Westside Medical Telehealth Services
Attending Your Appointment Via Video Call
Where appropriate, you can have yourconsultation online via a video call. Video calling is as convenient as a phone call, with the added value of face-to-face communication. It can save you time and money, and brings your care closer to home.
Where do I go to attend my appointment?
Instead of travelling to your appointment, you enter the clinic’s waiting area online. The health service is notified when you arrive, and your clinician will join you when ready. There is no need to create an account. No information you enter is stored.
What do I need to make a video call?
- A good connection to the internet
If you can watch a video online (e.g. YouTube) you can make a video call - A private, well-lit area where you will not be disturbed during the consultation
- One of these:
- Google Chrome web browser (recommended) or Firefox web browser on a desktop or laptop (Windows or MacOS), or on an Android tablet or smartphone
- Safari web browser on an Apple desktop or laptop (MacOS), or iPad or iPhone
- Web-camera, speakers and microphone (already built into laptops or mobile devices)
Is it secure?
Video calls are secure; your privacy is protected. You have your own private video room, that only authorised clinicians can enter.
How much does a video call cost?
The video call is free (except for your internet usage). However, the regular costs – if any – of a medical consultation still apply.
How much internet data will I use?
You don’t use any data while waiting for a clinician to join you. A video consultation uses less than half of the data you would use while watching a YouTube video in High Definition. Data use is less on lower-speed internet connections, or if you’re using a less powerful computer, tablet, or smartphone. These factors can also reduce the overall quality of the call. Data use increases when there are more than two participants in the call.
Your health matters, and we understand the importance of expert, local care.
Book an appointment today for your GP consultation in Port Macquarie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Telehealth Questions Answered
How do I book a telehealth appointment at Westside Medical Centre?
You can book a telehealth appointment at Westside Medical Centre the same way as any other appointment – tonline, by calling our reception team, or by visiting the clinic in person.
What conditions can be managed through telehealth at Westside Medical Centre?
Many conditions can be managed through a telehealth appointment. Telehealth is especially useful for follow-up visits, medication reviews, discussing ongoing or stable health issues, and reviewing test results.
Your GP will let you know if an in-person appointment is required for a physical examination or more complex concerns. Please note, if you have new or changing symptoms, it is likely that your GP will want to perform an examination in person.
Are telehealth consultations covered by Medicare at Westside Medical Centre?
Yes. Telehealth consultations are eligible for a Medicare rebate if you have attended Westside Medical Centre for a face-to-face appointment within the past 12 months, as required by Medicare.
Can I get prescriptions or referrals through a telehealth appointment at Westside Medical Centre?
Yes. Your GP can provide both prescriptions and referrals during a telehealth appointment.
Prescriptions can be issued as e-scripts sent to your phone, email, or directly to your pharmacy, or printed for later pickup.
Referrals can be printed for collection, emailed to you with password protection, or sent electronically to your specialist.
What technology do I need for a video consultation at Westside Medical Centre?
Video consultations at Westside Medical Centre are easy to access. You only need an internet connection and a web browser. You can join your video appointment from a smartphone, tablet or computer without needing any additional software.
Vivienne Lord.
After years of being misdiagnosed, shuffled around through different doctors at different suburbs in "you get whoever is able to see you' (unless you were a private patient) and the seriousness of my condition not being diagnosed properly I walked into Westside Medical centre back in 2015.
Immediately after moving to the region, we discovered Westside and that has literally changed my life. At first seeing Dr Kate Moriarty I knew I was actually finally being listen to and she put the wheels in action in regards to the proper diagnosis of my condition and what could be achieved with proper, thorough medical intervention.
Dr David took over my care from Dr Kate when she went on maternity leave and carried on with plan already in place. He has helped me manage a number of chronic conditions, diagnosing some missed by doctor back in Sydney.
For some 6 and a half years of seeing literally dozens of doctors and two so called specialists failed to find the root cause of a condition that incapacitated me and left me with severe crippling pain. It took until we moved to the region and entered the doors of Westside Medical that my partner and I felt we were finally being REALLY listened to.
Dr Dave, Kate and every doctor I've had to see have been a delight and have shown same attention of care that I can only say that we are just so very very grateful to not only the Doctors, but the nurses and the lovely 🌹 admin staff in the "engine room'.
Unfortunately I can't recommend Westside Medical Centre higher than a 5 stars on Google. However we HIGHLY recommend Westside Medical Centre Port Maquarie for any medical needs you or you're family rely on.
Heather and Paul Beeching
Shes kind, listens & is never patronizing. A great new addition to a brilliantly run stand out GP medical practice .
Thank you Maddie, Dr Suzanne Lyon & Dr David Chessor & the staff & doctors of Westfield Medical Centre.
Christine O' Connor
(Patient for 8 years)