What are telehealth video consultations?

 

A Telehealth video consultation is held in a similar way as a traditional face-to-face appointment. However, the patient and practitioner are connected via an audio/video link. 

 

Coviu offers the same functionality as brick and mortar clinics, with:

 

• An online booking button
• In-call clinical tools to help diagnose and treat patients
• A waiting area feature for triaging on-demand callers
• Integrations with your practice management software and calendars
• Built-in payment gateways

And More

 

Can Coronavirus be diagnosed via telehealth?

 

Currently, clinical diagnosis of Coronavirus can only be determined after testing such as a swab test, sputum test or blood test. This obviously requires some level of face-to-face contact - usually a visit to a pathology collection centre.

 

However, telehealth video consultations are a great way to screen concerned patients, to determine the severity of their symptoms and whether they need further testing. They are also a great way to give feedback on pathology results.

 

Not everyone that presents with cold or flu symptoms will need a Coronavirus test. Some patients may be overly concerned with contracting the virus, and simply want some peace of mind by checking in with their GP.

 

Can Coronavirus be treated remotely?

As with the traditional flu, the majority of Coronavirus cases are said to be mild, with the elderly or those with weakened immune systems more likely to experience severe symptoms. Patients with mild symptoms can be managed via telehealth, whilst they are quarantined in their homes to recover.

Checkups could include getting the patients or their carer to check their temperature, asking them a few questions or prescribing medication. 

There is currently no cure for Coronavirus, so treatment includes traditional methods of rest, fluids, medication to manage or relieve symptoms and simply waiting it out. All of this can be done at home for mild cases. 

 

 

What are other use cases for telehealth?

Hospitals and GP clinics will be working well over capacity as the virus spreads. Telehealth can help relieve some of this pressure in a number of ways:

 

• Eligible patients who are currently hospitalised or are in inpatient rehabilitation programs can be converted to an outpatient program, using telehealth checkups to monitor their recovery. This will help free up hospital beds for severe Coronavirus cases.

 

• Healthy patients in need of new scripts, general checkups, test results, referrals or more can see their healthcare provider via video consultation. This means they can avoid waiting rooms, where other infected patients could spread the virus.

 

• Practitioners worries about contracting the virus, or who have been assigned an extended quarentine period can continue servicing clients and patients via telehealth. This ensures practitioners still have an income stream and can work from home safely.

Beyond the scope of Coronavirus, telehealth has been successfully used for years by all kinds of healthcare providers such as general practitioners, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists, nutritionists and more. Almost any type of care that does not require physical touch can be offered via video consultation. 

 

What are the benefits of using telehealth to deliver remote care?

 

The coronavirus crisis has forced Australia’s healthcare system to consider the important role telehealth can play in reducing the spread. With telehealth:

 

• More healthy patients will stay out of hospitals and waiting rooms, where they are at risk of contracting the virus.
• GPs are better protected as they can screen and prepare for contact with infected patients.
• Coronavirus patients do not spread the illness in hospitals or waiting rooms whilst waiting to be tested and diagnosed.
• More hospital beds will become available and GP clinics can better maximise their resources.
• Both patients and GPs alike save a significant amount of time, as they can be instantly connected from wherever they are. No travel is needed and unnecessary contact can be avoided. The convenience is unparalleled.

 

Why should I use Coviu over free alternatives?

 

Coviu’s all-in-one solution is the result of years of research into telehealth delivery platforms conducted within the CSIRO and Data61.

 

• Security and Privacy are our biggest concern, and we are equipped with end-to-end encryption to ensure your sensitive patient data is protected. 
• Coviu also offers support 18 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is unparalleled by legacy teleconferencing platforms. 
• We allow for complete white-labelling, which means you can choose your own logo and colours, so your patient can be confident in who they are seeing when your virtual consultation room displays your branding.
• Our in-call clinical tools such as custom forms, image and document sharing, shared whiteboards are all built to assist with your diagnosis and treatment of patients. 
• Coviu Integrates with a range of practice management systems and your calendar to ensure optimal efficiency and organisation. 
• We offer a built-in payment gateway, so you can be reimbursed for your services immediately.
• Coviu was created for healthcare professionals, in co-design with healthcare professionals. Each and every aspect of the software was specially crafted to benefit you and your patients. 

---

If you are not yet sure whether Coviu is right for you, you can try it now for free. 

 

We are also offering GPs who want to get started during this difficult season a special discount. Book a Coviu walk-through demo with us and we’ll provide you with the discount code and some suggestions on how to introduce video consultations into your routine.