Telehealth is suddenly a part of the vocabulary of the media and health professionals. But what is it? And specifically, how does Telehealth relate to physio treatment.
Let us explain …
The term Telehealth is a bit confusing…
The term ‘telehealth’ is being used a lot at the moment. To most people, it sounds like ‘over the phone’, but it actually means health provided using any form of communication other than in-person.
It can be either a phone consultation or video consultation.
We use the term ‘online consultation’ or ‘video consultation’ when we are trying to be clear about the fact that it is ‘face to face’ over the internet.
We use the term ‘phone consultation’ if we are trying to be clear that it is over the phone.
NB: Online video consults are much more useful than just a phone call for both your therapist and patient.
This is because your physio can see the body part in question, what you can do and how you move.
It is much better for checking that your are performing an exercise or a movement correctly.
Also, it is great to be able to see each other’s faces!
What do you need for a telehealth consult?
If it is telehealth by a phone consult, you just need a phone. And preferably good reception if you are on a mobile!
If you are having telehealth via an online video consult, you need a device that has a camera so that your physio can see you. That can be a desktop, laptop, tablet or phone.
If you are using an online video consult, you’ll need a reasonable internet connection. It makes the consult much easier (and more enjoyable) if there is a good picture and good sound.
Does it actually work?
This is a good question. It is a natural question if you are used to traditional physio treatment.
The research would suggest that online physio treatment that it does work, and for a variety of problems. However, there are some caveats.
The effectiveness is going to be affected by three important factors:
- the experience of the physio
- the communication skills of the physio
- their repertoire of therapies that DON’T involve hands-on treatment
The first two points are obvious, but the last one might need explaining.
If you are used to seeing a therapist who uses mobilisation, manipulation, electrotherapy (hopefully not!) or dry needling as their main therapy option, realistically they are likely to have a harder time finding effective treatment options to help you out.
A physio that uses an approach like the McKenzie Method is going to be more likely to give you relief for a spinal problem compared to someone who relies purely on therapist-dependent hands-on therapies.
Is Telehealth safe?
The evidence would suggest it is safe. Physios are first contact practitioners, and part of their training is screening for possible ‘red flag conditions’.
For more information on what red flag conditions are, click here.
The other aspect to safety is using a telehealth platform that is both safe and private.
There are many platforms that do not comply with the privacy requirements that govern health care. For example, Zoom, FaceTime, GoToWebinar are not compliant for individual consults.
There are specific platforms that fulfil the privacy requirements – we are mindful of our privacy obligations use a platform that is both safe and private. Check that the physio or health professional use a platform that uses one too.
Can anything be treated using Telehealth?
While there are many things can be treated successfully using video consultation, not everything is suitable.
Physiotherapists are adequately trained to evaluate risk and make decisions about which clients and conditions are indicated given the medium in which they are practicing.
So how do you know what can be treated?
This is something that you need to discuss with your physio, because there is no list of problems that can or can’t be treated. There are situations where one condition will be suitable, and in another person it will not be suitable.
To help out, get a FREE PHONE CALL with a physio to discuss your problem and help decide if you can be helped with online physio assessment and treatment.
Call us on 8356 1000 or book using the ‘ONLINE BOOKINGS’ button at the top of the page. You can also contact us via Facebook Messenger at the bottom right of this page.
Is it covered by Private Health Insurance?
This is a topic of ongoing discussion currently between the Australian Physiotherapy Association and the individual providers.
At the time of writing, there are three funds providing rebates for telehealth: Defence Health, Phoenix Health and Health Partners. Hopefully, more of the funds will get on board.
The best way to know is to check is to contact your health insurer directly.
Is Telehealth covered by:
Chronic Disease Management plans (EPC plans) – YES
Department of Veteran’s Affairs? – YES
Return To Work SA – YES
