What is Telehealth? Learn how Telehealth works in Australia.

Telehealth means a digital consultation with an online doctor by text message, chat, phone or video. The world is moving rapidly to digital first consultations often described as “virtual first” healthcare. Virtual care or Telehealth is a simple, safe and convenient way for patients to access healthcare no matter where they live. No more waiting for weeks to see your GP or spending hours sitting in an emergency department. While telehealth is not designed to 100% replace your usual GP, it is a simple and easily accessible option for times when you cannot get an appointment at your usual clinic.

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How does telehealth work?

Start an online consultation.

Enter important safety information for the doctor including your allergies, current medications and current medical conditions.

A doctor will review all the information you have provided and will call you for the consultation.

How to Set Up a Telehealth Appointment.

After entering in the appointment request, choose a call time.

Simply choose a priority appointment, next available or book a day and time for the consultation.

The medical clinic will then create an appointment with a doctor and send you an email confirmation of your booking.

Getting ready for on online consultation.

The online consultation will occur by phone or video.

Find a private, quiet space to have the consultation in your home, office or car.

Open the appointment confirmation email that you received on your phone or tablet.

Check that your audio and video settings are correct for your device and are working (tip: headsets can be a bit tricky, check the OPTIONS setting on the video link).

You’ll receive a message about 60 minutes prior to your call to prompt you to be ready.

Wait for the doctor to call or join the link!

It’s that simple.

How do I get a script with telehealth?

Following your phone or video consultation:

If the doctor decides this is right ongoing treatment for you, your script will be renewed and sent to your electronically by SMS instantly.

Add your script to your Apple or Google Wallet for easy reference.

Walk in to any pharmacy in Australia, open your electronic prescription and show the pharmacist.

Get your medication dispensed.

If it’s easier you can get your medication delivered within 60 minutes using Medmate Pharmacy Delivery.

Types of care you can receive online.

Prescription Renewals.

Express consultations for common conditions like urinary tract infections, sinus infections and common colds.

Medical certicates for work, school or university.

Covid antiviral and home care advice.

Mental health treatment for conditions such as depression and anxiety, including referrals for online psychology.

Is telehealth free?

In Australia you will need to pay a private fee (Prices are typically around $25-$49)  for a telehealth consultation with an online doctor.

Bulk billed telehealth.

If your regular local GP offers telehealth services, they may be able to bulk bill this. Call your local medical clinic to find out.

The telehealth 12 month rule.

GPs in Australia can only provide medicare rebatable Telehealth consultations when they have an existing relationship with a patient (known as the 12-month rule).

This means patients are eligible for a medicare rebate for a Telehealth consult if they have seen a doctor within the same bricks and mortar medical practice at least once in the preceding 12 months.

This does not apply to online medical clinics – no medicare rebate is available even if you have seen the online GP multiple times within 12 months.

Types of online doctors you can see.

Most health care practitioners are now providing telehealth services for their patients. This includes:

• General Practitioners
• Covid Care and Respiratory Clinics
• Emergency Doctors
• Specialists and Physcians
• Mental health doctors and Psychiatrists
• Psychologists
• Allied health professionals such as physiotherapists, dieticians and diabetes educators
• Nurse Practitioners
• Pharmacists (Find a pharmacy)

It’s the safest way for your health practitioner to provide virtual first care while maintain safety for you, medical centre staff and other patients.

Telehealth medical certificate – can I get one?

It’s important when you are unwell to stay at home until you recover so you don’t spread germs to your co-workers. Online doctors understand that it’s safer and more convenient for you to request a medical certificate online to save you the hassle of attending a medical centre in-person. Fill in a simple questionnaire to make it easy for the doctor to assess your current illness. The doctor will call you to get some more information and provide some helpful advice. Medical Certificates can be sent quickly and securely to your email address. So skip the hassle and risk of a face to face appointment when you are sick – see an online doctor for your medical certificate and stay in bed all day to get better quickly.

Can Medmate coordinate follow-up with my regular GP?

 

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