Getting health care doesn’t always mean going into a clinic. Virtual care lets you connect with your health professional in different ways.
What is virtual care
Virtual care is a way of getting health care, checkups and tests without having to see your health professional in person.
Types of virtual care
Video appointments (telehealth) – a video call with your health professional.
Video calls are helpful when it’s better to see each other, for example, to show them your symptoms, discuss treatment, or feel more connected.
Phone appointments – talking to your health professional over the phone.
Phone appointments are good for check ins, follow ups, or questions about medicines.
Remote patient monitoring – sharing health information, like blood pressure or blood sugar readings with your health team using devices or apps.
It’s helpful if you have a condition that needs regular tracking between appointments. You’ll be given the device you need or shown which app to download.
Choosing virtual care
Virtual care makes it easier to get the care you need, when you need it. It won’t replace every in person visit, but it can help when it’s hard for you to get specialist care.
Using virtual care can:
save you time and travel costs
give you quicker access to health care
help you fit your medical appointments around work, study, or family commitments.
It also makes it easier to get care if you live a long way from health services or you find it hard to leave home because:
you’re unwell or have a minor injury
you can’t move around easily or have a disability
you’re caring for someone.
Your family, friends or carers can also sit in on your virtual appointments from another location.
Watch our video and learn about virtual care and how it gives you more choice.
There are many different types of virtual care, including telephone or video consultations with your healthcare provider, sharing test results and images
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with your healthcare provider for advice or using technology to monitor and manage your health at home. Receiving virtual care means you can include family members
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and carers in some of your appointments so you can stay close with them, your home and community. Avoiding travel time and disruption to your routine.
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You may also be able to access specialist services not usually available in your area. Virtual care is suitable for many specialties, such as
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rehabilitation, mental health support, maternity and parenting services or regular appointments with your healthcare provider. Virtual care can connect you with safe,
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high quality care in a way that suits you and your individual needs. To find out if virtual care is right for any
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of your appointments, speak with your healthcare provider. For more information about virtual care in Queensland, visit the Queensland Health website,
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www.health.qld.gov.au/telehealth
How to use virtual care
You can ask about virtual care when booking an appointment with:
your GP or specialist
community health services
hospital outpatient clinics
some private health providers, such as specialists and surgeons.
Is virtual care right for you?
Some appointments will work better in person. Ask your health professional if virtual care could suit your needs. Together you can decide if a video, phone, or remote monitoring option is best, or if you need to come in.
How video calls work
A video call is like a phone call, but you and your health professional will also see each other on your smartphone, tablet or computer screen.
You’ll need:
a smartphone, tablet (such as an iPad), or computer with a camera, microphone, and speakers or headphones
a good internet connection
a quiet, private space.
Your clinic will usually send you a link. At your appointment time, just click to join – the video call will open in your web browser or another app on your device.
If you’re not confident with technology, your clinic can guide you. A friend, family member, or carer can also help set you up and install any apps you may need before your appointment.
Step by step help if you’re a public patient
Video calls with our public hospitals and clinics are done through the Telehealth portal. The following steps will help you prepare for your Telehealth call and know what to expect.
If you have a video appointment but don’t have a good internet connection, ask your nearest hospital or clinic if you can do your video appointment there.
1. Before the video call
Check your camera and sound are working, and your phone or tablet has enough power.
Check you have stable internet or mobile coverage, and enough data for the call.
Have your medicine, notes, and any pictures or test results ready.
Find a comfortable, private place.
2. During the video call
Join the call on time – you’ll go into a waiting room until your health professional joins.
Talk with your health professional as you normally would.
Your health professional can help you show documents or pictures on screen, if you need to.
If your health professional doesn’t join the call, contact the hospital or clinic using the details on your appointment letter.
3. After the video call
You may get a follow up plan, prescription, or a referral to another health professional after your video appointment.
You can also book your next appointment if needed. You don’t have to use video call for every appointment. Ask your health professional if you’d prefer a phone call or would like to see them in person.
Help and support
Telehealth bookings
For questions or changes to a public Telehealth appointment, contact your hospital or clinic using the details on your appointment letter.
Telehealth technical help
Our Telehealth Service Desk offers support with technical issues, including setting up your device, checking your internet connection, and connecting to your appointment.