Unlike other medical services, Dietitians don’t require physical tests or examinations as part consultation. Therefore, making telehealth a perfect option for your Dietitian appointments. Telehealth allows you to get the health care you need, wherever and whenever you need it. Our Dietitians are passionately dedicated to supporting and empowering our clients to develop a healthier relationship with food – and we can do it with time flexibility, anywhere online via video or via telephone. Telehealth improved the access to health care for Australians living in rural and remote areas who need to travel long distances to see their healthcare provider.
At OSCAR Care Group, we support Aged Care homes, Childcare Centres, individuals funded by Medicare, NDIS, private insurance, and others. Our Dietitians are available for consultations both face-to-face and via telehealth consultations because we believe that quality nutritional advice should be as convenient as possible.
Let’s answer some common questions and concerns around Telehealth appointments with a Dietitian.
What is telehealth?
Telehealth is having a consultation with your healthcare provider remotely via phone or video call when physical examination is not needed, and you are not able to see them in person. Between 13 March 2020 and 31 July 2022, 118.2 million telehealth services have been delivered to 18 million patients, and more than 95,000 practitioners have now used telehealth services.
There are two telehealth consultation options:
Phone Talk to your healthcare provider using your mobile or landline phone.
Video Have a video call with your healthcare provider using a device that has a video platform which may be specified by your healthcare provider.
Telehealth appointments with a Dietitian are ideal for...
Individuals suitable for dietetic telehealth review include those who:
Need to see a Dietitian urgently.
Cannot attend an in-person appointment due to travel time.
Seek a particular Dietitian’s advice, based on experience for example.
Are elderly, frail, have a disability or have personal, caring or family responsibilities that make attending an appointment difficult.
Telehealth may not work for everyone
Access to telehealth might be limited and individuals might require additional support in some cases such as:
Hearing and vision impairment
Intellectual disability
Cognitive Impairment or Dementia
Language barrier requiring the assistance of a translator who may be in the same physical space as the client or connected via the telehealth platform.
Poor internet access
No phone or video call options
Benefits of telehealth appointments
Here are some of the benefits of using telehealth Dietitian services:
Access to expert dietary advice and support: Our Dietitians are highly trained and experienced in providing evidence-based dietary advice to support you in improving your nutritional status. Telehealth will allow you to access this expertise anywhere in Australia.
Convenience and flexibility: in other words, less stress! With telehealth, there is no need to allocate time to travel or take time off work. You can schedule appointments at a time that suits you and attend from the comfort of your own home.
Tailored nutrition plans: Our Dietitians can develop individualised nutrition plans tailored to your individual needs and lifestyle. Whether you are looking to manage a medical condition or simply improve your overall health, we can help.
Improved health outcomes: The convenience of telehealth service can make sustainable changes to your diet and lifestyle, improving your overall health and wellbeing and reducing your risk of developing chronic diseases.
Other benefits include:
No travel time, or costs
Less time away from home and more time with family (pets included)
Less risk of contracting & spreading illnesses
Common Concerns about telehealth appointments with a Dietitian
Some may doubt the effectiveness of a telehealth appointment when diagnosis is required or assume that the use of screens and video-calls makes the meeting impersonal.
However, there is evidence that telehealth dietetic services have been shown to be as effective as face-to-face services, so you can be assured you will receive quality care, regardless of how you see your Dietitian.
Dietitian Tips for a smooth telehealth assessment
What can you do to optimise your telehealth experience?
Get comfortable and find a private space to ensure that the session runs smoothly with no distractions.
Check your phone reception and internet service beforehand to avoid technology related issues.
Discuss your concerns with your Dietitian so you can be supported with a tailored advice.
Prepare paperwork (including tests) and questions for Dietitians ahead of your appointment. This will allow you to use the time of the session efficiently and get the most out of it.
Avoid cancelling your appointment. Telehealth is a flexible service and Dietitians are more than happy to reschedule your booking to a more suitable time.
If you care for others, see if someone can support you at the time of your appointment or set up an activity to occupy for the time.
Take a few minutes after your appointment to process discussions and action plans.
Our Accredited Practising Dietitians cover all areas of Nutrition and Dietetics and offer online consultations and telehealth options to help you achieve your goals as conveniently as possible.
Dietetic Telehealth appointments for Aged Care Residents
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety has published a report that identifies the need for telehealth appointments and emergency telehealth care to become a standard practice option for all residential aged care homes and independently living older adults.
We are a team of trained and experienced Accredited Practising Dietitians across Australia who are here to help your home and residents in whatever way you need. Reach out to our Aged Care Dietitians today.
Speech Pathology appointments can be conducted via telehealth too!
Telehealth provides an opportunity for Speech Pathologists to service you around Australia, from the comfort of your own environment. If you or someone you know is wanting Speech Pathology support, get in touch with our team today to book your telehealth consultation. We’re here to help you!
Find out more about Telehealth Speech Pathology appointments here.
Dietetic Telehealth appointments within our clinic
Within our Clinic, our Dietitians use telehealth to conduct nutrition assessments, provide tailored dietary plans and education to clients. We allocate 1 hour for initial visits and 30 minutes for reviews which gives the Dietitian the time to get to know the client, listen to their concerns, and help them in the best way possible.
Confidentiality is a principle that Dietitians at OSCAR Care Group adopt in their face-to-face and telehealth consultations as part of their service. So, rest assured and enjoy the convenience of telehealth! Find out more about making a Dietitian appointment here
Our Dietitians are available for online or telephone appointments for nutritional advice across the following areas:
Chronic diseases such as heart problems, diabetes, and kidney diseases
Gut Health
Weight Management
Malnutrition
Food allergy/intolerance
Women’s health
Iron Deficiency and other nutrient concerns