What is telehealth?
Telehealth is like a face-to-face appointment. You’ll see your health professional on a video screen and hear them using your speakers or headphones. They'll also see and hear you.
Ask your health professional if telehealth is a good option for you.
How we use telehealth
We use telehealth for:
- outpatient appointments
- at home patient appointments
- inpatient ward rounds
- emergency support and advice
- patients transferring between hospitals.
If you get a referral to hospital, ask about using telehealth.
Why should I choose telehealth?
With telehealth you can:
- get care more easily
- spend less time away from work and other activities
- spend less time travelling to appointments
- keep your appointment if you're sick or need to isolate
- ask a family member, carer or friend to join your appointment.
Telehealth appointments are secure, and your information is safe.
How to use telehealth
Watch our video to find out what you need to have for a telehealth appointment.
You have been offered to have your next healthcare appointment by telehealth.
But what does that mean?
Telehealth is a video appointment with your healthcare provider on your computer, tablet, or smart phone. And because it’s a video appointment you’ll be able to see each other.
The good news is you can do this in the comfort of your own home instead of travelling to see them in person.
You can also have someone with you to help you prepare including family members, carers, or a health care worker.
To access your telehealth video appointment with Metro South you won’t need to download any software programs or apps. Instead, your healthcare provider will send you a link in an SMS or Email. All you have to do is click the link when it is time for your appointment.
Now that you know what a telehealth video appointment is, here is a quick checklist to see if you are prepared and ready for your telehealth appointment.
Do you agree to have a telehealth video appointment?
Yes or No.
Do you have access to a smart phone, tablet, or computer?
Yes or No.
Does that device have a camera, microphone, and speakers or headphones?
Yes or No.
And do you have good internet access on that device?
Yes or No.
If you answered Yes, to all of these questions. Then you are ready for Telehealth.
Please follow the instructions sent by your clinic to confirm your appointment.
If you answered no to any questions or you are still unsure?
Please contact your clinic to get further help, or to change your appointment.
If you’d like to do telehealth but don’t have the equipment, let your clinic know when you call. As they may be able to setup telehealth from your GP, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health centre, aged care home, or your closest Queensland Health facility.
If you agree to a Telehealth video appointment, further information, including the link you will need, will be sent to you closer to your appointment date.
At home
If you’re doing your telehealth appointment from home, you'll need:
- a computer, tablet or smartphone with a camera
- internet or Wi-Fi
- a headset or speakers.
You can check that telehealth works on your device by doing a test call. You should see a video of yourself and hear your voice when you speak.
At a health clinic or at your GP's office
If you can’t have your appointment at home, you can have it at your local health clinic or GP's office. The staff will help you with the video conference equipment.
A nurse may sit in the room and help you during your video appointment.
Before your appointment starts, the nurse will tell you what to expect during the video call. They may also take your blood pressure, temperature and do other tests.
Your health professional will update your medical records after your appointment.
How to prepare for a telehealth appointment
Before your appointment:
- make sure you're in a quiet and safe place
- charge your device
- have your medicines or a list of them with you
- have any test results with you
- write down questions you want to ask.
How to connect to telehealth
Follow these steps to connect to telehealth.
- Receiving the appointment: You’ll receive an email or SMS from the clinic with a video link for your appointment.
- Testing your device: Test telehealth on your device by making a test call. You should see yourself and hear your voice.
- Starting your appointment: Open the link in your SMS or email to start your appointment.
- Allowing device permissions: When prompted, allow your device to use the microphone and camera.
- Joining the appointment: Your health professional will show up on the screen when they’re ready to see you.
How we can help you connect to telehealth
If you need help to access telehealth, we can support you.
Using an interpreter
Let us know if you'd like to have an interpreter with you during your appointment. They can join by video or sit in with you at a clinic.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support
We have an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Officer who can support you during your appointment. They can either sit with you or join the appointment by using the link.
Technical support
Call the Telehealth Helpdesk on 1800 066 888, if you need technical support.
Common technical issues
You didn't get a telehealth link.
- You'll get the link to join before your appointment time.
- Call your clinic if you still don't have a link 15 minutes before your appointment.
When your device says the microphone or camera isn't allowed.
- Select allow for your camera and microphone when asked.
- Go into your device settings and select allow for your camera and microphone.
If you can’t see or hear other people, or they can’t see or hear you.
- Turn up your volume and plug in your speakers or headphones.
- Turn on your camera and microphone.