You would have heard the term ‘Telehealth’ in the media recently but you might not be sure of what it is or if it would be appropriate for you. Here we have put together a few answers to the questions we are hearing most frequently.
If you're practicing self-distancing, in isolation or feeling unwell, Telehealth is the best option for you. Conversations via video call or over the phone remove travel time and lower the cost of an appointment, not to mention how easy and convenient it is. Your health and wellbeing continues to be important during this time so you don’t need to miss out on your health care.
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth is a service via video calling or over the phone that allows our practitioners (physiotherapists, podiatrists and dietitian) to assess and offer treatment advice for your specific issue.
For our physiotherapy clients, we believe that education and exercise are the key components of all injury management and fortunately both of these treatments can be delivered effectively via a Telehealth appointment. It gives us the opportunity to keep you, our existing patients, on track using targeted and individualised self management strategies.
For my physiotherapy session, is Telehealth as good as my in person consultations?
Research shows that assessment, diagnosis and self management through Telehealth is just as effective as traditional physiotherapy. We can hear you, see you and communicate with you about your health concerns and injury - at times that suit you. As a client of In Stride you are already aware that our team places thorough assessment, exercise prescription, injury education and planning as our key treatment tools; these can all be delivered effectively via Telehealth appointments. So, with the guidance and support of your In Stride physiotherapist, who is only a message, email or phone call away, you have the power and tools to self manage your pain and fast track your rehabilitation.
Is Telehealth suitable for me?
Telehealth is suitable for everyone but is especially great if you can not get into the clinic. Reasons may include:
Practicing social distancing
Being in isolation
Those who are immunocompromised
The elderly
Postnatal parents
Those who are not able to travel due to time restriction or location
Those who have just had orthopaedic surgery
Is Telehealth covered by Private Health Insurance and other third party providers?
We are happy to announce that the Government and private health insurers have now changed their policy regarding Telehealth appointments and rebates will be available for consults from early April.
We suggest that you contact your health fund for their conditions to ensure that you are eligible for a rebate. Unfortunately the immediate rebate that you receive in the clinic by swiping your card is not available. Our reception team will send you an invoice upon payment for your session and then you will need to claim back the rebate either online or in person with your health fund. Unfortunately to date, Dietetics telehealth is not covered by private health insurance.
Medicare, DVA and NDIS will also cover Telehealth appointments for Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Dietetics. TAC are reviewing their expansion of funding of Telehealth currently and we are awaiting confirmation on what will be covered for allied health.
So now that you have a better understanding of what Telehealth is, let’s take a look at how we are going to deliver it at In Stride.
In Stride Health Clinic are set up to continue to provide physiotherapy (as well as podiatry and dietetics) care through our Physitrack software via video conferencing. This portal is encrypted and secure and allows the practitioner to complete an effective consultation without the need for you to come into the clinic. Should our therapist deem that you require a face-to-face
appointment, this can be organised at the clinic. We are currently seeing clients from our pilates studio at Shop 2/100 Union Road, Ascot Vale.
Physitrack software allows us to share our desktop with you via live streaming including exercise videos and educational information to help teach you your exercises and implement your rehab and training plan. The PhysiApp that you download is also a handy portal through which you can access your unique exercise program and keep track of your program at home!
Once you have download PhysiApp, reception will then email you an access code to login to the app. This code securely links your account with our patient management software at the clinic. To attend your appointment all you have to do is have your app open on the device and wait for the call.
We understand that many of you may not have access to exercise equipment at home; this should not be an issue as we have access to over a thousand videos of exercises using body weight and apparatus found in every home. If you do require equipment (theraband, spiky balls, foam rollers) to complete your program, we will happily work a way to get them to you.
What you need to be able to successfully participate in your Telehealth session:
An internet connection
Smart Device (phone or tablet)
Or computer with a webcam
Download the free Physiapp for your device from the Apple or Android store
The desire to give it a go!
We can most definitely hold your hand and guide you through the set up process. So if you are ready to take the plunge into Telehealth or would like further information about how In Stride Health Clinic can help you, please call us in the clinic on 9372 8091.
