Information for patients
Telehealth - making healthcare more convenient
Hunter New England Health provides a range of public health services to the Hunter, New England and Lower Mid North Coast regions, as well as specialist services throughout northern NSW. Residents of this area currently travel more than 20 million kilometres a year to attend booked appointments with us. Our aim is to keep people healthy and in their communities, and to provide people with timely and equitable access to world-class clinical services.
Telehealth is one of our strategies to achieve these goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my appointment via telehealth?
Your healthcare provider has identified that your appointment is clinically appropriate and safe to be conducted via telehealth
What equipment do i need to have a video call
- Internet connection - Access to a reliable broadband internet connection. An upload & download speed of at least 1Mbps is required. Test your internet connection speed.
- Computer, iPad, tablet OR smart phone - information about device requirements can be found here
- Camera - A built-in or plug-in webcam (mots modern devices have built-in cameras)
- Microphone and speakers/headset - a built-in or plug-in microphone or speakers
- Privacy - A private, well lit area where you will not be disturbed or interrupted during the consultation
If you do not have this equipment, you may also attend the consultation with participating GPs, or at your community health facility
Please contact technical telehealth support, (02) 4985 5400, option 2, Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm if you require additional support
What does it cost?
- There is no cost to you from Hunter New England Health
- You may be asked to give consent for Hunter New England Health to bulk bill Medicare
- If your GP takes part, you will need to ask them if there are any costs to you
- Telehealth requires an internet connection. Cost can vary depending on your provider
Temporary: Telstra mobile and internet customers will have FREE access to myVirtualCare and Pexip between 8 October 2021 – 30 September 2022
How much data do i require for a telehealth appointment
As a guide, data usage for a 15 minute video call is approximately 80MB. This is similar to Skype and Facetime usage
Temporary: Telstra mobile and internet customers will have FREE access to myVirtualCare and Pexip between 8 October 2021 – 30 September 2022
How do i book a telehealth appointment
If you would like your next appointment to be via telehealth, speak with your health provider to see if telehealth is right for your situation
Who can join my video call
- Family
- Carers
- GPs
- Other health care providers (Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Dietitian, social workers etc)
Please inform your health provider if you would like an additional participant to join who will not be present with you on the day
If you have another participant with you on the day of your consultation, please remember to introduce them to your health provider at the start of the consultation.
What if I need an interpreter
Hunter New England Health offers a tele-interpreting service
This is available for inpatients, outpatients, and during home visits by clinicians
Please contact your healthcare provider if you require an interpreter for your appointment
Further information can be found here
Internet browser requirements
- Apple Safari version 11.1 and later
- Google Chrome version 80+
- Mozilla Firefox version 60+
- Microsoft Edge version 80+
To check what browser you are using click here
Further information can be found here
What if I am not familiar with technology?
No problem!
We can take you through your initial set up, please contact telehealth support on (02) 4985 5400, option 2, Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm
If you don't have the equipment to have your appointment from home, we can support you at one of our local health facilities
If you wish to have your appointment changed to a local health facility, please contact your appointment organiser directly