Online consultation policy
This page explains how online nutrition consultations work at Osler & Beukes Dietitians, what you agree to, and how your information is handled. It follows the HPCSA guidance on telehealth for healthcare practitioners.
What an online consultation is
An online consultation is a real consultation with a registered dietitian, held over a secure video call instead of in a consulting room. You will be assessed, given advice and given a written plan, exactly as you would in person.
Your consent
Before your first online session you will be asked to confirm that you understand how online care works and that you agree to be seen this way. Your consent, and the date you gave it, is recorded on your file. You may withdraw it at any time and move to an in-person consultation instead.
Confirming who you are
At the start of your first session you will be asked to confirm your identity, usually by showing your ID on camera. Your dietitian will also confirm his own name and registration details to you.
When online care is not appropriate
Online care has limits. Some assessments need hands-on measurement or a physical examination, and some conditions need face-to-face care or a referral to your doctor. If your dietitian believes online care is not in your best interest, he will say so and help you arrange the right alternative.
Emergencies
Online consultations are not an emergency service. If you feel unwell in a way that worries you, contact your doctor, go to your nearest emergency unit, or call 10177 for an ambulance or 112 from a mobile phone. Your address is recorded at the start of each session so that help can be directed to you if something goes wrong during a call.
Privacy and confidentiality
Sessions are private and are not recorded without your written permission. Your personal and health information is processed in line with POPIA and is only shared with another healthcare provider, such as your doctor, with your permission or where the law requires it. Please join your call from a private space where you are comfortable speaking freely.
Your records
A clinical note is written and kept for every consultation, in line with HPCSA record-keeping requirements. Records are stored in a private, access-controlled system, and you may request a copy of your own records.
Fees and invoices
Fees are disclosed to you before your consultation is confirmed. You are invoiced directly after each session, with the relevant ICD-10 and tariff codes, so that you can submit the claim to your medical aid yourself. Reimbursement depends on your scheme and your available benefits, and cannot be guaranteed.
Technology problems
If the connection fails during a session, your dietitian will call you back on the number on your file. If the session cannot be completed, it will be rescheduled at no extra charge.
Where you are
Consultations are provided to clients in South Africa. If you are outside South Africa, please contact us first so we can confirm whether we may see you.
Questions about any of this? Please get in touch before booking, and we will talk it through.