Benefits of virtual:

• removing the risk of catching or spreading germs
• reducing time and costs involved with travelling to an appointment 
• not having to leave the house when you are feeling unwell

What conditions are best suited for telehealth consultations?

(The list below contains examples of suitable conditions that can be managed through telehealth, however if at any point during the consultation the practitioner identifies from their assessment that you are in need of more than telehealth, they will redirect you appropriately to ensure you receive the care you require)

A short list of conditions that are likely (but not limited) to be suited to a video consultation include:

• Mild upper respiratory tract infections i.e., cold symptoms
• Simple urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Eczema and/or allergic rash
• Other simple infections
• Skin infections, boils, abscesses, impetigo
• Dental abscess
• Conjunctivitis
• Ear infections
• Contraceptive options or concerns
  
• Mild gastrointestinal symptoms i.e. (vomiting and diarrhoea)
• Non acute mental health issues (i.e. low mood)
• Follow up of some injuries (needing medical certificate extended or back to work clearance)
• Follow up for WINZ medical certificates
• Off work certificates (if not seriously unwell)
• Long term conditions review and repeat medications (i.e. diabetes, hypertension, asthma etc.)
• Repeat prescriptions for long term medications
• Acne management
• Travel medicine consultation

• Abdominal pain
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden allergic reaction
• Poisoning
• Severe bleeding
• Severe burns
• Suspected broken bones
• Traumatic head injury
• Severe headache, pain or loss of co-ordination
• Sudden numbness, weakness or slurred speech
• Persistent vomiting, vomiting or coughing up blood, inability to control bowel movements (pooing) or urination (peeing)
• Considering self-harm or suicidal thoughts
• You are in serious mental crisis
• Dizziness or Faints
• If you have language difficulties, unless you have requested a GP that speaks your primary language or can get access to an interpreter during the consultation
• If you have hearing difficulties, you may find video difficult. If you are visually impaired, you may prefer a telephone consultation
  

Do I need to pay?

You will be asked to pay for the health professional’s time. This may differ by health professional but expect to be asked to pay an ordinary consultation fee for a video consult, as it is the same amount of time involved as an on-site appointment.

Will my information be secure and safe?

Yes, your health professional will keep your information secure and safe, and will treat the information you share with them in the same way as they normally would if you were to see them in person.

Top Tips for a great virtual appointment

• Ensure you have a good internet connection. This may mean avoiding having people in your household live streaming a video on your wi-fi network. This could result in poor quality video
• Have your current medications with you and think about having a pen and paper to write down what you want to discuss and any follow up actions
• Choose somewhere private where you can talk freely and safely. If others are present, let your GP know, through the chat function if needed
• Have your payment card ready (debit or credit)
• Hands-free devices offer a better call experience. If you are using a smartphone or tablet, find a way to prop it so you can move around freely

• Practice Plus will send you an email and a SMS / text message 15 minutes before the appointment is due to start
• It is helpful if you know your usual GP and your desired pharmacy you want your script sent to for you to collect
• Check you are clear about instructions during the appointment for medication, work certificates, self-care advice at home, and warning signs you need to seek further care