FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is The Health Channel
The Health Channel is a national direct to home educational television service developed by The Health Television Network. Its primary function is broadcasting live and recorded programs to help keep health care professionals and health care consumers up-to-date with the health issues that are essential to each audience. Most programs are interactive and will be fully accredited continuing education programs.

 

How does The Health Channel work?
 The Health Channel transmits programs via a high-powered satellite to network subscribers.
Programs may be received on a 90 to 120 cm satellite dish and digital decoder installed at home or office. The small dish is mounted unobtrusively on the outside of any home or office building. From the satellite receiver, the signal is connected to your television for viewing.
 
What types of medical programming is available?
 The Health Channel offers a wide variety of programming relevant to all Health care Professionals. These programs are featured in our monthly program guide and include accredited educational programs for Doctors, Pharmacists and other Health Care Professionals. See our program guide on our website or in Australian Doctor and Australian Pharmacy Trade.
 
How do I interact with those presenting live over the network?
 Each time it is appropriate to asks questions or express opinions, a 1800 phone number will be displayed on your television screen. You simply dial the number and your call will be queued for your voice to be 'on the air' with the presenter. You can also email or fax questions into the studio at any time during the live transmission. Using your monthly program guide you may wish to prepare questions in advance to fax or email prior to the actual broadcast.
 
When will The Health Channel broadcast?
 To reach the largest audience, we plan to broadcast to Health care Professionals on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, Programs will be repeated to meet the varying needs of our subscribers.
 

What else can I receive using the equipment?
As well as the Health Channel programs, you will be able to receive a number of other TV Channels. These include ABC and SBS from all states Westlink and a wide selection of high quality radio channels.

WIN TV (*) Seven Central (*) Imparja (*) may be available to some members. This is not an automatic service and will only be connected via request.  * (Where access applicable)

 
 
What kind of TV do I need?
Use your existing TV
 
How big is the satellite dish and receiver?
The satellite dish is 90 to 120cm in diameter and the digital decoder is roughly the size of a standard VCR.
 
How much time does installation take?
 Our professional installation crews usually take from 1 to 3 hours.
 
Will the installation disrupt my home or office?
No! The installation crew will spend most of its time on the roof. Usually, work done inside (such as running cables and installing the receiver) can be done without disrupting normal activities. Installation can be scheduled at your convenience.
 
Do I need any special training or experience to operate the satellite receiving system?
No! This is a user-friendly system. You simply operate your receiver with the remote control provided with your equipment package.
 
If I need service, what should I do?
 Call us on 02 9450 2992 for information on how to obtain the service.
 
Does subscribing to The Health Channel mean I don't have to attend regional and national conferences?
 The Health Channel provides a convenient and economical way to stay current on the latest information while receiving accredited continuing medical educational points. The personal rewards and the interaction found at regional and national conferences can still be valuable to you.
 

How much does The Health Channel cost?

To receive the Health Channel you will require a small easy to install satellite unit. There are three basic options available to you: 
Option 1:-
If you currently have a satellite dish and digital decoder already tuned to the Optus Aurora Satellite
  • Connection fee of $100 plus GST.
  • Annual Health Channel Membership fee of $180 plus GST ($15 per month) Apply now for option 1
 
Option 2: -
If you already have a "Pay TV" satellite dish
  • Then you will require an additional decoder tuned to the Optus Aurora Satellite. Supply and delivery of digital decoders can be purchased for $595 plus GST. Apply now for option 2
  • Please note: This option requires you to de-power your "Pay TV" decoder when viewing The Health Channel. If you are unable to depower your "Pay TV" decoder, please see option 3.
 
 Option 3: -
If you do not currently have any satellite equipment
  • The Health Channel can supply and install a complete satellite unit (dish, digital decoder & standard installation). Standard 90cm satellite units can be purchased and installed for $795 plus GST. Apply now for option 3
 
Please note: Equipment and subscription fees for the Health Channel may be fully tax deductible.
If you are an organisation such as;
Hospital, Community Health Centre, or Nursing Home, please contact us. Your prices & packages are available on application.
If you have a query, please see our customer service page for query details.

 
Are the Health Channel Fees tax deductible?
The Health Channel fees paid by Health care Professionals should be fully tax deductible*. (*The Health Channel may be fully tax deductible for medical practitioners, pharmacists, nurses and other health care professionals. Please consult your tax advisor)
Health care Professionals may be eligible to also claim a tax deduction in respect to the costs of satellite receive equipment, television and VCR used for continuing education (A partial claim will be available where this equipment is purchased for both continuing education and private use).
 
How will accreditation be handled?
 After you have participated in an accredited program simply visit the website address which will be shown at the end of the program, fill in the evaluation form and the program provider will do the rest. Alternatively, you can request a form to be faxed or mailed to you.
How do I apply?
 Go to our application site and we will step you through the process.