically before the consultation takes place. This can be arranged by the local consultant or GP along with any tests, investigations or scripts that may be required. We value your feedback. You may be asked to complete a survey after your consultation. Please share your experience to help us continue to improve the telehealth service offered by Latrobe Regional Hospital. Talk to your local specialist, general practitioner or metropolitan consultant about the possibility of a video consultation. If it is appropriate, an appointment will be arranged for you. For further information telephone the Telehealth Facilitator on 5173 8111. Brochure - Telehealth video call appointments for outpatients in Gippsland Information for General Practice, Specialist Outpatient Clinics and Aboriginal Medical Services: Toolkit for GPs and clinicians LRH Telehealth Newsletter (No.1 May 2017) LRH Telehealth Newsletter (No.2 August 2017) LRH Telehealth Newsletter (No.3 Dec 2017) LRH Telehealth Newsletter (No.4 Mar 2018) LRH Telehealth Newsletter (No.5 June 2018) LRH Telehealth Newsletter (No.6 September/October 2018) LRH Telehealth Newsletter (No.7 January 2019) LRH Telehealth Newsletter (No.8 April 2019)How does it work?
Advantages/Disadvantages
Equipment required
What you need to know about your appointment
Privacy
Eligibility
Consent
Follow-up care
Helpful hints
Further information
Resources