Telehealth information for patients

Telehealth appointments are now being offered in may Alfred Health clinics and programs.  

Requesting a telehealth appointment

During your outpatient appointment at Alfred Health, you can discuss with your specialist whether telehealth may be a suitable option for your next consultation. Telehealth appointments are only available to Alfred Health patients with a current referral.

If you have any concerns about telehealth, we encourage you to speak with your specialist before making an appointment.

How telehealth works

A telehealth appointment is just like any other outpatient appointment at Alfred Health except you will be speaking to your specialist on a screen, rather than face-to-face.

Telehealth appointments are as private as face-to-face appointments, with both you and the specialist speaking in a private, secure virtual consultation room.

Attending a telehealth appointment

If your clinician offers you a telehealth appointment:

1. You will receive a letter confirming the time and date of your telehealth appointment
2. Press the 'Test Call' button to check whether your equipment (such as web-camera and speakers) and internet connection are working correctly. We recommend you complete this test well in advance of your actual appointment
3. On the day of your appointment, press the 'Start Video call' button approximately 10 minutes before your consultation time. Select your clinic (this information is on your appointment letter) and continue through the prompts.  
4. Please wait for your clinician to join the call and start the consultation. 

Our services can be busy. We will do our best to see you as close to your appointment time as possible and appreciate your patience in this matter. 

Supported appointments

Patients who feel that they may need support for their telehealth appointment have the option to:

• Ask your GP to participate in the telehealth consultation, so that your GP is in the same room as you both speak to your Alfred Health clinician via video call.
• Ask to use the equipment and internet connection in your GP practice. This option may be helpful if you don’t have the right equipment, have an unreliable internet connection, or if you are not comfortable using computers. Your GP would not need to participate in the appointment, but their support staff could help you to set up and make the video call in a private room.

Arranging a supported appointment

To arrange this support, please complete the following steps:

• Book an appointment with your GP office on the same date and time as your Alfred Health appointment. Remember to tell them it’s for a telehealth appointment with Alfred Health, and let them know what kind of support you would like.  
• Contact Alfred Health to provide our staff with details regarding the GP practice involved in your supported appointment. Use the contact information at the bottom of your Alfred Health appointment letter.