Introduction

Managing your heart health may involve regular appointments, follow-up discussions, and reviewing test results. For some patients, travelling to a clinic for every appointment may not always be practical.



Cardiac telehealth provides an alternative way for eligible patients to speak with their cardiologist using secure telephone or video consultations. Depending on your individual circumstances, some appointments may be suitable to complete remotely, while others may still require an in-person visit.

If you live in Springfield Central or nearby suburbs, cardiac telehealth may help you stay connected with your cardiologist when a face-to-face consultation is not required.

What Is Cardiac Telehealth?

Cardiac telehealth allows patients to consult with a cardiologist without attending the clinic in person for certain appointments.

Using secure communication technology, eligible patients may be able to discuss:

• Heart symptoms
• Test results
• Treatment plans
• Medication reviews
• Follow-up care
• Questions about ongoing heart health

Telehealth appointments are not suitable for every situation. Some patients may require physical examination or diagnostic testing that can only be completed during an in-person visit.

Your cardiologist will advise which appointment type is most appropriate for you.

How Does Cardiac Telehealth Work?

A telehealth consultation is similar to a clinic appointment, except it takes place by telephone or secure video call.

Before your appointment, the clinic may provide instructions about:

• Appointment time
• Video meeting link (if applicable)
• Documents to have available
• Referral information
• Previous test results
• Current medications

During the consultation, your cardiologist will discuss your health concerns, review available information and determine whether additional investigations or an in-person appointment are needed.

Who May Be Suitable for Cardiac Telehealth?

Cardiac telehealth may be suitable for some patients depending on their health needs and the purpose of the appointment.

Examples may include:

• Follow-up consultations
• Reviewing heart test results
• Medication discussions
• Monitoring an existing heart condition
• Discussing ongoing management plans
• Reviewing recent investigations

Every patient's circumstances are different. Your cardiologist will decide whether telehealth is appropriate for your appointment.

When Is an In-Person Appointment More Appropriate?

Although telehealth offers flexibility, there are situations where attending the clinic is important.

Your cardiologist may recommend an in-person consultation if you require:

• A physical examination
• An ECG
• Echocardiography
• Stress Echocardiography
• CT Coronary Angiogram
• Holter monitoring
• Blood pressure monitoring
• Other diagnostic investigations

If you experience severe chest pain, difficulty breathing or symptoms of a medical emergency, call 000 immediately rather than arranging a telehealth appointment.

Common Reasons Patients Use Cardiac Telehealth

Patients may be referred for telehealth appointments for a variety of reasons.

These may include:

• Reviewing ECG results
• Discussing echocardiogram findings
• Reviewing CT scan reports
• Monitoring blood pressure management
• Discussing cholesterol management
• Reviewing medications
• Planning future investigations
• Answering questions after recent appointments

The purpose of every appointment depends on the patient's medical history and current health needs.

Making the Most of Your Appointment

During your telehealth consultation:

1. Find a quiet location.
2. Ensure your phone or device is charged.
3. Have a reliable internet connection if using video.
4. Keep your medication list nearby.
5. Take notes during the discussion if helpful.
6. Ask questions if you need clarification.
7. Follow any recommendations provided by your cardiologist.

Good preparation can help the consultation run smoothly and make it easier to discuss your heart health.

Cardiac Telehealth for Springfield Central and Nearby Communities

For many people, attending every medical appointment in person may not always be practical. Work commitments, travel time, mobility concerns or distance can sometimes make follow-up appointments more challenging.

For eligible patients living in Springfield Central and nearby suburbs such as Springfield Lakes, Brookwater, Augustine Heights, Ripley, Bellbird Park, Goodna and Redbank Plains, cardiac telehealth may provide a convenient way to stay connected with their cardiologist when an in-person examination is not required.



Telehealth consultations are designed to complement face-to-face care, not replace it. If your cardiologist believes a physical examination or diagnostic test is necessary, they will recommend attending the clinic

What Can Be Discussed During a Cardiac Telehealth Appointment?

A telehealth consultation gives you an opportunity to discuss your heart health and ask questions about your ongoing care.

Depending on your individual circumstances, topics may include:

• Reviewing recent symptoms
• Discussing investigation results
• Reviewing medications
• Monitoring an existing heart condition
• Discussing lifestyle factors that may affect heart health
• Planning future appointments
• Determining whether additional testing is appropriate

Your cardiologist will tailor the discussion based on your medical history, referral information and current health needs.

How Cardiac Telehealth Fits Into Your Heart Care Journey

Heart care often involves more than one appointment. Some people may require investigations before a diagnosis can be made, while others may need ongoing follow-up after treatment or monitoring.

A typical patient journey may include:

1. Visit your GP to discuss your symptoms or concerns.
2. Receive a referral to a cardiologist if appropriate.
3. Attend an initial consultation, either in person or via telehealth if suitable.
4. Complete any recommended heart investigations.
5. Review your results with your cardiologist.
6. Develop an ongoing management plan based on your individual circumstances.
7. Attend follow-up appointments as recommended.

Not every patient follows the same pathway. Your care plan will depend on your clinical assessment and healthcare needs.

Related Heart Services That May Be Recommended

If further assessment is required, your cardiologist may recommend additional services to better understand your heart health.

Preventative Cardiology

If you have cardiovascular risk factors or would like to better understand your heart health, preventative cardiology may form part of your ongoing care.

CT Coronary Angiogram

If your cardiologist requires more detailed images of your coronary arteries, a CT Coronary Angiogram may be recommended where clinically appropriate

Stress Echocardiography

A Stress Echocardiography test may help assess how your heart responds during exercise or medication-induced stress when clinically indicated.

Echocardiography and Other Diagnostic Services
Depending on your symptoms, additional investigations may be recommended to assess heart structure and function.

When Should You Contact Your Healthcare Provider?

Telehealth is suitable for many routine discussions, but some situations require prompt medical attention.

Speak with your GP or cardiologist if you experience:

• New or worsening chest discomfort
• Ongoing shortness of breath
• Frequent heart palpitations
• Swelling in your legs or ankles
• Dizziness or fainting episodes
• Changes in your usual symptoms

If you experience severe chest pain, sudden difficulty breathing or another medical emergency, call 000 immediately.

Book a Cardiac Telehealth Appointment



If your cardiologist determines that a telehealth consultation is appropriate, it may provide a practical way to discuss your heart health, review results and plan ongoing care.

Heartlink Cardiology offers a range of cardiology consultations and diagnostic heart services for patients in Springfield Central and surrounding communities.

To learn more or arrange an appointment, visit:

Frequently Asked Questions