A telehealth appointment with Greencare Clinics provides an opportunity to speak with a qualified practitioner from home. Whether you are exploring alternative healthcare for the first time or attending a follow-up consultation, preparing relevant information beforehand can support an organised discussion about your individual circumstances.
Understanding Alternative Healthcare Before Your Appointment
If you are exploring alternative healthcare for the first time, it may be useful to familiarise yourself with what an alternative healthcare consultation involves before your appointment. If you have questions about the consultation, please call our friendly patient care team on 1300 508 888.
It is important to understand that attending a consultation does not automatically mean a particular healthcare option will be recommended. Any clinical recommendations depend on the practitioner’s assessment, professional judgement and the individual’s circumstances.
Check Your Appointment Details
Start your preparation by reviewing your appointment confirmation. Confirm the date, time, consultation fee, cancellation policy and whether the appointment will take place by phone or video.
Check that the clinic has your correct phone number and email address. You should also review any forms, identification requirements or documents listed in the booking instructions.
Appointments at Greencare Clinics are generally conducted by phone, and patients may receive a reminder SMS before the consultation. The practitioner may call from a private or withheld number, so check that your phone settings allow these calls.
Keep your appointment confirmation available in case you need to contact Greencare’s Patient Care team about an administrative matter.
Gather Your Medical Information
Your medical history gives the practitioner relevant background for the consultation. Before the appointment, organise information about previous medical conditions, procedures, hospital visits, allergies and relevant family medical history.
You should also note the names of other practitioners or healthcare services involved in your care where appropriate.
Greencare may request a recent health summary before certain appointments, particularly for new patients. A health summary is generally obtained from your usual GP and may contain:
- Recorded medical conditions
- Known allergies
- Current medications
- Relevant medical history
- Recent investigations or reports
- Immunisation information
Check your booking instructions to determine whether a health summary or another document is required. Contact Greencare’s Patient Care team if you have a question about supplying the requested information.
Prepare a Summary and Questions for the Appointment
Before your telehealth appointment, write a brief summary of what you intend to discuss and prepare any questions you would like to raise. Include relevant dates, recent changes and any previous appointments, tests or advice connected with the reason for your booking. This ensures you don’t forget any detail on the call, which can sometimes happen.
You may wish to note:
- The main reason for booking the appointment
- When you first became aware of the matter
- Relevant changes or patterns
- Previous appointments, tests or recommendations
- Questions about information discussed during the consultation
- Whether additional assessment, tests or documents may be required
- How results, referrals or follow-up care may be arranged
- Whether an in-person appointment may be appropriate
- Who to contact about administrative matters
Discuss your most important questions first in case the available consultation time does not allow every topic to be covered. Provide information as accurately as possible rather than attempting to reach your own conclusion.
During the telehealth consultation, the practitioner may ask additional questions based on the information provided.
Any clinical decisions, referrals, certificates, pathology requests or other recommendations will depend on the practitioner’s individual assessment and professional judgement.
List Your Medicines and Supplements
Prepare an up-to-date list of your current medications. Include prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins and supplements.
Where possible, record the following details:
- Product or medicine name
- Strength
- Dose
- How often it is taken
- When it was started
- The practitioner who prescribed it, where relevant
Keep the packaging nearby during the appointment if you are unsure about a name or dosage. You should also disclose known allergies, previous reactions and recent changes to your current medications.
Choose a Quiet and Private Space
Attend the appointment from a quiet and private space where you can speak without unnecessary interruptions. Reduce background noise, keep relevant documents nearby and let other people in the location know that you will be attending a confidential consultation.
Do not attend the call while driving or while completing an activity that prevents you from giving the consultation your full attention.
A family member, carer, interpreter or support person may be able to join the appointment. Check with the clinic beforehand and inform the practitioner at the beginning of the consultation if another person is present.
Check Your Phone or Device
Your technical preparation will depend on whether the appointment is conducted by phone or video.
For a phone appointment:
- Charge your phone
- Check your reception
- Increase the call volume if needed
- Allow calls from private or withheld numbers
- Keep the phone nearby at the scheduled time
For a video appointment:
- Test your camera, microphone and speakers
- Check your internet connection
- Open the consultation link beforehand
- Close unnecessary applications
- Position the device on a stable surface
If the call is missed or the connection is interrupted, follow the instructions in your appointment confirmation or contact the clinic’s support team.
What Happens During a Telehealth Consultation?
At the beginning of the telehealth consultation, the practitioner will confirm your identity and the reason for your appointment. They will review your medical history, allergies, current medications, previous care and any documents you have supplied.
Answer questions accurately and let the practitioner know when you are uncertain about a detail. You may also refer to the notes and medication list you prepared before the call.
What Should You Do After the Appointment?
Before the consultation ends, confirm any next steps discussed with the practitioner. Write down relevant instructions and ask how you will receive documents, referrals, pathology test requests or other information.
You may also confirm:
- Whether another appointment is required
- How follow-up care will be arranged
- When and how information will be provided
- Who to contact about booking or administrative questions
- Where clinical questions should be directed
Greencare’s Patient Care team can respond to general enquiries and appointment coordination questions. Questions requiring clinical advice should be directed to the consulting practitioner or another appropriate healthcare service.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Preparing in advance can help you be prepared for your telehealth appointment with Greencare Clinics. Checking your booking details, gathering relevant health information, listing your medications and writing down your questions can support a clear and organised discussion with your practitioner.
Telehealth may not be suitable for every situation. Depending on your individual circumstances, a Greencare Clinics practitioner may recommend further assessment, testing or an in-person appointment.
