Dr Novikova has introduced video consultations into her practice via a practice management service called Cliniko or via Whatsapp. Both of these services are safely encrypted and very secure.
You can make a booking as usual on the website, on Cliniko or by sending an email. You can have the consultation from the comfort of your home and you can save on the distance and time you would have had to travel which also means that you can have a consultation from anywhere in the world if Dr Novikova has seen you in her practice previously. #staysafe #stayhome
If you are not sure whether you can be helped by video consultation or not, you are welcome to send Dr Novikova an email with your questions and she will advise if a video consultation is suitable for you.
DOES MEDICAL AID COVER TELEMEDICINE?
Medical aids in South Africa have approved the coverage of phone and video consultation for medical purposes. The level of cover depends on the patient’s contract with medical aid. For example, if someone is signed up on a Discovery executive plan then teleconsultation will be covered in full but if you have a hospital plan, it will not be covered at all. Please find out directly from your medical aid insurer on your level of cover. Dr Novikova is not contracted to any medical aid at this stage, hence, you would have to pay for the consultation and claim back from your medical aid.
HOW WILL THE APPOINTMENT COSTS DIFFER FROM TRADITIONAL VISITS?
Dr Novikova will make a video call either using our practice management service called Cliniko or on Whatsapp, which is safely encrypted and is a very secure service.
WILL I BE CHARGED ADDITIONAL FEES?
You will be charged for a consultation, as you would normally be charged.
WILL THE DOCTOR REALLY BE ABLE TO HELP ME REMOTELY?
If Dr Novikova decides that video consultation is not sufficient for making a diagnosis or giving advice, she will advise you to come through to the office for face to face consultation. To see our in-office preventative measures, click here.
IS IT WORTH THE MONEY? HOW CAN A DOCTOR KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON THROUGH A VIDEO?
Yes. You might get all the help you need via the phone. Dr Novikova bases her advice on many factors and most information can be elicited during a video consultation. However, clinical examination and pelvic ultrasound, as well as other tests, are not possible during video consultation and if required you will be asked to come for a visit to the practice.
A clinical examination is vital for making the diagnosis, but there are a number of things a gynaecologist can do without it.
WHAT IS THE QUALITY OF CARE?
Dr Novikova strives to provide the highest quality of care to her patients and will never compromise the quality of care. If a clinical exam is necessary she will advise her patients to come for a face-to-face consultation.