If you have not seen a psychiatrist or participated in a Telehealth consultation before you will understandably have some questions about how this all works.
I hope that you find the below information helpful, and if you have further questions, please do not hesitate to browse the PSYCH2U website or contact their offices.
Telehealth appointments are videoconferenced consultations. Patients sit in front of a computer/tablet or phone at home, or GP Office and a software program links patient and psychiatrist. You will see me on the screen, and you will see and hear me in real time.
PSYCH2U will assist you with set-up and testing of your device in preparation for the appointment.
All bookings are done through PSYCH2U. You will require a valid referral from your GP and this needs to be sent to PSYCH2U. Their website details all patient information.
I don’t have the usual rooms (what specialists call their surgery or office). I can see patients via videoconference link to their home computer or GP clinic.
This depends on several factors individual to your personal circumstances. First initial consultation is 45 minutes and patients can usually expect to be ‘out of pocket’ somewhere in the vicinity of $215 after receiving a Medicare rebate. This can on occasions be more, especially if patients have been seen by another Psychiatrist within the last 12 months. Subsequent review appointments are 15 minutes and the out-of-pocket cost to patients is approximately $50. The Federal Government via Medicare/Services Australia are responsible for setting/updating the scheduled fees for medical services so these amounts can change, and the figures listed on this website are an estimation only. Patients should seek further information on costs specific to their own personal circumstances from PSYCH2U when arranging their appointment. Bulk billing is not available.
What do I need to do as a patient?
One of the most important things is to attend your scheduled appointment. At certain times there are patients who are waiting some months for a consultation, so it is very unfair to others if you ‘hold’ an appointment slot and then don’t attend. Non-attendance at an appointment may still attract payment and routine non-attendance may mean I am unable to offer you further appointments.