Consultations – Why we cant offer them while your’e overseas
Telehealth Consultations: Why We Can’t Offer Them While You’re Overseas
In today’s connected world, the convenience of telehealth has transformed the way we access healthcare. Whether it’s for a quick consultation or ongoing care, telehealth allows us to stay in touch with our doctors from virtually anywhere. However, there are certain limitations when it comes to telehealth, especially when patients are located outside Australia.
At Her Medical, we are committed to providing the highest standard of care, and that means ensuring that all consultations are safe, appropriate, and comply with the relevant regulations. This is why we are unable to offer telehealth consultations to patients who are overseas. Here’s why:
1. Compliance with Australian Medical Regulations
Australian medical practices are governed by guidelines from the Medical Board of Australia (AHPRA) and the Australian Medical Association (AMA), which require doctors to comply with the local laws and medical regulations of the country where the patient is located. When you’re overseas, we cannot guarantee that the care we provide is in line with those regulations, and we cannot ensure that we are offering the most appropriate care for your specific situation.
2. Limited Ability to Safely Assess Your Health
One of the key concerns with overseas telehealth consultations is the inability to conduct a thorough assessment. Being away from the local healthcare system means we’re limited in our ability to assess any medical conditions properly or respond to urgent issues that might arise. If something critical were to occur, we would have difficulty facilitating the right support, whether that’s accessing local emergency services or understanding the healthcare system in your country of residence.
3. Prescriptions and Referrals May Not Be Valid
Even if we were able to provide a diagnosis or treatment plan, the prescriptions and referrals we issue may not be valid or recognised in the country where you are. This creates a significant barrier to ensuring continuity of care, which is why we cannot proceed with telehealth services while you’re abroad.
The Best Solution: Local Medical Care
While we’d love to assist you wherever you are, we always have your best interests in mind. The safest and most effective option when you’re overseas is to seek care from a local healthcare provider. They will have access to the resources and knowledge necessary to provide the appropriate treatment and ensure that you get the care you need.
When you return to Australia, we’ll be here to help you with follow-up care, and we can organise an appointment to discuss any ongoing health concerns or treatment plans.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to us, and we’ll assist in any way we can. Stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you back in the clinic when you return!