Telehealth GP in Queensland: When Should You See an Online Doctor?
Healthcare does not always require a trip to a medical centre. For many common health concerns, a telehealth GP consultation can allow you to speak with an Australian GP by phone or video from a suitable location.
For people living in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Logan, the Scenic Rim and other parts of Queensland, online GP consultations can be a convenient option when travelling to a clinic is difficult or unnecessary.
Telehealth is now an established part of Australian healthcare. The Australian Government states that telehealth allows patients to consult healthcare providers by phone or video when an in-person consultation is not required and the service is clinically appropriate. Read the Australian Government’s telehealth information.
What Is a Telehealth GP?
A telehealth GP is a general practitioner who provides medical consultations remotely through telephone or video technology.
At 1GP, telehealth consultations are provided by AHPRA-registered Australian medical practitioners. Patients can discuss their health concerns with a GP without necessarily travelling to a medical centre.
The doctor will assess the information available during the consultation and determine what care is appropriate. If an in-person assessment is necessary, the GP can advise you accordingly.
When Is an Online GP Appointment Useful?
An online GP appointment may be useful for several common healthcare needs.
General Health Concerns
You can discuss symptoms, health concerns and general medical questions with a GP through a telehealth consultation. Your doctor will determine whether your symptoms can be appropriately assessed remotely.
Prescription and Medication Reviews
If you require a medication review or prescription, an online GP consultation may be an option.
A prescription is not automatically provided simply because it is requested. The GP must assess whether prescribing is clinically appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Learn more about online prescriptions and eScripts with 1GP.
Medical Certificates
If you are unwell and need documentation for work, school or university, you may be able to discuss your situation with a GP online.
1GP provides online medical certificates following a clinical assessment. A certificate is only issued when the GP considers it clinically appropriate.
Specialist Referrals
Some health concerns require assessment by a medical specialist.
During an online GP consultation, you can discuss your symptoms and medical history with a GP. Where clinically appropriate, your doctor may provide a referral to a specialist.
Learn more about online specialist referrals through 1GP.
Pathology and Radiology Referrals
If your GP determines that diagnostic testing is appropriate, a referral for pathology or radiology may be provided following a telehealth consultation.
This may include blood tests or medical imaging depending on your individual clinical needs.
See 1GP’s pathology and radiology referral service for more information.
Chronic Disease Management
People living with long-term health conditions may require regular GP reviews and ongoing monitoring.
For suitable patients, some aspects of chronic disease management can be provided through telehealth. 1GP provides online chronic disease management consultations for patients who require ongoing GP support.
Is Telehealth Available Across Queensland?
Telehealth can make healthcare more accessible to people across Queensland, including patients who live outside major metropolitan areas.
1GP is a Queensland-based telehealth GP service supporting patients in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Logan, the Scenic Rim and other locations across Queensland. The service also provides consultations to patients throughout Australia.
This can be particularly useful for people who face long travel times, limited local appointment availability or difficulty attending a medical centre during standard working hours.
How Do I Book a Telehealth GP Appointment?
Booking an online GP appointment with 1GP involves a few simple steps.
Book online: Select an available appointment through the 1GP website.
Provide your information: Complete the requested health information so the GP can understand the reason for your appointment.
Attend your consultation: Speak with your GP through a phone or video consultation.
Follow your GP’s advice: Depending on your clinical needs, your GP may provide treatment advice, documentation, a prescription or referral where appropriate.
Does Medicare Cover Telehealth GP Appointments?
Eligible patients can access certain telehealth services through Medicare. However, Medicare eligibility rules apply and can vary according to the service and individual circumstances.
Services Australia confirms that Medicare benefits are available for eligible video and phone telehealth services. Patients should check their eligibility and confirm fees or bulk billing arrangements with their healthcare provider.
You can find the latest information on telehealth services through Services Australia.
When Is Telehealth Not Appropriate?
Telehealth is not suitable for every medical condition.
Some health concerns require a physical examination, diagnostic testing, urgent treatment or another form of face-to-face assessment. Your GP may recommend that you attend a local medical centre or another healthcare service if an online consultation is not appropriate.
Telehealth should also not be used for medical emergencies. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 000 immediately.
Speak With a Queensland Telehealth GP Online
If you need to speak with a GP but travelling to a medical centre is difficult, an online GP consultation may provide a convenient alternative when clinically appropriate.
1GP connects patients with AHPRA-registered Australian GPs through phone and video consultations. Services include general GP consultations, online prescriptions, medical certificates, specialist referrals, pathology and radiology referrals, and chronic disease management.
Book your telehealth GP consultation with 1GP to discuss your healthcare needs from home or another suitable location.