What is Telehealth Physiotherapy?
Telehealth physiotherapy is a consultation between you and your physiotherapist via video/audio on your phone, tablet or computer or, if these resources are not available, by telephone only.
Why Telehealth Physiotherapy?
Telehealth physiotherapy is used when face to face meetings with physiotherapists are not possible due to access. It has been used for some time for patients in remote areas and to help select those people who would benefit most from a face to face consultation to help manage resources.
Physiotherapy clinics are not able to open currently due to the Covid-19 epidemic so all physiotherapy must be conducted remotely.
Telehealth physiotherapy has similar results to face to face physiotherapy.
How can Telehealth Physiotherapy help me?
Physiotherapists can question you about your problem. They are skilled in diagnosis and management of muscle and joint injuries. They can readily identify any symptoms which require onward referral for investigation.
When video options are used, the physiotherapist can assess your movement by asking you to perform certain actions.
Once the problem is established physiotherapists can provide you with advice about:
- likely diagnosis, best management and likely time frames to recovery
- how to best manage your injury
- how to manage pain.
exercises can be emailed to you or accessed using a Physitrack app which can be downloaded onto your device. The physiotherapist can monitor your progress and add to your exercise programme.
If needed, the physiotherapist can refer you on to your GP, specialist or for an xray or ultrasound.
How do I make a Telehealth Physiotherapy appointment?
Appointments can be made at our clinic in the usual way: by calling our phone number 03 925 9665, emailing the clinic office@barringtonhealthphysio.co.nz or we will contact you if we receive a referral from your GP or specialist.
Once an appointment is made, a consent and ACC form (if an ACC covered injury) will be emailed to you to complete and return.
If you do not have email, please note that the consent process will be verbal.
What is the Telehealth Physiotherapy appointment process?
Prior to a video/audio consultation, check that your computer video and audio are working!
Ensure that you are in a quiet, private room and be prepared to demonstrate movement by wearing suitable clothing.
For video/audio consultations, the physiotherapist will email you a link. At the time of your appointment, click on the link and you will see your physiotherapist and the consultation will continue.
For telephone consultations, your physiotherapist will telephone you at an agreed appointment time.
Following the appointment, the physiotherapist may email you a questionnaire to enable them to measure your progress and exercises to continue prior to your next appointment.
What is the cost of a Telehealth Physiotherapy appointment?
If an injury can be claimed under ACC, then ACC will continue to cover part of the cost of this appointment.
Barrington Health Physiotherapy will add a surcharge. You will receive an invoice for the cost of the surcharges at the end of your treatment.
If you have any concerns, please contact us to discuss.
Barrington Health Physiotherapy:03 925 9665
office@barringtonhealthphysiotherapy.co.nz