Telehealth

A telehealth appointment is just like a face-to-face appointment. Your dermatologist will talk with you about care and treatment options. Family members and carers are welcome to join the call with you. 

It’s recommended that you do a test call at least one day before your appointment.

To make a test call:

• Open the web browser recommended for your device.
• Visit https://vcc.healthdirect.org.au/t/skinhealthinstitute/join
• Click Test Call. A setup window will appear, to ensure that your device is setup to make video calls.
• Something not working? Go to: https://vcc.healthdirect.org.au/troubleshooting

On the day of your appointment:

• Open the web browser recommended for your device.
• Visit https://vcc.healthdirect.org.au/t/skinhealthinstitute/join
• Click Start Video Call. Follow the instructions and take note of the advice.
• You will then be taken to a virtual waiting area. A Skin Health Institute staff member will be with you shortly.

• A good Internet connection
• A private, well-lit area where you will not be disturbed
• Either:
  • A desktop/laptop Windows or Mac computer with Google Chrome web browser
  • An Android tablet/smartphone with Google Chrome web browser
  • An iOS device (e.g. iPhone or iPad) with Safari web browser
• Camera, speakers and microphone

Video calls are secure; your privacy is protected. You have your own private video room that only authorized clinicians can enter. 

The video call is free (except for your internet usage). However, the regular costs – if any – of a medical consultation still apply. 

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 (230MB on a mobile device and 450MB on a PC for a 20-minute call).

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. 

Unfortunately, our clinics will sometimes run overtime, and sometimes appointments can take over an hour. Waiting times will be similar to attending a clinic in person.