Telehealth appointments by video call
The Women's is committed to improving access to our services. As part of this commitment, we provide some of our clinic appointments by video call, known as telehealth.
There are two ways to join a video call appointment:
- Join by SMS invite – in this option, we will send you a link to join your video call by SMS. You must click on the link to join the call.
- Join a virtual waiting room – in this option, you must enter a virtual waiting room 5 minutes prior to the arranged appointment time and wait for the clinician to join.
Your appointment letter will specify if you will receive a link via SMS or if you need to wait in the virtual waiting room.
How can I prepare for my video call appointment?
- Make a test call. This will check if your device, internet connection, microphone and web camera setup are working.
- Read our FAQ's, or download our information sheet – see the downloads section of this page.
- Make sure you have completed any clinical tests required (e.g. a blood pressure test) prior to the video call.
- If you have copies of your blood tests and ultrasound scans, it is useful to have them with you.
- Prepare a list of questions you would like to ask during your appointment.
- You can also watch this short instructional video to see how to sign into Telehealth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your video appointment is much like your regular appointment at the Women’s. Instead of meeting in person with a clinician at the hospital, you will meet with them through your screen in a secure and private virtual environment.
Your clinician will listen, advise and provide you with information about the next steps in your care, such as follow-up appointments or arranging of tests. If you need a prescription, it can be mailed to you, sent to a nominated chemist or collected at the hospital pharmacy.
We will let you know either by letter or by SMS that your appointment is by video. If you have any questions about your appointment, please ring Outpatient Appointments on (03) 8345 3032.
If you don’t want to have your appointment via video call, you can contact Outpatient Appointments on (03) 8345 3032 to discuss alternatives. A face-to-face appointment might not be possible, but a phone call could be an alternative. If your clinician has requested a video call, then this is our recommendation for you.
Yes, you are welcome to have your partner or support person with you on the video call. Please advise your clinician that you have someone with you. In some cases, your clinician may need to discuss sensitive topics, and may request that you are alone on the call at that time. Unless prior written agreement is given, you cannot record your video appointment.
- Like any appointment, there can be a wait. Your clinician will connect with you as soon as they can, so please be patient.
- Please make sure your phone is charged and nearby – many video appointments are delayed or disrupted due to flat-battery issues.
- Before you join the video call, you will be required to enter a few details (name, date of birth etc). This ensures that the appointment is with the right person. Your clinician will also verify these details with you when they join the call.
- The Women’s does not record any video appointments. You must not record the appointment either unless you have obtained a written agreement before the appointment.
- You can only use the video call service if you have a confirmed appointment with your clinician. You cannot access the service without an appointment.
- To reduce the chances of your device running out of battery during the call, please have your charger nearby, and charge your device before the call.
- If you are cut off during your video appointment, your clinician will try to reconnect with you by telephone. Our call will display on your phone as an 'unknown number', please accept the call.
- See ‘Troubleshooting’ in Downloads and Related Topics
Check the Downloads section for tip sheets (available in multiple languages).