Services & Departments

Telehealth aims to make it easier for Australians who have difficulty getting to a specialist, or who live in rural and remote areas. By using electronic and telecommunications technologies, telehealth enables patients to consult with health-care professionals without having to travel long distances.

The Barwon Health Palliative Care Program is committed to providing person-centred care to patients and their families within the Barwon South West Region as close to home as possible. A consultation with a Palliative Care Physician by video may be a suitable option for you or your patient. The video-consultation can happen while you (the patient) are/is at home, or at the clinic or rooms of your GP or other Healthcare Professional while they are present.

If you would like (your patient) to be seen via a telehealth video-consultation, we would appreciate a (your) medical referral. If it is clinically appropriate and you (the patient) meet/s the eligibility tests, when the Palliative Care office receives your referral, we will contact you (or your staff) to book an appointment.

Eligibility

At the time of the video-consultation you or your GP must be located in an 'Eligible Area'. Please refer to the link below to check your eligibility. This does not apply to residents of Residential Aged Care Facilities or patients of Aboriginal Medical Services.

Eligible areas - Type your address in the field identified to check your eligibility. All areas except RA1 are eligible.

Are there any charges?

There is no cost to you from the Barwon Health Palliative Care Program for use of the telehealth video-consultation service. If you ask your GP or other Specialist to attend the appointment, please discuss their potential fees with them. Both the Palliative Care physician and your GP or other Specialist may bill Medicare. If eligible, we will ask for your consent to bill Medicare. This request will be by email.

Find out more

If you have a question, or need help before, during or after the telehealth video-consultation, please ask our staff. Palliative Care currently has access to 'Polycom' and 'Healthdirect Video Call' video-conferencing platforms.

For more information including technical requirements and consent forms please use the links below:

• Information for Consumers
• Telehealth Informed Consent for Consumers