We have Telehealth at EP Physio Plus!

During During these difficult times, it is important that we as healthcare providers to the community are responsible and innovative in the way we deliver our care.

We are excited by the opportunity to develop new and improved ways to help our clients, and one way we can do this is through telehealth appointments. This blog outlines how telehealth works, the benefits it will provide for you as a client, rebates and subsidies available and what to expect for your first telehealth appointment. 

What is telehealth?

Telehealth is defined by ESSA (Exercise and Sports Science Australia) as: 

• “Delivery of technology-based exercise and sports science services supporting wellness, prevention, health management and performance improvement. Telehealth involves the transmission of information using telecommunication technologies including but not restricted to video, telephone and internet.

Why are we excited about telehealth?

Telehealth has many benefits and we believe that we can provide you with a service that is just as valuable as coming into the clinic to see us. These benefits include:

• You can continue to keep on track with your treatment plan, and maintain the gains you have worked so hard for, from the comfort of home.
• In a difficult time, where added stresses can exacerbate underlying pain and injury, It provides a safe yet effective means to continue a high-quality and evidence-based level of Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology services.
• We use Physitrack which has video calls through an encrypted program so your privacy is maintained.
  

What appointment types are available?

Telehealth Review (Physiotherapy & Exercise Physiology)

• This appointment is for current clients of EP Physio Plus
• This appointment will be a 1:1 service delivered via video conferencing call within the “Physitrack” online program or app with your Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist 
• The appointment will be 30 minutes in duration, in line with our in-clinic review.

Telehealth Initial (Physiotherapy & Exercise Physiology)

• This appointment is for NEW clients of EP Physio Plus, or our existing clients presenting with a new issue/problem/injury. 
• This appointment will be a 1:1 service delivered via video conferencing call within the “Physitrack” online program or app with your Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist 
• The appointment will be 40 minutes in duration, in line with our in-clinic initial.
  

What do I need for a telehealth appointment?

For both a Telehealth Initial and Telehealth Review, you will need access to:

• A reliable internet connection, camera and microphone through a laptop, computer, smartphone or tablet.
• The Physitrack app (for smartphone/tablet) or online program (computer/laptop).

You will be sent a email link to your program. Attached to your Physitrack program will be a PDF and short video guide to Telehealth services through Physitrack - follow those instructions to enable you to be ready for your appointment. 

Rebates & subsidies available?

Medicare, DVA, Return to Work SA, NDIS, My Aged Care - Home Care Packages and some Private Health Insurers do provide rebates for services delivered over the phone or through video-conferencing technology.

What to expect for your first telehealth appointment?

Prior to your appointment, your Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist will ensure that you have access to Physitrack by assigning you an exercise program. You will receive an email with a link to either download the Physitrack app on your smartphone/tablet or access it online via your computer. Once you are active in Physitrack you will be able to access a PDF and video guide to telehealth services which will give you further information. 

You will still receive our usual appointment reminder texts, 3 days prior and the day of your appointment. The time stated on these text messages will be the time in which the Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist makes the phone/video call so please be ready to receive the call at this time by logging into the Physitrack app/program. 

As your Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist is calling you, some messages might pop up on your screen, with Physitrack requesting access to your camera and microphone to conduct the call. Please press “allow” on these requests, and also click “approve” when asked your consent to undertake the video consultation. 

Your telehealth appointment will run very similarly to when you come and visit us in the clinic. Your Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist will discuss your problem, give you strategies to help you manage this at home, answer any questions you might have, help you with some exercises and continue to keep you on track with your treatment plan. 

Following your telehealth appointment, you will receive an invoice via email, with instructions for payment methods. You will need to claim any eligible private health rebate directly from your insurer.

Here at EP Physio Plus, we are really excited to be able to keep in touch with you and continue to help you reach your goals via telehealth. Please don’t hesitate to contact us either by phone 8682 6665 or through Facebook to find out more about telehealth, or to book your first telehealth appointment.