How to use telehealth

Watch our video to find out what you need to have for a telehealth appointment.

Are you ready for a telehealth video appointment?

Duration: 2:46

Show transcript

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.

If you need an interpreter, let us know. We can organise to have an interpreter join on the screen for your video appointment at no cost to you.

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 are some questions 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.

Testing your device

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.

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.

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 we can help you connect to telehealth

If you need help to access telehealth, we can support you.

Interpreter services support

We have free interpreters if you need help to speak and understand English.

We have interpreters for spoken languages and Auslan sign language. 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.

For other help or questions about your appointment, please call the clinic phone number in your appointment SMS or e-mail.