Telehealth GP consultations became permanent in Australia after the COVID-19 pandemic proved they work. You can see a doctor by phone or video call, get prescriptions sent to your pharmacy electronically, receive referrals and medical certificates, and often pay nothing if the service is bulk billed.
What telehealth can handle
Telehealth is well suited for many common GP consultations. These include prescription renewals and medication reviews, mental health check-ins and follow-ups, medical certificates for work or study, referrals to specialists, pathology or imaging, reviewing test results, managing stable chronic conditions like diabetes or blood pressure, skin checks via photo (with some limitations), sexual health consultations, and general health advice.
When you still need an in-person visit
Some things need a hands-on examination. You should see a GP in person for physical examinations (lumps, abdominal pain, ear checks, joint assessments), procedures (stitches, mole removals, injections, IUD insertions), health assessments that require measurements (blood pressure, weight, hearing), immunisations and vaccinations, and workers' compensation or insurance assessments that require physical examination.
A good telehealth GP will tell you if your issue needs an in-person visit and help you get one.
Is telehealth bulk billed?
Many telehealth services are bulk billed, meaning you pay nothing with a valid Medicare card. Medicare covers telehealth GP consultations under standard MBS item numbers. Whether a specific service is bulk billed depends on the provider — some bulk bill all telehealth consultations, others charge a gap. Ask when you book.
How to book a telehealth appointment
You have several options for accessing telehealth. Your regular GP practice likely offers phone or video consultations — call them and ask. Dedicated telehealth platforms such as Instant Consult, 13SICK, and Maple also provide on-demand GP consultations, often with shorter wait times than a regular practice. For after-hours needs, the National Home Doctor Service (137425) provides phone triage and can arrange telehealth consultations or home visits.
What you need for a telehealth appointment
For a phone consultation, you just need your phone and your Medicare card number. For a video consultation, you'll need a device with a camera (phone, tablet, or laptop) and a stable internet connection. Have your Medicare card, any current medications, and a list of your symptoms or questions ready before the call.
Prescriptions via telehealth
GPs can send electronic prescriptions directly to your phone via SMS or email. You take the electronic prescription token to any pharmacy to have it filled — no paper script needed. This includes repeat prescriptions. Some medications have restrictions on telehealth prescribing (certain controlled substances may require an in-person visit for first-time prescriptions), but most common medications can be prescribed via telehealth without any issues.
Is telehealth here to stay?
Yes. After temporary COVID-era arrangements, the Australian Government made telehealth a permanent part of Medicare. It's now a standard option alongside in-person visits. For patients in regional areas, those with mobility issues, or anyone who just needs a quick consultation, telehealth has become an essential part of accessing GP care.
If you're looking for a GP in your area for in-person visits, search GPScout to find practices near you.