How Do Telehealth Appointments Work with an Accredited Practising Dietitian at Dietwise? Part 2
In today’s fast-paced world, access to healthcare services that are both flexible and convenient is more important than ever. One such service is telehealth, which enables people to meet with healthcare professionals virtually, such as our team of Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) at Dietwise. If you’re wondering how telehealth consultations work at Dietwise, this blog will walk you through the process. We will cover how to book a telehealth consultation, what you can expect and how to prepare. If you want to understand why telehealth is a great option, read Part 1 of this series to see if telehealth may be a great fit for you.
Step 1: Booking your online dietitian telehealth appointment
Booking a telehealth appointment with one of our lovely dietitians at Dietwise is straightforward. For all new clients, whether face-to-face or via telehealth, we prefer to book appointments over the phone or through email communication to ensure you are matched with the best dietitian to suit your needs. As we have a team of dietitians with different areas of skills and expertise, this process helps to support the best outcomes for you. You can read about our team of dietitians here, which also includes their areas of expertise and workdays. The exception to being able to book new appointments online is Sonya’s work with the AIA Vitality Program. Members of the program can book directly online using their AIA membership number.
After your initial consultation has been completed, all ongoing review telehealth appointments can be booked online, where you can select your dietitian and preferred date and time. Alternatively, you can book reviews over the phone or via email with one of our Care Coordinators nby ringing 08 9388 2423. When booking, keep in mind that time zones might vary, especially if you’re booking from interstate or overseas. If you’re located in Australia, remember that different states follow different time conventions. VIC, NSW, SA, ACT & TAS observe Daylight Saving Time (DST) from the first Sunday in October to the first Sunday in April every year. If you’re unsure of your local time compared the Perth, WA, double-check the appointment details to ensure you’re logging in at the correct time.
Once your telehealth appointment is booked, you will receive a confirmation email, within 1-2 working days, including a link to our secure online platform, Halaxy. If you don’t see the email in your inbox, be sure to check your junk or spam folder, as emails from Halaxy can sometimes end up there. To understand more about the security of Halaxy read more here.
Step 2: Preparing for your online dietitian telehealth appointment
Preparation for a telehealth session is similar to preparing for a face-to-face appointment, but with the added benefit of being in the comfort of your own home or office.
- Complete the necessary forms
Once your appointment is booked, you’ll receive a New Client Intake Form which provides your dietitian with some helpful information before your session. This form typically collects information about some social history, medical history, medications and supplements, dietary habits, specific health goals and any other medical or allied health clinicians you may be seeing. This form is completed and submitted online. Please note that completion of this form is optional. If you do not feel comfortable doing so, please reach out to one of our friendly Care Coordinators on 08 9388 2423 or reception@dietwise.net.au to make alternative arrangements.
- Choose a comfortable and private space
For the best telehealth experience, select a space where you can feel relaxed and comfortable without distractions. A private space ensures that your conversation with your dietitian remains confidential. Choose an area with good lighting, so your dietitian can see you clearly, and ensure that the room is quiet enough for clear sound quality. It can be helpful to let others know that you will be doing a telehealth appointment, to minimise disruptions.
Set yourself up with any of your favourite comforts such as your pet, blanket, cup of tea, wiggle cushion, or fidgets. Anything goes with telehealth appointments.
- Technical setup
It’s essential to make sure your technology is working well before your appointment. Check that your computer, phone and headphones (if using them) are fully charged or plugged in, and ensure you have a stable internet connection. Poor internet connections can disrupt your session, so if you’re experiencing connectivity issues, consider troubleshooting your Wi-Fi or using a mobile hotspot. Test your microphone and speakers to ensure your dietitian can hear and understand you clearly. The settings button is a cog wheel on the top right-hand side of your Halaxy screen. If there are any problems with sound or visibility, your dietitian will help problem solve them.
It is optional to have the camera on, so if you prefer to use the audio only, just let your dietitian know when the appointment starts.
Step 3: Joining your dietitian online telehealth appointment
Halaxy has a clear, easy-to-use interface, making it simple to join sessions without technical complications. On the day of your appointment, simply click the link you received in the confirmation email about 5 minutes before the scheduled time. This will direct you to the Halaxy platform, where you’ll be prompted to join the virtual “waiting room.” As you wait, make sure your device’s camera and microphone are working, and that you are ready for the session to begin. Please note that some higher security workplaces such as banks will block access to external links. In this situation, please provide us with your private email versus a work email so we can email the Halaxy link to that address instead.
When the “Join” button pops up on your screen, it means your Accredited Practising Dietitian has entered the virtual room and is ready to start the session. At this point, you’ll be able to see and hear your dietitian, and the consultation will begin.
- Engaging in your dietitian online telehealth appointment
Telehealth appointments with an APD are very similar to in-person sessions, with the primary difference being the virtual medium.
- Discussion of Your Health and Diet Goals: Just like a face-to-face meeting, the dietitian will start by discussing your health history, dietary preferences, and goals. They will ask about your eating habits and behaviours, current challenges, and any conditions that might affect your nutrition (such as allergies, digestive issues, or other health conditions).
- Tailored Nutrition Advice: Based on your responses, the dietitian will offer tailored advice on how to improve your diet. They will provide nutrition education, personalised meal plans, or offer tips for overcoming specific challenges, such as emotional eating, gut issues, time constraints, executive functioning capacity around food and eating or sensory triggers that may impact eating habits.
- Use of Visual Aids and Resources: Our dietitians love to use visuals such as images or charts to help explain or explore concepts. Since Halaxy telehealth allows for screen sharing, your dietitian can display helpful resources or guides in real-time, making it easier for you to follow along.
- Real-Time Feedback and Interaction: Just like an in-person session, telehealth allows for real-time feedback and engagement. You’ll be able to ask questions and clarify any doubts you may have during the session. Your dietitian will listen closely to your concerns and provide advice tailored to your needs.
Step 5: Dealing with unforeseen delays
While your dietitian will aim to keep the session on schedule, some delays may occur. Dietetic consultations can be complex, and sometimes they require a little extra time to address your unique concerns and work through difficult emotions that can pop up for some people. If a short delay happens, your dietitian will work efficiently to make the most of your time together, ensuring you get the support you need.
If, for any reason, you’re unable to wait for a delayed session, you can contact the Care Coordinator to reschedule your appointment. Flexibility is one of the key benefits of telehealth, as it allows for adjustments to suit both the dietitian’s and your availability.
Step 6: Follow-up and next steps after the session
Once your session is over, you may receive follow-up email of materials, such as meal plans, shopping lists, or additional resources to support your nutritional goals. Our dietitians will schedule follow-up telehealth sessions to check on your progress, address any new concerns, or adjust your nutrition plan as necessary. These follow-ups are important to ensure ongoing support any challenges you encounter.
Step 7: Paying for your telehealth appointment
After your appointment, there are 2 options to pay. For time efficiency, most of our clients have a stored credit card which is encrypted for security. We can process your payment immediately and process a Medicare rebate if applicable or email the receipt to claim from your private health fund. Alternatively, if you don’t feel comfortable having a stored credit card, we ask that you call straight after your appointment to pay over the phone which only takes a few minutes This prevents the frustration of playing phone tag.
Why Choose Telehealth Appointment with a Dietitian at Dietwise?
Telehealth with an Accredited Practising Dietitian at Dietwise offers numerous advantages, especially for people with busy schedules, long commutes, mobility issues, or those who live in rural and remote areas. Here are a few benefits:
- Convenience: You can access expert dietary support without leaving your home, saving time, energy and the stress of navigating traffic and parking.
- Flexibility: If you have booked a face-to-face appointment and you are running late or are sick, telehealth offers the flexibility to change your session to a telehealth appointment last minute. Just ring our Care Coordinator and a Halaxy telehealth link can be emailed or it can be done over the phone.
- Comfort: Telehealth allows you to be in a familiar environment, making it easier to focus and feel comfortable discussing your dietary needs.
- Privacy: You have control over your surroundings, ensuring a private and confidential space for your consultation.
- Personalized Care: Just like in-person appointments, telehealth sessions are tailored to your specific needs, helping you achieve your health and wellness goals.
Conclusion
Telehealth sessions with an Accredited Practising Dietitian provide an accessible and flexible way to get expert nutritional advice, no matter where you are. By following these 7 simple steps to prepare for your appointment, you can ensure an enjoyable and effective consultation. With telehealth, you’re in control of your environment, making it easier than ever to connect with your dietitian.
If telehealth is an option you haven’t considered, reach out to one of our Care Coordinators to answer any questions you may have, or to discuss if it is a good fit for you. Eryn Richards, one of very experienced dietitians, exclusively offers telehealth consultations on Thursdays and shortly, every second Saturday morning. All of our other dietitians are also available for telehealth consultations with appointments available weekdays from 9am to 6pm and Sonya and Caylah available on Saturday mornings from 8am to 1pm.
Written by:
Principal Accredited Practising Dietitian & Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician