Online Video Consultations - FAQs
One of the things we have always been proud of at Tweed Podiatry is our ability to think outside the box, to find innovative ways of making our clients’ experience with us as meaningful as possible. We have all in some way or another been touched by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges that responsible social distancing bring. But of course foot, ankle and lower limb pain don’t just stop because of this and neither does our need to try and stay as healthy and active as possible…so what to do? We think for many of our clients, online video consultations might be the answer!
This is an exciting new opportunity for us to connect and work together to solve your pain or activity needs but for many it will be something you’ve never tried before and may have questions or doubts. Our hope is that the following FAQs blog post will help you discover how online video consultations can help you…perhaps more than you thought!
What are the options?
On the booking page of our website, you will see our online video consultation options including:
- FREE 10 minute online video consultation
- Initial online video consultation
- Follow-up online video consultation
Which one do I choose?
Our free 10 minute consultation is for anyone who is unsure whether this format will work for them – of course some of our services need to be hands-on but you would be surprised how much can be achieved through video. If after reading this page you are still unsure, this may be the best option for you.
Our initial online video consultation is for new clients with a foot, ankle or lower limb problem needing sorted! We can help lots of problems in this manner but some examples would include:
- Assessment and advice on skin and nail care
- Ingrown Toenail assessment (which in some cases may require an emergency in-person appointment)
- Heel pain assessment
- Joint pain assessment
- “Ball of the foot” pain assessment
- Ankle pain assessment
- Sports injuries including running
Our follow-up online video consultation is to catch up with anyone who has previously used our initial online video consultation service or has already seen us face-to-face. At this appointment we will review progress with your recovery whatever that may involve include exercises, training updates and take the next steps needed on your journey to getting better.
What happens in the initial online video consultation?
You might be surprise how many similarities there are between online and face-to-face consultations. A good clinician understands the most valuable part of a consultation is listening: it is remarkable how far towards a diagnosis and a plan you can get just from paying attention to what your client is telling you! So like with any consultation we begin with a thorough history-taking. We can also use advanced anatomy software to hone in on the area of your pain and show the 3D anatomy of the problem in incredibly detail.
We will then typically ask you to show us the area of concern and go through certain movements and activities so that we can assess how you move and get your feedback on how it feels. Even without being “hands-on” this will get us to a diagnosis in the majority of clients and from there we can advise you on what is needed. In the case of skin and nail care this may involve advice on self-care. In the case of other problems such as joint or muscle pain, it may involve showing you exercises (with a tailored program sent to you), planning a sport-specific training program or advice on footwear. In any cases where additional hands-on treatment is thought necessary (examples being the provision of foot orthoses/insoles or nail surgery) we will advise you of the most sensible next steps.
How should I prepare for my online video consultation?
Think of what you need much like you would think of an in-person consultation. You will need:
- Privacy: Remember this is a private medical appointment and the same rules of privacy should apply on both ends of the call. Make sure you are in a quiet place where no one can hear you or see you. DO NOT USE PUBLIC WIFI as this could be a privacy risk too.
- Space: You might be asked to carry out exercises, movements for assessment or get parts of your foot/ankle/lower limb in line with your camera so try to find adequate space for this.
- Clothing: Depending on the problem you are seeing us for, you will need either trousers that roll above the ankle or shorts above the knee. Having several pairs of your frequently worn footwear nearby can also be handy.
Some other things specific to this format you will need are:
- A laptop/PC/tablet or phone with a camera and a microphone is essential: We would recommend a laptop as it is both portable and the Podiatrist might be sharing images/video with you that will be much easier to see on a larger screen.
- Home exercise equipment: We appreciate not everyone will already have access at home to equipment such as weights and resistance bands but we can talk through suitable alternatives and/or send you information on items we would recommend ordering.
Is this secure?
Absolutely. The software we use if completely GDPR-compliant and uses end-to-end encryption. Our conversation and the data from it is totally secure and treated with the same high standards you would expect from an in-person consultation.
What about payment?
During the online booking process you will be brought to a payment page. The fees for each appointment are shown on the booking page. We require pre-payment for booking an online video consultations. To be respectful of our time and the time of other clients, our standard cancellation policy applies whereby failure to attend the consultation or cancelling within 24 hours will mean your payment is non-refundable.
Will my insurance cover this?
In the wake of COVID-19 and the changes in how healthcare providers are delivering care, we are seeing a growing number of insurance companies allowing online video consultations to be covered. That said, not all are doing this yet so PLEASE check with your specific insurance provider to find out if your policy includes this.
Amazing! How do I book in?
From the online booking page of our website, simply select the appointment type you are interested in followed by one of the available time slots. You will then be prompted for payment info as discussed above and from there the appointment will be booked! Shortly afterwards you will receive an email confirmation with key information about your appointment and a link to securely join the meeting when it is ready (this will also be sent in a reminder email nearer the time). Simple!
What happens next?
Once your consultation is wrapped up, we can send you an email highlighting the key findings and the treatment plan moving forward. We will also include resources discussed in your consultation; a personalised exercise program with video demonstrations, links to client-only articles we hold, signposting to recommended products and so on. If you wish, we will also schedule your next follow-up consultation, either online or face-to-face as needed.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, people come to us for results. And results are very much still possible with online video consultations! Diagnosis is often still possible, advice and reassurance are definitely possible, as is our ability to continue offering high quality exercise and rehabilitation tools to help you become more robust and resilient in the face of injury and pain. Yes, COVID-19 is one heck of a challenge…but it need not keep you in pain and it need not stop you from achieving your health and fitness goals!
If you have found this FAQs blog post helpful, be sure to share it with others and get in touch to book an appointment if you feel we can help – we look forward to seeing you (virtually) soon!