Dr Dong Zhao: Your Telehealth GP for Telephone Consultations in Canberra

It’s not always convenient to make a trip to a GP clinic. Factors such as work, family responsibilities, mobility problems or just feeling too unwell to travel can all hinder timely medical advice. That’s where telephone consultations come in.

Dr Dong Zhao at Verity Medical Practice in Belconnen provides telehealth appointments such as telephone consultations to patients throughout Canberra who require GP-led care without having to travel to their GP’s office.

This guide will tell you who Dr Dong Zhao is, how his telephone consultations service works, who it may be suitable for, and how to prepare for and book an appointment.

Who is Dr Dong Zhao?

Dr Dong Zhao Your Telehealth GP for Telephone Consultations in Belconnen

Dr Dong Zhao is a General Practitioner at Verity Medical Practice in Belconnen, ACT. He completed his Doctor of Medicine (MD) at the University of Sydney Medical School in 2017 and is fully registered as a general medical practitioner in Australia and the United States.

He also has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Health & Society from the University of British Columbia.

Dr Zhao has extensive clinical experience in the following areas of medicine:

• Emergency medicine
• Surgery
• Internal medicine
• Neurology and Neuro ICU care
• General practice

He has held Emergency Medicine Registrar positions at Dandenong Hospital and Casey Hospital, senior surgical positions at Monash Children’s Hospital and Monash Health, and has worked as a Career Medical Officer in regional New South Wales hospitals.

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr Dong Zhao has published over 30 peer-reviewed papers and presented his research at leading medical conferences. He speaks English and Mandarin Chinese fluently, enabling him to communicate effectively with diverse patients.

Dr Dong Zhao applies this diverse clinical experience to general practice, where he strives to provide patient-centred, evidence-based and thoughtful care. His full profile on the Verity Medical Practice website provides more information about his qualifications and areas of expertise.

About Verity Medical Practice

Verity Medical Practice is a GP clinic in Belconnen, Canberra, offering general practice services to people and families in the Belconnen area. The practice provides a wide variety of services, such as general medical care, chronic disease management, preventive health checks, and telehealth consultations.

Dr Dong Zhao is available for telephone consultations when clinically appropriate and sees patients at the practice at Unit 11, 100 Eastern Valley Way (CISAC), Belconnen ACT 2617. The practice also has a wider team of doctors that you can read more about at the practice.

What is a Telephone GP Consultation?

A telephone consultation is a consultation that takes place over the telephone rather than in the clinic. It’s one of the two main forms of telehealth offered in Australian general practice, the other being video consultations.

In a telephone consultation with Dr Dong Zhao, you can discuss your health concerns, receive medical advice, and get follow-up care without having to travel to the clinic.

Dr Dong Zhao Your Telehealth GP for Telephone Consultations in Canberra

Telehealth is not meant to be a substitute for all face-to-face visits. Rather, it is intended to facilitate continuity of care in the absence of a physical exam. Your doctor will always tell you if it is safer or more appropriate to have an in-person appointment. Telehealth is only provided when it is safe and clinically appropriate, and not all health issues can be addressed through telehealth healthdirect Australia.

The process of telephone consultations at Verity Medical Practice

1. You book a telehealth appointment with the practice, specifying a phone consultation.
2. The doctor calls you at the appointed time.
3. You talk about your symptoms, concerns, or follow-up needs on the phone.
4. If necessary, you will be given a prescription, referral or medical documentation electronically.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has been an integral component of general practice in Australia and is now a recognised and Medicare-funded service. From January 2022, expanded telehealth services were made a permanent part of Medicare, providing patients with another option to access their regular GP.

Telephone consultations with Dr Dong Zhao may be beneficial for people who:

Telephone consultations aren’t right for every situation, but they can be a practical option for a number of circumstances. If you would like to benefit from a phone appointment with Dr Dong Zhao, you should:

• Your GP is already familiar with your medical history. This enables continuity of care without the need for a face-to-face visit for each follow-up.
• A physical examination isn’t required. There are many concerns that can be discussed and evaluated without the need for conversation.
• You require post-treatment. This could involve looking at test results, modifying a treatment plan, or monitoring progress following a previous visit.
• You have a chronic illness. Regular monitoring is often required for conditions like diabetes, asthma or high blood pressure, and this can be facilitated by telehealth, as part of a chronic disease management plan.
• You’re unwell and unable to get to the clinic. A phone consultation is a medical consultation that can be conducted from home when travelling is not feasible.
• You need general medical advice or clarification. This includes questions about symptoms, medications, or treatment.

It is important to note that there are still some situations where a face-to-face visit is necessary. This includes new or unexplained symptoms, complex medical problems, and any condition that needs a physical exam or procedure. Your doctor will always advise you on the most suitable type of consultation for your case.

What to expect at your Appointment

Understanding what to expect in a telephone consultation can help you feel more prepared. Here’s a general overview of what to expect when you see Dr Dong Zhao by phone:

Before the Call

• You will be given a time for an appointment.
• It’s a good idea to have your Medicare card and any relevant medical information on hand.

During the Call

• The doctor will contact you at the time of your appointment.
• You’ll discuss your symptoms, concerns, or reason for the appointment.
• The doctor may ask additional questions to get a complete picture of your situation.
• If a physical examination is needed, he may recommend you come into the clinic instead.

After the Call

• You might be sent an electronic prescription, referral, pathology or imaging request, or medical certificate, depending on your consultation.
• Any further tests or follow-up appointments will be recommended.

Some requests cannot be addressed via telehealth, and your GP will always discuss the options available during your consultation.

Medicare Eligibility for Telehealth

Eligible patients can access Medicare-funded GP telehealth services. This usually means that you have seen your GP, or another GP at the same practice, face-to-face in the last 12 months. Services Australia, which manages Medicare benefits for video and phone telehealth services for the Australian Government, confirms this.

Medicare has eligibility requirements that may vary over time, so it’s best to verify your eligibility with the practice’s reception staff before scheduling an appointment. This eligibility requirement is also detailed on Verity Medical Practice’s own telehealth appointments page.

How to Prepare for a Telephone Consultations

With a little preparation, you can get the most out of your time with Dr Dong Zhao. Here are some things to think about before your appointment:

• Go to a quiet, private place. This helps you speak openly about your health without distractions or interruptions.
• Bring your Medicare card with you. This is needed for billing purposes.
• Make a list of your symptoms or questions before you go. During a call, it’s easy to forget things, so it helps to write things down in advance.
• Write down all the medicines you are taking. If you know the dosage, include it, particularly when talking about a repeat prescription or medication review.
• Have a pen and paper on hand. It’s a good idea to take notes on any tips or directions you receive during the call.
• Be available at your scheduled time. Your phone should be charged and available as the doctor will call you.

How to Book a Telephone Consultation with Dr Dong Zhao

It is easy to book a telephone consultation with Dr Dong Zhao at Verity Medical Practice:

1. Contact the practice. Please contact Verity Medical Practice on (02) 5104 6406 or reception at reception@veritymedicalpractice.com.au. For more information, you can check the contact page.
2. Request a telehealth appointment. Specify that you would like a telephone consultation, not an in-person or video appointment. Alternatively, you can make a request directly on the online booking page. 
3. Confirm your eligibility. The reception staff can help you understand if you are eligible for Medicare telehealth services before your appointment.
4. Attend your appointment. Be prepared to be called by the doctor at the appointed time.

Verity Medical Practice is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM at Unit 11, 100 Eastern Valley Way (CISAC), Belconnen ACT 2617.