Telehealth saves time, money and stress
What is Telehealth?
- A medical consult using live Video
- A way of bringing the Specialist to you
- The same Medicare rebate applies
Telehealth, or Telemedicine, is a “real” consult. You and your doctor can see and hear each other, discuss your personal and family history and ask questions. You can even watch a presentation about cancer and genetics or view a test result together. You’re just not in the same room.
What do you need?
A quiet space and a computer or other device such as a mobile phone that has a video camera, microphone and speakers. Most of our consults are done using Zoom or Skype.
Sydney Cancer Genetics has been providing Telehealth consults throughout Australia since 2013.
So, while the specialist is based in Sydney, you may be:
- At your local GP’s rooms
- At the local area health department such as a community health centre
- Even in your own home
The Telehealth Appointment
- The doctor’s referral
- Booking an appointment
- Genetic testing
- Follow up
Like any consult with a specialist, a referral is required. The referral can be written by your GP or your surgeon / cancer specialist if you have one.
At Sydney Cancer Genetics we manage all our appointments from our rooms in Sydney. So, send the referral to us by:
- Fax: (61 2) 9304 0468.
- Email: [email protected]
- Post: PO Box 845, Broadway NSW 2007
Genetic testing is usually done via a simple blood test. This can be collected at your GP's practice or a local pathology centre. In all cases, genetic testing is only organised after informed consent is obtained and we always give results at a separate follow up appointment.
How much does Telehealth cost?
- Medicare rebates apply, anywhere in Australia
- Our fees are the same as for an in-person consultation
- Family members are welcome to attend
Telehealth consults can be organised anywhere in Australia (including islands) as long as there is a good internet connection.
The Medicare Telehealth item number 112 was abandoned on the 1st January 2022. Unfortunately, as a private practice, that means that we can no longer bulk bill rural patients.
The good news is that rebates for video Telehealth, introduced during the COVID19 epidemic, have become permanent, even for city based patients. This means the same fees and same rebates apply no matter where you live and regardless of whether you are seen in our rooms or via Telehealth.
What if you don't have a Medicare card?
No problem! We see patients without Medicare cards, such as overseas visitors. These consults are not Medicare rebatable. Instead, you simply pay the standard fee for the consultation.