Telehealth Consults

We are pleased to offer telehealth appointments (telephone or video) if you are an enrolled patient with Te Mata Peak Practice.
A telehealth appointment is the same price as an in-person appointment at the clinic.

What are the benefits of a telehealth consultation?

Increased convenience for you, no need to travel to the practice.
A telehealth consultation prevents community spread of the viral illness- for example, the covid19 virus.
When is a telehealth appointment appropriate?
A large number of consults could be completed over the phone or via video.
- When you don't require a physical examination
- Some long-term medication reviews
- Long term mental health reviews
- Palliative care reviews
- Work and Income benefit reviews
- Patients with physical access & mobility issues
- ACC continuation off work certificates
What is not appropriate for a telehealth consultation?
- If you are experiencing chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe pain, allergic reaction, or bleeding, do not book online –dial 111 for an ambulance.
- If you require a physical examination, please book an in-person appointment at the clinic.
- Babies and young children who are sick, as they need to be examined by a healthcare provider
- ACC Claims
How do I pay for the appointment?

We will email your invoice to you. Payment is expected within 2 working days.
How to get the most out of your telehealth appointment?

Appointment times are 15 minutes. If you feel this isn't enough time to explain your problems and for the healthcare provider to decide on a treatment plan it may be best to book a double appointment. (Appointments for 30 minutes will incur double the normal consult fee)
How should I prepare for a telehealth appointment?
You can help get the best from a telehealth appointment by following these simple steps:
- Make a note of what you want to discuss.
- Before the appointment time find a quiet, private room where you won't be disturbed.
- Ensure your phone or device ready ahead of the consultation.
- Do not take other calls at this time.
What happens at the telehealth appointment?

You may be asked some identifying questions such as your name, address, and date of birth to make sure the right patient and right health records are present. The provider will speak with you and ask you questions in the same way as they would at an in-person consultation.
Who will be present?

You, your provider. As with an in-person appointment, a support person or someone from your whanau may be present if you wish. Please let the provider know if someone is with you.
How private is the telehealth appointment?

The same privacy and confidentiality requirements that apply to in-person consultations apply to telehealth consultations. It can only be seen and heard by the health care professionals involved.
What if I need to be examined?

Physical examination is very limited over the telephone, therefore if you require a physical examination, we suggest you book an in-person appointment at the clinic.

If the telehealth consultation does not achieve everything that is needed, you will be given a choice about what to do next. This could include a follow-up in-person visit, or a second telehealth consultation. Normal consultation fees will apply.
Will the telehealth consultation be recorded?

There will be no audio or video recordings with Telehealth consultations. However normal notes are recorded as if it was a face to face consult. If a photo is required, this will be imported into the patient notes.
We do not give patients permission to make their own recordings of a telehealth consultation.