Let’s face it, life gets busy, and sometimes you need to speak to a doctor, and there just isn’t time to get to a physical clinic. Other times, you may just be feeling too under the weather to leave the couch, or you might just be having trouble securing a spot with your usual GP.
Now with digital health services like telehealth becoming a part of everyday life, it is easier than ever to access a healthcare professional from the comfort of your own home!
What is telehealth?
Telehealth allows you to have a consultation with your healthcare provider via phone or video.
Rather than just pushing through, or delaying a doctor’s visit, telehealth offers you the convenience of speaking to a qualified doctor from the comfort of your home, workplace, or wherever else you may be at the time. 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.
Telehealth appointments are also available with a variety of health professionals - not just doctors. You can also speak to a naturopath to discuss practitioner only supplements.
How does telehealth work?
Think of telehealth like a normal doctor or health professional appointment. You simply book to see a doctor or other health professional, via phone or video, and have a normal appointment as you would in a physical clinic.
When the time comes, the health professional you have booked with will call you, or meet you online via the provided weblink (in the case of video calls). Any follow up items, such as receiving an e-script, medical certificate, referral or other items, will occur via SMS or email, directly following the appointment.
At healthylife, we have partnered with Medmate, where typical wait time to speak to a doctor is 60 minutes for a priority booking and up to 4 hours for a general booking. This may vary depending on availability and demand. Telehealth services are best suited when you cannot access your regular doctor.
What are the benefits of telehealth?
Did we mention convenience? There has never been a more convenient time when it comes to healthcare in Australia. You never have to delay an appointment again, due to unexpected travel or other commitments - telehealth offers you access to expert health professionals direct to your location, at home, work or even while on the road.
In just a few, easy steps, healthylife has made it even easier to connect with Australian qualified experts, so you can continue a journey to living your healthiest life!
Which services are available from telehealth?
There are a broad range of services available via telehealth in Australia, from doctor appointments through to accessing an online naturopath.
- Doctor telehealth services - speak to a doctor about minor ailments at a time and date that suits you. You can also speak about symptoms or even pathology requests you might need. The doctor will refer you to other professionals as needed, and may even refer you back to your usual GP to ensure continuity of care.
- Get an e-script appointment - get a refill of your usual script, or get a new medicine prescribed, as determined by the doctor.
- Medical or carer’s certificate appointments - speak to a doctor to determine if you are eligible for a certificate. Whether it is a sick or personal leave certificate, or a carer’s certificate for when you are looking after a loved one, you can discuss all of these with a telehealth doctor.
- Express consultations - speak to a doctor now regarding any specific health conditions you may have or even just book a general express consult where the you are next in queue and the doctor calls you when it is your turn!
- Naturopath services - speak to a naturopath, to help guide you with many things related to health and wellness, including supplements and lifestyle habits to help support wellbeing, and natural and complementary medicines.
Is telehealth bulk-billed?
In Australia, there are various rules around bulk billing telehealth services. For example, the GP has to have provided at least one face-to-face service for the patient in the 12 months preceding the telehealth attendance.
GP telehealth appointments accessed via Healthylife are not eligible for bulk billing or any claiming at medicare.
How do my records get back to my regular GP?
This is a great item to discuss with the doctor at your appointment. They can provide you with correspondence to take back to your regular GP. This helps keep all your information at the one GP clinic.
How is telehealth covered with private health cover?
When it comes to private health cover and telehealth, it really depends on your insurance provider, and level of cover - check with your individual policy to see what telehealth services are covered.
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Reviewed by healthylife advisory board March 2023.
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