Bulk billing eligibility and availability can vary depending on the provider, appointment time, Medicare eligibility, and the type of prescription required. With Hola Health, 100% bulk-billed telehealth appointments are available after hours for medical advice, urgent care, and script refills at set times.
Steps to help with bulk billing eligibility
- Have a valid Medicare card ready
- Ensure your personal details match Medicare records
- Book during the bulk billing hours (Hola Health bulk billing hours are – Weekdays 6pm–7:30am | Sat 12am–7:30am & from 12pm | Sunday & Public Holidays 24hrs)
- Select the correct appointment type (bulk billing script online and after-hours telehealth).
Documents or information commonly recommended
- Current Medicare card
- Details of medication requested
- Relevant medical history or recent test results if related to the prescription request
What are the requirements for getting a script online in Australia
To request an online prescription with Hola Health:
- You’ll need to provide a few basic details such as your name, date of birth, email address, and mobile number.
- You’ll also generally need a valid Medicare card or an Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI) number. If you don’t have Medicare or are booking outside bulk billing hours, payment details may also be required.
- You’ll be asked for the name of the medication you need a repeat script for. If you’re unsure what treatment or prescription you need for your condition, it’s best to book a GP telehealth consultation instead.
- The process usually involves answering a few simple online questions and speaking with a doctor. An Australian-registered doctor will then speak with you via video call and assess whether a prescription is clinically appropriate.
If approved, you can receive your eScript directly on your phone.
Note: the Australian Medical Board states that doctors must conduct a proper consultation before prescribing medication, so providers offering prescriptions without a proper consult should be approached carefully.
Finding a Telehealth platform that actually bulk bills
Many Australian telehealth providers, including services like Hola Health, actually offer bulk-billed consults after hours (set times for urgent care, medical advice and script refills) for Medicare cardholders in Australia.
Imporatant
- While a successful bulk-billed appointment means the GP consultation and the generation of your eScript token cost $0.00, Medicare does not cover the cost of the physical medicine itself. When you take your eScript QR token to your local pharmacy, you will pay the retail price of the medication or the standard PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) co-payment fee.
- Bulk billing is usually available only for eligible Medicare patients at set times.
- Not all prescription requests are suitable for telehealth.
- Doctors must assess whether prescribing is clinically appropriate.
- Some medications may require an in-person review or ongoing GP management.
- Call 000 in case of emergencies.
