Telehealth

In response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, The Bridge Family Practice want to assure you that our primary aim is to assist you maintaining your health and well-being.

We want you to know that we are here for you.

In response to the recent Commonwealth government’s announcement on Telehealth funding, we have set up a video and telephone consultation service (“Telehealth”)  for our patients. This funding ends in September 2020 unless extended by the government. This is for certain eligible and at-risk patients.

Download the Government Announcement

To organise a Telehealth appointment please call and speak to our reception team.

The primary role of Telehealth is to provide routine care to our vulnerable patients by keeping them at home, and to assist someone who has been asked to self-isolate at home.

Medicare funds bulk billed Telehealth consultations if:

  • You are 70 old years and over
  • You are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australian 50 years of age or older
  • You have a chronic health condition such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lung problems, and immunity problems
  • You are an enrolled Health Care Home patient
  • You are pregnant
  • You are the parent of a child under 1year of age
  • Have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 and have been asked to self-isolate at home by a medical professional or the National COVID-19 hotline
  • Have been travelling overseas in the last 2 weeks and have been asked to self-isolate at home.
  • Have a cough or flu like illness and have been asked to self-isolate at home by a medical professional or the National COVID-19 hotline
The Covid-19 Hotline

These criteria may change with time.

However, Telehealth is not suitable for everything. Your safety is paramount, and hence Telehealth is not possible if we need to examine you or see you in person. Your doctor and our team will help you make that decision.

Examples of consultations that may be suitable for Telehealth include such things as:

  • General advice about minor ailments
  • Routine prescriptions and referrals
  • General advice and discussions about your health condition that does not require a physical examination
  • Some preventative health advice
  • Follow up where suitable and informed by your doctor

For most other things, a normal face to face consultation is best. Please check with our team before booking a Telehealth consultation.