What is a teleconsultation?
Teleconsultation is a remote consultation, which allows interaction and sharing of information, with mandatory registration in the citizen's clinical file. It can occur in real-time (synchronous) or deferred (asynchronous).
Are there different types of teleconsultation?
yes. Teleconsultation can be carried out between:
- user and health professional, or
- health professionals (for discussion of a clinical case, for example)
It can happen in real-time (synchronous) or deferred (asynchronous):
- Real-time teleconsultation – Real-time teleconsultation consists of a consultation that takes place in real time (live), i.e. synchronously
- deferred time teleconsultation – The deferred time teleconsultation consists of a consultation that is carried out based on the user's data, previously collected
What is the platform used to carry out teleconsultations?
The platform used is "Live". It is a secure video call platform, to which health professionals and users access to carry out teleconsultations in real time, in the National Health Service.
Is it possible to register my availability for teleconsultation?
yes. Through the SNS 24 App it is possible to indicate its availability, or unavailability, for teleconsultation. To do this, simply:
- open the SNS 24 App
- in the "I need..." menu, click on "Teleconsultation"
- in the "Availability" tab you can register your availability by clicking on the "Reply" button
Through this manifestation, you will be indicating that you have the technical conditions (devices with camera and internet, such as a computer, mobile phone or tablet) and the necessary digital knowledge (literacy) to carry out teleconsultation.
The scheduling or effective performance of each teleconsultation must be articulated with your health unit.
Can I order a teleconsultation?
yes. In primary health care, it is already possible to request a teleconsultation, as long as the unit in question already uses the platform and this service model.
In hospital healthcare, appointments and teleconsultations are always subject to the clinical assessment of healthcare professionals.
When can a teleconsultation be scheduled?
If your health unit provides care through the teleconsultation platform, these can be scheduled by the user at the respective health unit, at any time, depending on existing vacancies.
Where can a teleconsultation be scheduled?
The teleconsultation can be scheduled at the health units, within the opening hours.
Within the scope of Primary Health Care units, the appointment can also be made through:
- SNS 24 portal personal area
- authentication in the personal area of the SNS 24 portal (through the health user number or the digital mobile key or citizen card)
- in the 'I need...' click on 'Queries for me'
- click on 'Booking appointments'
- select the 'Teleconsultation' option, if available by the health unit
- SNS line 24 via 808242424 by choosing option 5
- Balcão SNS 24, existing in parish councils and citizen spaces
How do I know I have a scheduled teleconsultation?
Your health unit should inform you in advance of the day and time scheduled for your teleconsultation, as well as give you instructions on how to access the teleconsultation.
How can I access the scheduled teleconsultation?
You can access the teleconsultation through the following forms of access:
personal area of the SNS 24 portal, on the scheduled day and time must:
- access the href="https://servicos.min-saude.pt/utente/"
- the Citizen Card or
- the Digital Mobile Key or
- o Health User Number
- click on the menu 'I need... Queries for me'
- access the 'Teleconsultation' option
- click 'Continue'
- Wait on this page until the 'Join' option turns green
SNS 24 mobile application, on the scheduled day and time must:
- Access the app with
- the Digital Mobile Key or
- o Health User Number
- in the 'Favourites' option, go to 'Teleconsultation'
- click 'Confirm'
- Wait on this page until the 'Join' option turns green
SNS24 counter in parish councils and citizen spaces. For more information, see the guide Balcão SNS 24
What do I need to access the teleconsultation?
To have access to a teleconsultation, this must be scheduled by the health unit. To perform it, the user must have one of the following electronic devices:
- computer with camera and speakers, or
- mobile phone, or
- tablet
with internet connection and with a minimum speed of 20MB
What are the consultations that can be carried out in the teleconsultation modality?
All consultations that your health professional considers meet the necessary conditions to be carried out remotely, without compromising the quality of health care provision, can be carried out in teleconsultation.
What are the main benefits of teleconsultation?
Teleconsultations allow:
- promoting other means of citizens' access to health care
- bringing users closer to professionals at different levels of care
- optimize resource management in the National Health Service
- reduce the number of trips for users and caregivers, promoting sustainability and improving the management of family or professional life
- promote the empowerment of citizens in the management of their health and illness
Learn more via video
Source: Shared Services of the Ministry of Health (SPMS)