Question 1

Why is it still worth having a virtual consultation?

Accepted Answer

A large portion of our practice lies in the communication between ourselves and our clients - if we can talk to you about your issue then we can still help you. You will be at no detriment by not having us in the room, and we can still provide an accurate assessment of your condition over the phone or by video.    Through a virtual consultation, we can help you get to the root of your problem, and start you on your own personal recovery plan, all with the added convenience of not having to leave your home!

Question 2

How do I make a virtual appointment?

Accepted Answer

You can book a virtual appointment via our website, or by calling us on 07785 792197 or 07980 935863.

Question 3

How long is a virtual appointment?

Accepted Answer

An initial virtual consultation is up to 60 minutes, and follow-up consultations are 30 minutes.

Question 4

How is a virtual consultation different from a face-to-face one?

Accepted Answer

Our virtual appointments are not too different from our appointments in our facility - the only difference is that we're not in the same room!
 The first appointment has 2 main objectives. Firstly to listen to your patient story and hear about your problem and how it impacts on your life. In addition, we will ask about your medical history and your general health. We are also keen to establish what your expectations of physiotherapy are together with what your individual goals are. This can just as easily be done via telephone or video. ​ Secondly, we will undertake a thorough physical examination. In a virtual consulation, this can involve a visible inspection of the problem area, and could include coaching you through specific movements aimed at identifying the issue. At all times you are involved and your feedback from the testing procedures helps make a clinical diagnosis. ​ For some patients, whose problems are more complex or long-term, the initial “talking” part of the examination can take much longer. This will be discussed with you. In the cases of very severe pain it can be more beneficial to spend time giving you specific advice about how to help reduce your symptoms rather than carrying out extensive testing that could make your symptoms worse. ​ Usually by the end of the initial appointment you will have an idea of our clinical diagnosis and have either some specific advice to try before the next session. We may have commenced some treatment if time allows. It is the aim of our practice that you always feel fully involved during your time in the clinic with us.

Question 5

What will happen after the virtual appointment?

Accepted Answer

After our virtual consultation, you will brought into the clinic for your physical examination. We will provide advice and coaching that you can take away with you and exercises for you to do in your own time with equipment that you already have in your home environment. Our aim is to put you in control of your condition, no matter what you have access to.   You may need to book a subsequent follow-up consultation, in which we can assess your progress through the programme. These can also be booked online or over the phone on 07785 792197 or 07980 935863 - or when you're in clinic.

Question 6

What do I need for the virtual appointment?

Accepted Answer

We would usually ask that you have a space in your house where you can move around freely with little noise, to limit feedback and distractions whilst your consultation is taking place.   Loose fitting clothes are helpful e.g. shorts for a back/hip/knee problem, sports bra for female shoulders and neck. ​ It is important to see the part of your body that is sore as undressed as possible. If you would prefer to not get undressed please just say. Your modesty will always be respected.   We will let you know anything specific that you may need before the appointment takes place, but we will try to limit the equipment you need to things that you will already own.

Question 7

How long is an appointment?

Accepted Answer

New Patients are seen for 1 hour and all follow-up appointments are 30 minutes.   Our virtual appointments are up to 60 minutes via video or telephone, and follow-up appointments are 30 minutes.

Question 8

What happens at the first appointment?

Accepted Answer

The first appointment (which is virtual) has 2 main objectives. Firstly to listen to your patient story and hear about your problem and how it impacts on your life. In addition, we will ask about your medical history and your general health. We are also keen to establish what your expectations of physiotherapy are together with what your individual goals are. ​ Secondly, we will undertake a thorough physical examination which will be done in clinic. At all times you are involved and your feedback from the testing procedures helps make a clinical diagnosis. ​ For some patients, whose problems are more complex or long-term, the initial “talking” part of the examination can take much longer. This will be discussed with you. In the cases of very severe pain it can be more beneficial to spend time giving you specific advice about how to help reduce your symptoms rather than carrying out extensive testing that could make your symptoms worse. ​ Usually by the end of the initial appointment you will have an idea of our clinical diagnosis and have either some specific advice to try before the next session. We may have commenced some treatment if time allows. It is the aim of our practice that you always feel fully involved during your time in the clinic with us.

Question 9

Is parking available?

Accepted Answer

This depends on which clinic you attend! Parking for our Rusell Avenue clinic in St Albans is in the public carpark located immediately opposite the clinic. There is free parking at Hatfield House.

Question 10

Is there disabled access?

Accepted Answer

Yes - but it's worth mentioning your need for this when booking your appointment.

Question 11

Can home visits be arranged?

Accepted Answer

Yes we're happy to arrange home visits.

Question 12

Do I need a GP/Doctors referral?

Accepted Answer

If you are using private medical Insurance then some companies expect a GP referral. (e.g. AXAPPP). So please check with your insurance company because if you don’t, and they do require a GP referral, then the Insurance company will not pay for your treatment. If you are not using insurance, you can self-refer direct to us.

Question 13

What paperwork will I need to fill in?

Accepted Answer

There is a clinic registration and consent form to fill in which you will be sent. Following this you will be asked to sign the top page of your patient notes so that there is documented proof you have read and understood the written information.

Question 14

Which Insurance Companies are we recognised by?

Accepted Answer

Kate Montgomery is a recognised Physiotherapy Provider of all the main Private Insurance Companies e.g. BUPA, AXA PPP. Please ask if you are unsure. We can electronically invoice for your treatment on your behalf. The Insurance company will usually then pay us directly.

Question 15

What do I need to wear?

Accepted Answer

Loose fitting clothes are helpful e.g. shorts for a back/hip/knee problem, sports bra for female shoulders and neck. ​ It is important to see the part of your body that is sore as undressed as possible. If you would prefer to not get undressed please just say. Your modesty will always be respected.   These guidelines also apply for our virtual appointments.

Question 16

Do I need to bring anything with me?

Accepted Answer

If you have any results of scans/x-rays please bring them. If you have been given an exercise regime by another therapist, it can be helpful to bring this with you too.

Question 17

Confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

All Physiotherapists must adhere to standards of practise set out by our governing body the CSP (Chartered Society of Physiotherapy). We all follow a strict code of professional conduct regarding confidentiality. All information (both documented and casual conversation) discussed is treated with complete confidentiality. We also undergo regular DBS checking. All children under 16 should be chaperoned by a parent, but minors also have a right to confidentiality too.

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