Telehealth Appointments

• You will need a computer or phone with camera, microphone, and speaker or earphones, and good internet connection.
• It is better to use a computer if you have that available, so that you won’t have to hold anything in your hands. You will also be able sit back from the camera where your health carer can see you better
• If you use a phone, find some where you can prop it up so that you can be seen and your hands are free. Blutack can be useful. Alternatively you can ask someone at home to hold your phone for you, but only if you consent to that person being present during your appointment
• Find a private, well-lit space where you won't be disturbed during your appointment
• Set up in a way that will allow your condition to be assessed, e.g. for a hand injury sitting at a table, or for a hip or knee problem have space to stand and move around
• It is a good idea to give everything a test run before your appointment

• A pen and paper to note things down during your appointment.
• A prescription card, a list of medications or your medications in their packaging.
• A list of questions or issues to help you get the most from your appointment.
• A support person. You are welcome to have a family member/whānau or friend with you during the appointment. Just remember to tell the clinician who is with you when you join your appointment.
• Remember with this technology it is also possible to arrange a video call with the patient, clinician and family/whānau all in different locations.

You will receive an email from the Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Southern Microsoft Teams provider. This will include the date and time of the appointment, a video link, and a link to instructions on how to join.

You can read instructions on how to join a Microsoft Teams here or watch the videos below. If your health care provider is not using Microsoft Teams, they will email you instructions on how to join the appointment.

What to expect during your video call

• You may be asked to confirm your identity
• You may be asked to confirm that you are happy to go ahead with a Telehealth consultation
• If another person is with you, introduce them to the clinician
• When you are ready you can talk to your clinician about your health
• If you want to show the clinician something, you can show them using the camera
• You may receive important information like changes to your medication
• You can ask the clinician to repeat information so that you know you have it correctly
• If something goes wrong with the call, we will call you back by the link or telephone
• After the clinician has finished talking with you, they will arrange things like letters, tests and other appointments if needed
• We will say "goodbye" before we go
• If all goes well, the call will feel like an in-person appointment

You will need:

• A mobile phone or landline – if possible use a hands-free device.
• A quiet space where you won't be disturbed during your appointment

Make sure you have:

• A pen and paper to note things down during your appointment.
• A prescription card, a list of any medications or your medications in their packaging.
• A list of questions or issues to help you get the most from your appointment.
• A support person. You are welcome to have a family member/whānau or friend with you during the call. Just remember to tell the clinician who is with you when you start your appointment.
• It is also possible to arrange a teleconference call with the patient, clinician and family/whānau all in different locations

• You may be asked to confirm your identity
• If another person is with you, introduce them to the clinician
• When you are ready you can talk to your clinician about your health
• You may receive important information like changes to your medication
• You can ask the clinician to repeat information to confirm you both have it correctly
• If something goes wrong with the call, we will call you back
• After the clinician has finished talking with you, they’ll arrange things like letters, tests and other appointments if needed
• We will say "goodbye" before we go