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Getting to the doctor's office can be inconvenient for some and just plain dangerous for others. Thankfully, technology can help. Now, you can speak to a doctor or GP from the comfort of your own home. You don't even have to get out of bed if you don't want to.
An online doctor is just like any other GP – except the appointment usually takes place via video call rather than face-to-face. Online doctors are fully qualified and do everything from giving advice and writing prescriptions to issuing medical certificates and specialist referrals.
You may have heard people talking about telehealth in relation to online doctors. Telehealth encompasses all health services that are provided via telecommunication. This could be over the phone, via messenger or on a video call. Online doctor services fall under the umbrella of telehealth.
Using an online doctor is easy and straightforward. Just book an appointment through the online doctor services' website, and the doctor will video call you for the consultation.
If you need a prescription, some online doctors can also post the medication straight to your door, or they can send it directly to a pharmacy of your choice.
While you might be charged a fee for some online doctor services, others can be bulk billed, so convenience doesn't have to come at a price.
Provider | Services available | Fees per consult | Can the appointment be bulk billed? | Will it also post prescriptions? | Are mental health services available? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| From $35 | |||
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| From $40 | |||
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| From $45 | |||
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| From $62.95 | |||
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| From $69 | |||
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| $70 |
Online doctors provide standard GP consultations. Often, other services are available, but they vary between different providers. Common services include the following:
✅ Instant medical advice
✅ Prescriptions
✅ Mental health services
✅ Medical certificates
✅ Referrals
Yes. Most prescriptions are available from online doctors. You'll have to take part in a video call and chat to the doctor about any symptoms you might be having, but they should be able to prescribe suitable medication.
However, not all medication can be prescribed by an online doctor. It's unlikely that strong painkillers or opiates will ever be prescribed via an online doctor and other high-risk medication might also be ruled out.
If you're unsure, you can always chat with the online doctor and they will give you advice about how – and where – to get the best help for your needs.
Once the online doctor has prescribed your medication, they may be able to post it directly to your door. Alternatively, they can send it to a pharmacist of your choice.
Yes, some online doctors bulk bill. Be sure to check the website to make sure it offers bulk billing before booking your appointment. Our comparison table also shows which popular online doctor services offer bulk billing.
Not sure you need a doctor's appointment just yet? There are plenty of other places you can get health advice online – just make sure you're reading a reputable source.
With so much information on the Internet, it's hard to know which websites you can trust for health advice and which websites are unreliable. Health Direct is among the most trusted medical advice websites for Australians.
It's a government-supported site and has heaps of helpful information on well over 1,000 health topics ranging from contraception and pregnancy through to alcoholism and exercise.
Online doctor services are great if you need a reasonably routine appointment but don't want the stress or inconvenience of visiting a doctor. However, there are some important points to consider before you book your telehealth appointment.
Yes. The National Home Doctor Service (13SICK) provides urgent after-hours medical care to patients in their own home. The service is available in most capital cities and can even be bulk billed.
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