What’s New

With the recent Commonwealth Government announcements, telehealth (sessions over video conferencing) and phone consultations are now available for all clients, not just those in at risk groups.

I continue to offer face to face sessions as required and to reduce the risks of transmission I am:

• disinfecting hard surfaces between appointments,
• have hand sanitiser available for clients,
• encourage you to bring a drink bottle (I have disposable cups also), and
• maintaining social distancing, the office is 17m2, by not shaking hands etc.

I am using Coviu for videoconferencing sessions which meets the privacy requirements for telehealth.

COVID-19 is going to change the way we go about life for some time. Please follow the Health Departments advice to stay safe.

I am continuing to practice face to face – until instructed not to – but there are some changes. If you are at risk, or considered susceptible then I will offer telephone or videoconference sessions.

Medicare defines:

Patients at risk of COVID-19 include people who:

• • have been diagnosed with COVID-19 but haven’t been admitted to hospital
  • are required to isolate themselves following the advice from the Department of Health
  • are considered susceptible to COVID-19
  • meet the current national triage criteria for suspected COVID-19 infection.

People are considered susceptible to COVID-19 if they’re:

• • over 70
  • over 50 and of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent
  • pregnant
  • a parent of a child under 12 months old
  • being treated for a chronic health condition or are immune compromised.

Source Medicare website 22 March 2020

I am (as of 22 March 2020) continuing to see other clients in my room at Wahroonga. To reduce the risks of transmission I have:

• disinfecting hard surfaces between appointments,
• have hand sanitiser available for clients,
• encourage you to bring a drink bottle (I have disposable cups also), and
• maintaining social distancing, the office is 17m2, by not shaking hands etc.

Please contact me if you are concerned or would like to change an appointment to telephone or videoconference.

Today, 10 years ago, I saw my first client in private practice in Wahroonga. I reflect back on the psychologist I was then and the one I am now. I guess in any profession one learns and grows the longer they are there. Practising as a psychologist is just the same. I have done additional training in many therapies and for many different issues since starting to further assist those who walk through my door. I have expanded my practice beyond perinatal, which is where it began. Over the years I have seen adolescents and adults for many difficulties and discovered I enjoy working with people of all ages and stages of life. I also learn from those who seek help from me – “how might that feel?”, “what were their thoughts?”- which furthers my understanding and enhances my practice. So thank you to those who choose me to walk alongside them – it is truly an honour.

For GP and Patient convenience a number of processes have been implemented at this practice recently

Secure Messaging via ARGUS and Health Link

Referrals and MHCPs can be sent to Rhona via ARGUS or Health Link. Patients need not worry about the paperwork and GPs can be assured that referred patients are receiving the help they intended.

Rhona will send referral acceptance letters and progress reports via secure messaging in return, ensuring GPs are kept in the loop about their patients progress.

Secure messaging via these systems is the safest and most direct way to protect the privacy of patients.

GPs please refer to “information for GPs” tab on my website.

Payments

Rhona accepts payment by credit card, cash or direct debit.

Medicare Processing

Rhona electronically submits Medicare rebates for her patients thereby reducing their administration load at a time when it’s just one more thing to worry about.