Telehealth & Surgery during Covid

Telehealth Services are proving popular

People’s health issues continue to evolve and deteriorate irrespective of covid lockdowns. Unchecked small problems can become bigger issues with longer term consequences.

That’s why it’s always best to get an early diagnosis so that appropriate advice can avert poor outcomes. In most cases specific treatment can be started that alleviates the situation.

Our telehealth services are delivered through COVIU, a highly secure, specialised online medical platform that allows video consultation and sharing of images with patients. Please note your patient will need a computer with a camera and microphone, or a smart phone.

Failing that I can do initial consults over the phone as well. It is still better to have a diagnosis than to suffer in silence.

Also, a reminder that the Medicare rebate for telehealth is still available. 

Surgery is still available

It is important to note that I can still provide surgery for all those that need it, public or private. A work sharing agreement between NSW Health and the Prince of Wales Private Hospital permits treatment of all patients with or without health cover at the private hospital. I am operating on patients classed as Category 1 or 2 – Urgent. This service is available to people disabled with severe or prolonged pain or obvious neurological deficits, and difficulty mobilising.

If you have any queries about how our telehealth services work, please feel free to call our practice manager Keryn Chapman on 02 9650 4893.

As always if you have any questions about a patient, please feel free to call me on 02 9650 4893. I will return your call and discuss how we can help.

You can also reach me via ralphstanford@powspine.com.au.

Further Resources for Referrers include:

• Webinar replay: Cauda Equina Syndrome
• Spinal Fusion surgery
• Foot Drop
• Why I only operate when it makes a difference to my patient's quality of life
• The limited role of cortisone injections for spinal conditions
• Back pain and how to manage it

Dedicated to lifelong learning and sharing his expertise with others, Ralph attends spinal conferences worldwide and regularly consults with colleagues about successful treatments.

As a teacher Dr Ralph Stanford is Conjoint Senior Lecturer at the University of New South Wales; Supervisor of Training for Orthopaedic Trainees, Prince of Wales Hospital; and Education Secretary for the Spine Society of Australia.

As a researcher and scientist, he is a well-published author and Honorary Senior Scientist at Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA). He is also a current member of Spinal PFET.

Posted 12 September 2021