Phone consultations – why you should give one a try
June 23rd, 2020
Telephone consultations are widely used by Silverstream Health Centre GPs and patient satisfaction is high. Speed, improved access, convenience to patients and possible cost savings are the principal advantages of consultations by telephone.
A full clinical assessment is not possible by telephone, but if the limitations of the telephone consultation are recognised, and a careful history taken and documented, patients can be managed in a reasonable, appropriate and safe way.
Benefits
Comfort
You can talk from the comfort of your own home, where you may feel more relaxed, focused, and in-tune with your consultation. If you’re battling symptoms, it may be easier (and healthier) to receive consultation remotely.
Ease
Wellington winter can at times be severe. If roads are bad, traffic is slow, or something else interferes with your schedule, you won’t have to worry about commuting to the clinic.
Convenience
Some of our patients travel long distances to meet with our practitioners – a phone consultation can save you time and money spent traveling. For our patients with kids, you won’t need to spend money on babysitters or daycare.
Accessibility
If a practitioner has sudden openings (and you’re able to fit a different slot into your schedule), you could meet with them sooner than the original scheduled date – without having to commute.
Cost
Telephone consultations are cheaper than face to face consultations. Another reason to give them a go!