Telehealth Taree

More than many people expect. Telehealth consultations can cover discussing symptoms and medical advice, reviewing test results, managing stable chronic conditions, mental health consultations and treatment plans, repeat prescriptions via electronic scripts, referrals to specialists and allied health, medical certificates where clinically appropriate and follow-up after procedures or new medications. Electronic prescriptions arrive by SMS or email and work at any pharmacy, so medication access doesn't depend on visiting the clinic.

The limits are practical rather than technical. Anything requiring physical examination, procedures, vaccinations, blood tests or physical measurements needs an in-person visit, and new or serious symptoms are often better assessed face-to-face, where the doctor can examine you properly. Doctors also use judgement about what suits telehealth for each patient; a matter that's routine for one person may need examination in another. When a telehealth consultation reveals something needing hands-on assessment, the outcome is simply a clinic appointment, with the telehealth discussion already completed as groundwork.

Yes, Medicare provides rebates for telehealth consultations with GPs, covering both video and phone appointments, though phone consultations have some item restrictions compared with video. The key eligibility rule for general practice is the established clinical relationship requirement: for most GP telehealth items, you need to have had a face-to-face appointment at the practice within the previous 12 months.

Exemptions to the 12-month rule exist for certain patients and circumstances, including children under 12 months, people experiencing homelessness, patients in COVID isolation at the relevant times and certain mental health and urgent services, with rules subject to change as Medicare arrangements evolve. At practices that bulk bill telehealth, eligible patients pay nothing out of pocket, the same as an in-person visit. If you're unsure whether you qualify, the simplest step is asking reception when you book, as they can confirm eligibility before the appointment.

For a phone consultation, any phone will do, mobile or landline, and no apps or setup are involved; the doctor simply calls at your appointment time. For a video consultation, you need a device with a camera, microphone and internet connection, which most smartphones, tablets and laptops already have. Practices typically send a link by SMS or email before the appointment, which opens the video call in your browser or a simple app without needing an account.

A few practical steps improve the experience: find a quiet, private space where you can speak freely, check your device is charged, test your internet connection if using video and have your medications list and any questions ready, just as you would for an in-person visit. If the technology fails mid-appointment, doctors generally switch to a phone call so the consultation continues. Patients less comfortable with technology can ask a family member to help set up, or simply book phone consultations, which work perfectly well for most telehealth purposes.