Online GP Consultation Australia
An online GP consultation with 1GP lets you speak with an Ahpra-registered doctor by phone or video, from anywhere in Australia. Your doctor can assess your symptoms, give medical advice and, where clinically appropriate, provide an eScript, medical certificate or referral, without you needing to travel to a clinic.
A real appointment with a doctor, wherever you are
An online doctor consultation works much like a visit to a clinic. At your scheduled time, you speak with a doctor in real time. They ask about your symptoms, review your medical history and current medicines, and talk through your options with you.
The difference is where you are. You can join from home, from work or anywhere you have a private space and a phone or internet connection. That can make it much easier to see a doctor if you live in a regional or remote area, have limited transport or mobility, or find it hard to take time away from work or caring responsibilities.
Phone and video GP consultations
You can choose a phone or video consultation when you book.
- Video consultations can be helpful when it is useful for your doctor to see you, for example to look at a skin concern.
- Phone consultations may suit you if you have a limited internet connection or simply prefer to talk.
Both are real-time conversations with your doctor.
What you can talk to a doctor about
An online GP consultation can cover many everyday health needs, including:
- Everyday health concerns and new symptoms
- Prescriptions and repeat eScripts for medicines you need, where clinically appropriate
- Questions about your current medicines, including doses, side effects and interactions
- Medical certificates for work, study or carer’s leave
- Pathology and radiology referrals for blood tests and imaging
- Specialist referrals when you need a specialist’s input
- Ongoing review of long-term conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and asthma
Your doctor will decide what is clinically appropriate for you. A prescription, certificate or referral cannot be guaranteed before your consultation.
How an online consultation works
- Book your appointment. Choose a time that suits you and select a phone or video consultation.
- Complete a short health intake. Share brief details about your symptoms, medical history and current medicines before your appointment. This helps your doctor prepare, and it does not replace your consultation.
- Speak with your doctor. Connect by phone or video at your scheduled time. Your doctor will confirm your identity and your Medicare or Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI) details where needed, ask about your health and discuss your options.
- Receive your care. If your doctor decides a prescription, medical certificate or referral is appropriate, it is sent to you by SMS or email. Your doctor will also explain any next steps, including follow-up or an in-person review if you need one.
How to prepare for your consultation
A little preparation helps you get the most from your appointment:
- Find a quiet, private place where you can talk openly
- Charge your phone, or check that your device's camera and microphone work if you have chosen video
- Have your Medicare card or IHI details ready
- Make a list of the medicines you take, including doses and any supplements
- Note when your symptoms started and anything that makes them better or worse
When an online consultation is not the right option
Telehealth works well for many health concerns, but it has limits. Your doctor cannot physically examine you, so if your symptoms need an examination, an in-person test or urgent assessment, your doctor will tell you and recommend where to go, such as your regular GP, a local clinic or a hospital. Some medicines, including Schedule 8 medicines, cannot be prescribed through 1GP.
1GP is not an emergency service. If you have chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, signs of a stroke or any other life-threatening symptoms, call 000 immediately or go to your nearest emergency department. If you are in crisis and need to talk to someone now, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Keeping your regular GP informed
An online consultation can support your care when seeing your usual doctor in person is not practical. With your consent, your 1GP doctor can share relevant information from your consultation with your regular GP or other health professionals involved in your care, so everyone looking after you is up to date.
Book your online GP consultation
Book online at a time that suits you and speak with a doctor by phone or video. For general enquiries, email support@1gp.au.
Telehealth is not suitable for emergencies. In an emergency, call 000.