Dunedin North Medical Centre uses systems that meet recommended standards to protect the privacy and security of the video consultation. However, the service cannot guarantee total protection against hacking or tapping into the video consultation by outsiders. The risk is small, but it does exist.
Is a video consultation right for you?
A video consultation will not be exactly the same and may not be as complete as a face-face consultation, but you may prefer it to a telephone consultation if you need to show something, and can be more reassuring if you are anxious.
Your first video consult may feel strange, that’s normal.
Expect to pay the same as a normal face to face consult.
There could be some technical problems that may affect the video consultation.
Prepare ahead of time
Have you got a device with a camera and microphone? Earphones are handy.
Do you know how to use the audio and video controls?
Identify a quiet, comfortable place where you won’t be disturbed.
Organise family/whanau or a friend if you want them with you (tell the doctor you have someone with you when the consultation starts).
Write down what you want to talk about, with the most important at the top.
Have paper and a pen handy, and any medications you are taking in case you need to show them.
Booking and connecting
Phone reception and book an appointment as you normally would.
As you won’t be at the practice the reception team will let you know how to pay.
(After your consultation you will be sent a text with the amount that you owe with our bank account details for on-line banking).
Check that you have received an invite by email and/or text from us with a link to copy into your web browser.
When the consultation is close to starting:
turn off other devices in the house so your internet connection is better,
copy the link you have been sent into your web browser and click on it (you will be in a virtual waiting room),
make sure audio and video are on.
Say hello when you see the doctor.
Having your consultation
Look at the screen (there’s no need to look directly at the camera).
If you get cut off and can’t reconnect wait for a phone call.
Write down any advice or instructions (if you are not sure, ask the doctor to say it again).
When you have both said goodbye, disconnect.
If the video consultation does not achieve everything that is needed you may be asked by the doctor to have a face to face consultation.
