POLICY
Telehealth Policy
Purpose
Drummond Dermatology offers telehealth consultations where clinically appropriate to improve access to specialist dermatology services.
Telehealth consultations are conducted according to the same professional, ethical and privacy standards as face-to-face consultations.
This policy outlines the limitations, requirements and expectations associated with telehealth consultations.
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth involves a consultation conducted remotely using:
- Video conferencing
- Telephone consultation
- Secure electronic communication
- Clinical photographs provided by the patient
Telehealth can be a convenient alternative to attending the practice in person but is not suitable for all dermatological conditions.
Consent
Not all dermatological conditions can be safely assessed remotely.
Telehealth consultations may be suitable for:
- Follow-up of established diagnoses
- Review of treatment response
- Discussion of investigation results
- Medication monitoring
Telehealth consultations are generally not suitable for:
- Full skin examinations
- Skin cancer assessments
- Mole checks
- Dermatoscopic examination
- Vulval dermatology conditions
- Conditions requiring physical examination
- Urgent dermatological emergencies
Dr Catherine Drummond will determine whether a telehealth consultation is clinically appropriate.
The practice reserves the right to convert a telehealth appointment to a face-to-face consultation if necessary.
Suitability of Telehealth
Not all dermatological conditions can be safely assessed remotely.
Telehealth consultations may be suitable for:
- Follow-up of established diagnoses
- Review of treatment response
- Discussion of investigation results
- Medication monitoring
Telehealth consultations are generally not suitable for:
- Full skin examinations
- Skin cancer assessments
- Mole checks
- Dermatoscopic examination
- Vulval dermatology conditions
- Conditions requiring physical examination
- Urgent dermatological emergencies
Dr Catherine Drummond will determine whether a telehealth consultation is clinically appropriate.
The practice reserves the right to convert a telehealth appointment to a face-to-face consultation if necessary.
Limitations of Telehealth
Patients should understand that telehealth has inherent limitations.
These include:
- Inability to perform a physical examination
- Inability to perform dermatoscopy
- Variable image quality
- Limitations of lighting and camera resolution
- Technical difficulties
- Incomplete clinical information
These limitations may affect diagnostic accuracy and treatment recommendations.
A face-to-face consultation may subsequently be required.
Standard consultation fees will apply to any subsequent consultation.
Clinical Photographs
Patients may be requested to provide clinical photographs before the consultation.
Photographs may assist diagnosis and management but cannot replace physical examination where this is required.
Clinical photographs:
- Become part of the medical record
- Are managed in accordance with the Privacy Policy
- May be retained for legal and clinical purposes
Image quality may be insufficient for diagnosis, and further consultation may be required.
Technology Requirements
Telehealth consultations may be conducted by:
- Microsoft Teams
- Telephone
- Other approved healthcare communication platforms
Patients are responsible for ensuring they have:
- A suitable device
- Internet access where required
- A private environment
- Adequate audio and video capability
The practice cannot guarantee uninterrupted operation of third-party technology platforms.
Privacy and Confidentiality
Telehealth consultations are conducted in accordance with the Privacy Policy.
Reasonable measures are taken to protect privacy and confidentiality.
However, patients acknowledge that:
- No electronic communication system is completely secure
- Cybersecurity risks cannot be entirely eliminated
- Technical failures may occur
Consultation notes are recorded in the medical record in the same manner as face-to-face consultations.
Identification of Participants
At the commencement of the consultation, patients may be asked to:
- Confirm their identity
- Confirm their date of birth
- Identify any person present during the consultation
Patients should advise the doctor if another person is participating in or observing the consultation.
Recording of Consultations
Audio recording, video recording, photography or screen capture of telehealth consultations is not permitted without the prior consent of all participants.
Drummond Dermatology does not routinely record telehealth consultations.
Technical Failure
If a video consultation cannot proceed because of technical difficulties:
- The consultation may continue by telephone if clinically appropriate
- The consultation may be rescheduled
- Alternative arrangements may be made
Clinical safety will always take priority over convenience.
Prescriptions and Requests
Where clinically appropriate, the practice may provide electronic:
- Prescriptions
- Pathology request forms
- Imaging request forms
The decision to issue prescriptions or requests remains entirely at Dr Catherine Drummond’s clinical discretion.
A review consultation may be required before prescriptions are issued.
Referrals and Medicare
A valid referral is generally required for Medicare benefits to be payable.
Patients are responsible for ensuring referrals are current and valid.
Medicare rebates are available for many telehealth consultations, although eligibility requirements may vary.
The practice will advise patients if a consultation is unlikely to attract a Medicare rebate.
Fees and Payment
Consultation fees for telehealth appointments are generally equivalent to face-to-face consultations.
Payment is required before the consultation.
Payment methods may include:
- PayID
- Credit card
- Other approved payment methods
Medicare claims may be submitted by the practice where available.
Cancellation of Telehealth Appointments
If a telehealth appointment is cancelled with less than two business days’ notice, or not attended, a cancellation fee may apply in accordance with the Fee Policy.
Emergency Situations
Telehealth is not suitable for medical emergencies.
Patients experiencing an emergency should:
- Call 000
- Attend the nearest Emergency Department
- Contact their general practitioner
Related Policies
Add Your Heading Text Here
Policy: Telehealth Policy
Version: 2.0
Effective Date: 1 June 2026
Review Date: 1 June 2028
Approved By: Dr Catherine Drummond
Next Review: Every two years or sooner if legislation or practice procedures change
Drummond Dermatology
Suite 16, Francis Chambers
40-42 Corinna St, Phillip ACT 2606
The best way to contact us is via email
Office Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9.00am – 4.00pm
Wednesdays: 9.00am – 3.00pm
Friday: 9.00am – 2.00pm
How to get here
Drummond Dermatology pays respect to all First Nations Australians on whose traditional lands we meet and work, and whose cultures are among the oldest continuing cultures in human history.