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Telehealth

Get access to healthcare by phone or video call, wherever you are.

Try a telehealth consultation

Between 13 March 2020 and 31 July 2022, 118.2 million telehealth services have been delivered to 18 million patients, and more than 95,000 practitioners have now used telehealth services. 

– August 2022

How it works

Book a telehealth consultation

Many doctors and medical centres now offer telehealth consultations. If you have a preferred healthcare provider, check if they’re set up for telehealth. If they’re not, you can find a provider that offers telehealth consultations at HealthDirect.

Before your consultation

Get the most out of your consultation by following these tips:

  • make sure your device is charged
  • check that you have a steady internet connection
  • make sure your microphone and camera (if necessary) is working
  • download any apps or set up any software your provider has requested of you
  • find a private, comfortable place to sit where you’ll be able to hear each other clearly
  • choose a place with good lighting so your healthcare provider can see you clearly (if necessary)
  • If you'd like an electronic prescription, remember to check with your pharmacy first
During your consultation

Your doctor will discuss next steps. This may include a follow-up telehealth consultation or a visit to see a healthcare provider in person. 

Getting a prescription during a telehealth consultation

During your consultation, your doctor can send you an electronic prescription as an alternative to paper via SMS or email. You can then take it to your pharmacy or send it to them so they can home deliver your medicine.

If you have repeats, a new SMS or email will be sent to you when you get your medicine. Remember to check that your pharmacy is ready for electronic prescriptions before your telehealth consultation. 

Learn more about electronic prescriptions.

What is telehealth?

Telehealth is having a consultation with a healthcare provider by phone or video call.

Many GPs, specialists, and other healthcare providers now offer a telehealth consultation when a physical examination isn’t necessary. It’s not intended to replace essential visits to the doctor, but rather be a convenient solution when you can’t see a doctor face to face. 

If you have seen your regular doctor or medical centre in the last 12 months, they may be able to bulk-bill your telehealth consultation.

Kendal keeps in contact with telehealth

After relocating back to her hometown of Emerald to be closer to family - and hopefully to raise one of her own - Kendal uses digital health services to stay connected to her specialists.

 

What are the benefits?

With telehealth, you can see your nurse, doctor, psychologist, surgeon and other healthcare providers without having to visit them in person. What's more, if you've seen them in the last 12 months, they may be able to bulk-bill their service. 

Healthcare when you can’t leave home

If you’re unwell or need to self-isolate, you can still attend a consultation virtually. Telehealth consultations are not only convenient, but can also reduce the spread of illness.

Your healthcare providers are closer than ever

Occasionally, Australians living in rural and remote areas need to travel far to see their healthcare provider. A telehealth consultation can save time by enabling doctors to consult with their patient by phone or video call. 

Two consultation options

Phone

Talk to your healthcare provider using your mobile or landline phone.

Video 

Have a video call with your healthcare provider using a device that has a video platform (this may be specified by your healthcare provider).

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Try a telehealth consultation

Many doctors and medical centres now offer telehealth consultations. If you have a preferred healthcare provider, check if they’re set up for telehealth. If they’re not, you can find a provider that offers telehealth consultations at HealthDirect.

healthdirect.gov.au

Try a telehealth consultation

healthdirect.gov.au
Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

Electronic prescriptions

Electronic prescriptions

My Health Record

My Health Record

Date last updated: 12 September 2024