Free Telehealth Services for Bushfire Affected Communities

Free Telehealth Services for Bushfire Affected Communities
Feb
13
Thu

Coviu to Launch Free Telehealth Service via Online Doctors Directory of Australia

Coviu, Australia's leading telehealth software provider is launching a new service on their patient-facing directory - ODDA (this website), where Australians affected by the bushfires can access free telehealth consultations.

The 2019-20 Australian bushfires have been devastating, with thousands of Australians having faced unimaginable loss and trauma.

The nation continues to mourn, however, focus is beginning to shift to supporting those affected in their recovery, both short and long term. Australians have been generously donating, volunteering and doing what they can to help.  

Coviu and their user base of clinicians also wanted to do something meaningful and beneficial to the many Australians who have been impacted. We swiftly developed Coviu's Bushfire Relief Service, a united response to link bushfire victims with healthcare providers who are offering free or bulk billed services.

Coviu's Bushfire Relief Service will be held right on this website, Online Doctors Directory of Australia. Roughly 30 clinicians have agreed to provide free or no-gap services to bushfire victims. Majority of these bushfire relief providers specialise in mental health, given both the government and local GPs have identified mental health as a serious and long-term issue to stem from this crisis.

In addition, the Australian government has released new bushfire MBS item numbers. These allow patients to claim 10 mental health sessions from eligible psychologists, GPs, social workers, medical practitioners and occupational therapists, in addition to the 10 sessions available to patients under the Better Access Scheme. Patients do not need a referral, and there are no geographical requirements for claiming these items.

The majority of Australians who were affected by bushfires are located in rural and remote locations, which already have less access to health services compared to urban areas. In addition, local health services in the affected regions are overwhelmed with the number of patients seeking help and simply do not have the resources or qualifications to care for these patients.

Telehealth video consultations are a great way to overcome geographical barriers and offer patients greater access to Australian healthcare providers. Patients can enjoy the convenience and privacy of seeing their provider online, from the comfort of their own home, or wherever they are currently taking shelter.

To book an appointment, patients simply enter the website, click the 'Bushfire Relief Service' button and choose from the list of providers. They can book an appointment instantly using the clinician's online booking button, and are then sent a link to click when it's time for their session. The patient waits in the private, browser based online room until the clinician enters the video call.

If you or someone you know has been affected by these bushfires and are seeking help, check out the current list of Bushfire Service Providers. Access free, private and discreet services from the convenient location of your choice.