Rural and Regional Patients
Can I be a patient of the practice if I live in a rural or regional area?
Yes, absolutely. With the widespread adoption and acceptance of telehealth, we are able to perform your consultation remotely via Zoom. Your surgery will still be performed on the Sunshine Coast. James and his team have many happy and successful patients from regional Queensland, Cairns to the Coolangatta including many places in-between including Rockhampton, Hervey Bay and Bundaberg.
Your initial consultations as well as follow-up consultations can be held via Telehealth. All of our team member of Dr Askew as well as our dietitians and psychologist are available via Zoom. We understand that for our fellow Queenslanders living in rural and regional areas accessing professional specialist medical care can be difficult. We are committed to making sure that you are thoroughly supported both before and after your surgery.
For your initial consultation, you will require:
a GP or Nurse Practitioner referral with details of your recent height and weight
an internet connection to establish a Telehealth appointment via Zoom
45 minutes for your discussion with Dr Askew in a quiet environment where you can speak freely.
Consultations cannot be held while you are in control of a motor vehicle even when using a hands free device.
Our practice is located on the ground floor of the Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital. Local hotel accommodation is available within a short walking distance. Discounted accommodation is available for yourself and your families.
For patients who are travelling a more significant distance you may be eligible for the Queensland Government’s Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS). This scheme supports regional and rural Queenslanders to access healthcare in metropolitan areas, and eligible patients can apply for:
Travel Subsidy
Accomodation Subsidy
An escort to assist them in their travel and recovery.
To check your eligibility for the PTSS please check the Queensland Government’s travel subsidies webpage.
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