Your first telephone appointment with your clinician is booked, and you want to know what it's all about? Read this How-To Guide to learn how it works.
1. Where do I go to attend my appointment?
Nowhere! Instead of travelling to your appointment, simply wait for your clinician to call you at the agreed time.
2. What do I need for the telephone appointment?
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A charged mobile phone or landline. It is easiest if you have a hands-free device. You can also use the speaker function or a headset.
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A quiet place where you will not be disturbed during your appointment.
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Pen and paper in case you want to take notes during the appointment.
3. What should I prepare for my telephone appointment?
You can help get the best from a telephone appointment by following these simple steps:
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Prepare a list of questions or issues you want to discuss with your clinician.
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Have your prescription card, a list of your medications or your medications in their packaging at hand.
4. What happens during the telephone appointment?
A telephone appointment is similar to a 'normal', in-person medical appointment. However, instead of sitting in your clinician's office, you and your healthcare professional will talk over the telephone.
- You might be asked to confirm your identity at the beginning of your appointment. This could be done by asking you for your name, address, and date of birth.
- If you have a support person(s) with you, introduce them to your clinician.
- When ready, you can talk to your clinician about your health.
- Please let the clinician know if you have a question or need help during the appointment. They aim to answer your questions.
- You may receive important information like, for example, changes to your medication.
- You can ask the clinician to repeat information to ensure you both understand it correctly.
- Don't be worried if something goes wrong with the call. The clinician will call you back.
- After the clinician has finished talking with you, they will arrange things like letters, tests and other appointments if needed.
5. What about privacy?
Your privacy is important to us. No matter if it's an in-person, telephone or video appointment - our systems are designed to keep your information confidential.
During the telephone appointment, your clinician will be in a private space, and the information will be recorded in your health record.
Help - I'm stuck!
Have you worked through the information above and need help? NHM is here for you. Support is available Monday to Friday 8am – 4pm (not available on public holidays or weekends). Just email [email protected].