Seeing a GP online for skin problems in Australia: Benefits 

Summary: Online general practitioner (GP) consultations are increasingly becoming a popular way for Australians to manage routine skin problems like acne, rashes, and eczema. They provide ease, quicker access to care, privacy, and affordability, especially beneficial for people in rural or isolated regions. With electronic prescriptions and easy follow-ups, virtual care is a modern, efficient solution for common skin issues. Dr Lau adds suspected skin cancers or rapidly changing lesions, however, still require a face-to-face assessment and, in many cases, dermoscopy or biopsy.

In today’s tech-savvy age, getting help for skin problems no longer means waiting weeks for an appointment or spending hours in a clinic. Across Australia, many people are choosing online general practitioner (GP) consultations to manage concerns like acne, eczema, and more, all from the comfort of home. It's a convenient, stress-free way to get professional care that fits into real life, whether you’re in a bustling city or a remote rural area.  

Skin problems like acne, eczema, skin inflammation, fungal infections, and rashes are among the most common health concerns in Australia, impacting millions annually. These conditions can be chronic, uncomfortable, and sometimes emotionally distressing, prompting many individuals to seek clinical support. Meanwhile, there’s been a huge surge in seeing GPs online. Thanks to improvements in telehealth, time constraints, and better availability of online health services, more Australians are choosing to connect with doctors online for skin-related concerns.  

In 2022, about 1.8% of Australians (around 456,200 people) reported having cancer, with skin cancer being the most commonly reported type, accounting for 34.9% of these cases. This highlights the importance of early identification and expert dermatological care, which can be facilitated by online doctor services, especially for those in remote or rural areas. The growing trend of virtual consultations reflects a broader shift towards accessible, prompt, and private healthcare that suits the contemporary Australian lifestyle.  

Also read: 6 Common skin conditions in Australia with prevention tips 

The benefits of seeing a GP online for skin problems in Australia

• Quick and convenient care: Virtual GP appointments enable individuals to speak with a doctor from the comfort of their home, eliminating the need for commuting, long queues, and waiting rooms. This is ideal for people with demanding schedules or limited mobility.  
• Healthcare access in regional and isolated areas: Australia’s vast landscape often makes it hard for people in rural or remote locations to see a doctor in person. Virtual consultations bridge this gap by delivering specialist skin care guidance no matter where you live. 
• Faster Triage: High-resolution photos and video let a GP decide whether simple treatment is enough or whether you need urgent in-person review.  
• Confidential and comfortable care: Discussing skin conditions, especially sensitive ones like breakouts, infections or rashes, can be awkward. Online consultations offer a private and secure environment, helping patients feel more relaxed.  
• Easy access to prescriptions and referrals: After an online consultation, patients can often receive electronic prescriptions instantly, with medications delivered to their local pharmacy or directly to their doorstep. GPs can also provide referrals to dermatologists when necessary.  
• Cost-effective and often Medicare covered: Many telehealth services are covered by Medicare through bulk-billing, offering a cost-effective solution, provided you meet Medicare’s relationship rule, otherwise private fees apply – check when booking. This is particularly beneficial for people without private insurance or facing financial constraints. 
• Secure and compliant: Australian online GP services follow strict health guidelines. Patients can trust they’re getting care from certified, licensed professionals using secure technology to safeguard their personal information provided the Australian telehealth platform complies with the Privacy Act 1988 and RACGP telehealth standards.  

What does seeing a GP online for skin problems involve?

• Booking an appointment: Select a convenient time and book a virtual consultation with a doctor online through Hola Health available 24/7.
• Explaining your symptoms: During the appointment, you'll connect with an AHPRA registered GP or health practitioner through a video call. You can describe your symptoms, how long they’ve been bothering you, and their impact on your daily life.  
• Uploading photos (optional but helpful): Many platforms enable you to share detailed skin images prior to or during the session. This helps the doctor to evaluate the issue with greater precision.  
• Receiving a diagnosis: The GP will review your details, ask relevant questions, and provide a diagnosis.  
• Receiving prescriptions and referrals: If required, the GP can issue e-prescriptions to you or arrange specialist or pathology referrals. For pigmented or poorly visualised lesions, the GP may still recommend a physical exam or referral for dermoscopy. 

When to see a doctor online

If you observe ongoing rashes, unusual moles or spots, sudden alterations in your skin, persistent acne, itching, redness, or irritation lasting more than a few days, you should consult a doctor online for skin concerns. Online consultations provide quick access to advice, diagnoses, treatment strategies, or prescriptions without the need for an in-person visit. However, if you experience new dark, bleeding or changing moles, rapidly spreading cellulitis, shingles on the face, facial swelling, or severe symptoms such as extreme pain, seek immediate emergency care. 

Also read: Regular skin checks for Aussies: A lifesaving habit 

How to prepare for your online skin consultation

• Locate a quiet, well-lit area where you can have a private conversation without disturbances.  
• Ensure adequate lighting so the doctor can properly see your skin issues during video calls or in photos.  
• Before your appointment, take clear pictures of the affected areas from various angles.  
• Compile a list of your symptoms, noting when they began, how they have evolved, and any treatments you have attempted.  
• Document your medical history, including any allergies and current medications.  
• Prepare any questions you wish to ask the doctor regarding your skin issue or treatment alternatives.  
• Ensure a stable internet connection and that your device is fully charged for the consultation.  

How Hola Health can help

FAQs

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