Tele-abortion patient referral

Marie Stopes Australia provides a medical abortion via teleconsultation service to those who cannot access a clinic and who are eligible to have a medical abortion consultation at home.

This service is provided as a shared care model. In order for your patient to be eligible for this service, you must provide her with a specific referral stating that you:

  • Support her decision
  • Are able, if required, to assist with follow-up care in conjunction with Marie Stopes Australia.

Eligibility

Your patient is eligible for medical abortion via teleconsultation if she:

  • Lives in ACT, VIC, NSW, NT, QLD, TAS or WA
  • Has access to 24-hour emergency medical care within two hours of her home
  • Is less than 8 weeks’ gestation at the time of her appointment (to ensure she is < 63 days at time of treatment)
  • Is at least 16 years old
  • Has access to the Internet
  • Has ultrasound and bHCG evidence of pregnancy, in addition to a documented Rhesus blood group

Certain medical conditions are contraindicated in the use of MS-2 Step. Please visit the MS Health website for the full product information sheet for medical professionals.

Referral process

Do I need to refer for ultrasound or pathology?

In addition to the referral, you also need to provide your patient with the following results and ask that a copy of the results be faxed to Marie Stopes Australia on 03 9658 7440 or emailed to telehealthteam@mariestopes.org.au.

The results will need to be received by us prior to the patient’s appointment (i.e. no later than 56 days gestation).

  • Ultrasound scan to determine gestation
  • Blood group, if rhesus status is unknown
  • Pathology request for baseline serum beta hCG level

What does my patient need to do?

  • Your patient must complete her ultrasound scan and blood test as soon as possible after your appointment with her.

Booking process

  • Once we have the referral and results we will call your patient and offer her the next available teleconsultation appointment.
  • We will then send her a booking confirmation email, including information about the appointment, how to prepare and what she can expect from the process.
  • Following the medical abortion via teleconsultation we will send you a discharge letter.

Follow-up

  • We will arrange a follow-up beta hCG test, review the results and conduct a telephone interview with your patient.
  • If the medical abortion is assessed as complete your patient will be discharged (i.e. >80% decline in bHCG pre- and post- termination).
  • If your patient requires further assessment or treatment, we may request your support with her care.
  • If surgical management is necessary, you may refer her to the nearest Marie Stopes clinic or other local provider.