Decoding Telehealth Jargon

Reading about telehealth often involves a fair bit of jargon. Understanding telehealth language is essential to help you decide which provider to use. Here’s MediCompare’s guide to some of the most commonly used terms that matter when reading reviews and websites.

• My Health Record: This secure digital summary of your health information is viewable and controlled by you. You can access it online and select what information is available to your telehealth provider. It helps ensure continuity in your treatment, as your primary care physician can see any updates.
• Authorised Representative: You can give somebody, for example a carer or a family member, permission to manage your My Health Record. If you have children, you will be the authorised representative yourself, giving you full agency over your family’s health information.
• Nominated Healthcare Provider: This refers to the healthcare professional responsible for updating your shared health summary.

• Healthcare Provider Identifier – Individual (HPI-I): You will see this number on your medical certificates and eScripts. It identifies healthcare practitioners who treated you.
• Healthcare Provider Identifier – Organisation (HPI-O): You can check this number for a telehealth provider to check their credentials.
• Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI): Patients in Australia need this 16-digit number to receive healthcare within the Australian health system. For Australian residents and citizens it is normally their Medicare Card number.

• Care and Support Plans: These documents are developed during your consultation in collaboration with your doctor. They outline medical and support goals. They also state activities and coordinate healthcare – where multiple providers or carers are involved.
• Personal Health Summary: This is a document you complete, which healthcare providers can use to tailor their treatment better. It gives details on medications and allergies.
• Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP): Developed by a GP or psychiatrist for managing mental health, this plan allowing access to Medicare funding. It provides up to 10 counselling sessions in a calendar year, with a review required halfway.
• Mental Health Assessment: An evaluation of your mental health by a GP or psychiatrist, which is required for obtaining a MHTP under Medicare. It is often provided fully bulk-billed.

• Clinical Information System (CIS): You may come across this term when reading a provider’s privacy policy. It refers to the software used to manage health records and linked to the My Health Record system.
• Restricted Access Settings: This function in My Health Record allows you to control who can view your health records and which parts of it.
• Medical Certificates: Certificates that can be provided for various purposes such as work, caregiving, university, or school. They are often requested explicitly by your employer or school. They are available for single or multiple days.
• Personal Health Notes: These private notes in My Health Record are only visible to the patient. They function like a personal health diary and can help you keep track of information the doctor has given you or work as a symptom journal.
• Australian Privacy Act: Legislation which ensures the protection of personal data and privacy. It clearly outlines the healthcare providers obligations as well as your rights. It is a crucial tool in the handling of digital health records. You will often find it referred to in the privacy policy of a telehealth provider.
• eReferral: This digital referral system enhances the sharing of patient information between providers. It makes it easier for the referring doctor to stay in the loop on test or assessment outcomes.
• eScript: Often delivered to your phone or your email as a digital token, this online prescription method makes it easier to forward your script to dispensing pharmacies. It can also be kept in a digital wallet on your phone, for example in specifically designed e-pharmacy apps, making it easier to keep track of your medication and repeats.

• AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency): This agency regulates 15 health professions in Australia. All telehealth providers in Australia must use AHPRA-registered healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses.
• AMA (Australian Medical Association): A professional body representing doctors as well as patients’ and communities’ healthcare needs in Australia. It actively promotes inclusion and focuses on medical care standards.
• RACGP (Royal Australian College of General Practitioners): Many telehealth providers offer telehealth consultations with registered GPs. The RACGP is the professional body that registers, oversees, and supports GPs in providing high-quality healthcare.

Understanding common telehealth terms and related terms, such as My Health Record terminology, can empower you to make more informed health decisions. Preparation and information is key to helping you get the most out of your telehealth consult. For more information on providers, explore our MediCompare reviews to find the right telehealth options for you. We also have comprehensive guides for patients.

This article is for informational purposes only and is no substitute for professional medical advice. Please choose your provider with care. Always consult your doctor or a qualified health professional regarding any health-related questions or concerns.