Remote Video Consultation FAQ

Q: What is a remote video consultation?

A: It is just like a traditional consultation, though will take place via a video conferencing platform. This will still enable the Medical Expert to perform an in-depth and independent assessment of the injuries you have sustained as a result of your accident.

Q: Why is my consultation required in the current climate?

A: An independent assessment is required in order for your solicitors and the insurance company to assess your injuries and likely recovery period, in order to progress your claim. In the current climate, video consultations have been approved by the Ministry of Justice. You can choose to delay your consultation at any point, however, we would advise you to seek legal advice from your solicitors.

Q: How long will I wait for my video consultation?

A: A consultation should be available within 14 days of receipt of your consent form.

Q: Will I be seeing the same expert I was originally booked with?

A: We are trying to ensure continuity, though the Medical Expert allocated will consult within your locality and if an in-person consultation is necessary you will see the same Medical Expert.

Q: How will I receive my consultation details?

A: Speed Medical will send you a letter and/or email confirming the date and time of your consultation. The expert/secretary will then contact you prior to your consultation to:

• Confirm that you are still happy to proceed.
• Provide you with the details of the video consultation (Including a link and/or meeting invites to the relevant platform and meeting details).

Q: Do I need a laptop/computer or can I attend the video consultation on my phone?

A: The consultation needs to be via video, a telephone call is not sufficient. Most video conferencing platforms work with the majority of smart phones, if you intend to use a computer/laptop this will need a webcam. If you do not have access to a smartphone or computer/laptop with a webcam, please contact us and we will arrange an in-person consultation when Government restrictions have been lifted.

Q: Do I need to confirm which method I will be using for the consultation i.e. phone or computer and if so who do I confirm to?

A: No, as long as you can access the platform you do not need to let us know.

Q: What if I don’t know how to use the video conferencing platform?

A: Please see the ‘Useful information’ links at the bottom of this page which includes links to various conferencing platforms providing guides on how to use them. Though if you are not comfortable with this, then please contact us and we will arrange an in-person consultation when Government restrictions have been lifted.

Q: Will I be charged to use the video conferencing platform?

A: There will be no sign up fee to use these platforms, though the majority of these will use data, so we would recommend connecting your devices to your Wi-Fi if possible.

Q: What will happen if I cannot connect to my video conference consultation?

A: We would recommend familiarising yourself with the platform prior to your consultation. If you are having difficulties connecting please initially contact the Medical Expert (contact details can be found on your appointment confirmation letter). Alternatively, please call us and we will try and assist you.

Q: How do I know if my device is secure?

A: Most popular video conferencing applications are safe and secure. Privacy has been a concern in recent years and therefore the likes of Google, Microsoft and Facebook have worked hard to assure the safety and privacy of their users’ data. With this in mind however, here are some simple measures you can take to ensure your privacy in video calling:

• Always download video calling apps from the official App Store. Check for ratings and user reviews. Beware of apps from unauthorised websites.
• Only chat with people you really know or have an appointment to see. Do not accept chat requests/calls from strangers.
• Try not to use public Wi-Fi networks for video calls, hackers can exploit them.
• Use strong, different passwords for different apps or services.
• Do not hand your phone or tablet to people other than those you know and trust.
• Update your apps regularly, updates often include bug fixes and security patches that will fix issues and vulnerabilities.
• Set up two-factor authentication on your device with fingerprints and passwords.

Q: I have a baby/small child who will be with me, can I still go ahead with a video consultation and what other things do I need to consider?

A: As with traditional consultations, as long as you can clearly hear the Medical Expert and the Medical Expert can clearly hear you and you are not distracted, this should be fine. As this is a video consultation you will need to be visible to the expert so please ensure you have enough lighting during the consultation. In the event the Medical Expert cannot see you or hear you clearly the medical expert may decide to reschedule the consultation and we will arrange an in-person consultation when Government restrictions have been lifted.

Q: Will my video consultation be recorded?

A: The Medical Expert may choose to record the consultation, if this is the case you will be notified at the start of the consultation and they will seek your further consent that recording is acceptable. Where a consultation is recorded the video or audio will be kept securely ensuring Data Protection Legislation is followed.

Q: Why would the Medical Expert deem it necessary to have an in-person consultation?

A: Where the Medical Expert believes it necessary to physically examine an injured area in order to provide an opinion on the extent and likely recovery period of an on-going injury an in-person consultation would be required.

Q: What if I do not wish to have a video consultation?

A: As advised in our consent letter, you do not have to consent to a video consultation, and we will arrange an in-person consultation when Government restrictions have been lifted.

Q: How long will I have to wait for an in-person appointment?

A: In-person consultations will resume when Government restrictions have been lifted.

 

Useful Links:

Skype: https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA11098/how-do-i-get-started-with-skype

Zoom: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-Joining-a-Meeting

FaceTime (For Apple products only): https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT204380

WhatsApp: https://faq.whatsapp.com/