Online GP Consultation in Australia: How Telehealth GP Appointments Work
Finding time to visit a traditional GP clinic can be difficult when you have a busy work schedule, family responsibilities, mobility limitations or live a long distance from a medical practice. An online GP consultation can provide a convenient way to speak with an Australian GP from home, work or another suitable location.
Telehealth has become an established part of healthcare in Australia, with eligible patients able to access GP services through video or telephone consultations when the service is clinically appropriate. The Australian Government recognises telehealth as an ongoing part of Medicare. Learn more about Australian Government telehealth services.
What Is an Online GP Consultation?
An online GP consultation is a medical appointment conducted remotely using a phone or video consultation rather than attending a GP clinic in person.
During your appointment, an Australian registered GP can discuss your symptoms, medical history, medications and health concerns. Depending on your individual circumstances, your GP may provide medical advice, arrange a prescription, issue a medical certificate, organise a referral or recommend further investigation.
At 1GP, online GP consultations are provided by AHPRA-registered medical practitioners through phone and video telehealth appointments.
What Can You Discuss With an Online GP?
An online GP appointment may be suitable for a range of common healthcare needs. These can include:
- General health concerns and symptoms
- Medication reviews and prescription requests
- Medical certificates for work, school or university
- Specialist referral requests
- Pathology and radiology referral requests
- Ongoing management of some chronic health conditions
- Follow-up appointments and general health advice
You can explore 1GP’s online GP telehealth services to see the range of consultations available.
However, not every medical condition can be assessed safely through telehealth. Your GP will determine whether an online consultation is clinically appropriate and may recommend an in-person appointment when a physical examination, testing or additional assessment is required.
How Does a Telehealth GP Appointment Work?
Booking an online GP appointment is generally straightforward.
1. Book Your Appointment Online
Choose a suitable appointment time through the 1GP online booking service.
2. Complete Your Health Information
You may be asked to provide information about your symptoms, medications, medical history and reason for the consultation. Providing accurate information can help your GP understand your situation before and during the appointment.
3. Speak With Your GP
Your consultation can take place by phone or video, depending on the appointment type and what is clinically appropriate.
4. Receive Your Care Plan or Documentation
Following your consultation, your GP may provide appropriate documentation such as an eScript, medical certificate or referral if clinically appropriate.
For example, if you need an electronic prescription, you can learn more about online prescriptions and eScripts through 1GP.
Can I See an Online GP in Brisbane or the Gold Coast?
Yes. Telehealth can be particularly useful for people who have difficulty attending a local GP clinic.
1GP is based in Queensland and provides telehealth GP services to patients across South East Queensland, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Logan and the Scenic Rim. The service also accepts patients across Australia.
This can be useful for people living in outer suburbs, regional areas or rural communities where accessing a local GP may involve significant travel.
Can Online GP Consultations Be Used for Ongoing Health Conditions?
Telehealth can also support ongoing care for some established chronic conditions.
Patients managing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or asthma may require regular GP reviews, medication discussions and monitoring. Depending on the condition and clinical circumstances, some of these appointments may be suitable for telehealth.
1GP’s chronic disease management service provides ongoing GP support through phone and video consultations.
Your GP can determine whether your condition is suitable for telehealth and whether an in-person assessment is required.
Are Online GP Consultations Covered by Medicare?
Medicare telehealth services are available in Australia, but eligibility requirements apply. Services Australia states that Medicare benefits may be available for eligible video and telephone telehealth services. Specific requirements can depend on the type of service, the practitioner and the patient’s circumstances.
You can check the latest information about Medicare telehealth eligibility through Services Australia.
If you are unsure whether a particular consultation is Medicare eligible or whether bulk billing applies, check with the healthcare provider before your appointment.
When Should You See a GP in Person?
Telehealth is not suitable for every medical concern. A GP may recommend an in-person consultation if your condition requires a physical examination, testing, procedures or other clinical assessment that cannot be completed remotely.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency or a life-threatening condition, do not wait for an online GP appointment. Call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department.
Access an Online GP Consultation With 1GP
For Australians looking for a convenient way to speak with an AHPRA-registered GP, telehealth can provide access to general practice care without travelling to a clinic.
1GP provides phone and video GP consultations, online prescriptions, medical certificates, specialist referrals, pathology and radiology referrals, and chronic disease management.
Book an online GP consultation with 1GP and speak with an Australian GP from a location that is convenient for you, when telehealth is clinically appropriate.