Bulk billed online prescriptions vs traditional GP visits 

Overview

When you need a prescription in Australia, you have more choices available than ever before. You can book an in-person visit with your regular GP, the traditional route many of us grew up with, or you can consult a doctor online through a telehealth service and receive a digital prescription (eScript) sent straight to your phone. Both options are valid, involve qualified doctors, and can be bulk billed under Medicare. What sets them apart? Convenience, cost, and the type of care you need.

What are bulk-billed online prescriptions?

Bulk billing is a payment arrangement under Australia’s Medicare system where your doctor bills Medicare directly, so your consultation costs you nothing. When using a bulk-billed online doctor*  service your consultation is covered by Medicare, and if medication is prescribed, you’ll receive an eScript via SMS or email. The eScript is a unique QR code token you can present at any pharmacy to collect your medicine. For eligible patients with a valid Medicare card, the entire process can be completely free.

What are online prescriptions?

Telehealth consultations enable you to speak with a licensed doctor via phone or video call. After evaluating your symptoms, the doctor can provide an electronic prescription (eScript), delivered directly to your mobile device or email. You can then present this eScript at any participating pharmacy or utilise it for home delivery. Telehealth professionals are essential in increasing access to healthcare, particularly for individuals in rural or isolated locations. They can address a variety of health issues without requiring a face-to-face visit. Typical situations manageable through online medical services include urinary tract infections (UTIs), allergies, minor skin concerns, mental health issues like anxiety or depression, and the renewal of ongoing medications.

What happens during a traditional GP visit?

During a traditional GP visit, you head to the clinic for a face-to-face consultation. The doctor examines you physically and decides on the best course of treatment, and provides a prescription, either paper-based or electronic. Traditional GP visits are still the best option for thorough hands-on care, especially for new symptoms, complex health issues, or when a physical exam is needed.

Why patients are choosing online prescriptions

Many Australians now prefer online prescriptions for straightforward health needs. Here’s why:

• Convenience: Access care from home

• Time saving: No travel or waiting rooms

• Faster access: Same-day or after-hours appointments

• Cost-effective: Bulk billing reduces or eliminates fees

• Quick turnaround: eScript arrives by SMS or email within minutes

For repeat prescriptions, minor concerns, and follow-ups, telehealth has become a popular choice for many Australians because they fit easily into busy lifestyles. According to the Australian National Adult Office¹, telehealth grew to represent approximately 20-30% of all GP MBS services during the pandemic, and permanent telehealth arrangements have remained in place since 2022.

Bulk billed online prescriptions vs GP visits

Feature	Bulk-billed* online prescription	Traditional GP visit
Cost	Free for eligible Medicare patients	May be bulk billed or require a gap payment
Accessibility	Available anywhere in Australia online	Requires travel to the clinic
Consultation type	Video or phone with an AHPRA-registered GP	In-person, face-to-face
Wait time	Often with in few minutes	Varies by clinic availability
Hours of availability	Can include after hours, weekends, and public holidays	Typically, business hours only
Prescription delivery	eScript via SMS or email	Paper or eScript issued at the clinic
Physical examination	Not possible	Available
Best for	Repeat scripts, minor illnesses, follow-ups	New symptoms, complex conditions, and physical examinations

Both options involve a qualified AHPRA-registered doctor. Online prescriptions are ideal for familiar, straightforward conditions that don’t require a physical check-up. However, if symptoms are new or unexplained, it's best to be assessed in-person by a GP. Dr Lau mentions “ Medications or certain restricted drugs typically require in-person consultation and can’t be prescribed online. “

How to access a bulk-billed online consultation for prescription needs.

Getting a bulk-billed* online prescription is simple. Here’s how it works:

• Find a reputable telehealth provider that offers bulk-billed* GP consultations.

• Book your appointment, select the consultation type and choose a time.

• Enter your Medicare details.

• Attend your telehealth consultation and speak with a doctor who will assess your condition.

• Receive your eScripts via SMS or email if appropriate.

• Take your eScripts to any pharmacy in Australia to have them dispensed.

Costs: Online prescriptions vs GP visits

Understanding the costs involved helps you make the most of Medicare:

• Bulk billed online consultations- Free for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card, as the provider bills Medicare directly.

• Bulk-billed* GP visits- Free where available. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)², the national GP bulk billing rate reached 78% in the first 10 months of 2024, with rates above 90% for children under 16 and over 87%for pensioners and concession cardholders.

• Private GP fees- When a GP charges more than the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee, patients must cover the gap out of pocket.

• Medicare rebates- If your GP’s fee exceeds the MBS amount, Medicare still covers a portion, and you pay the difference.

• Medication costs- In addition to the consultation fee, you’ll still need to pay the standard Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) co-payment at the pharmacy, no matter if your script comes from an online consultation or a face-to-face visit.

Benefits of bulk-billed online prescriptions

Online prescriptions are quite beneficial for everyday health needs:

• No or low costs for eligible Medicare patients

• Available 24/7 through some platforms, including weekends and public holidays

• Faster appointments, often the same day

• No travel or waiting rooms

• eScripts sent instantly to your phone or email

• Ideal for rural or remote Australians

Benefits of traditional GP visits

In-person GP care remains vital for many situations:

• Comprehensive physical examination

• Hands-on, personalised care

• Best for new or unclear symptoms

• Immediate access to in-clinic tests if necessary

When to choose online prescriptions

Online prescriptions are the best bet when:

• You need repeat prescriptions

• You have a minor health concern

• You need a follow-up script

• You’re in a regional or rural area with limited local GP access

• You need quick care without a physical exam

When to visit a GP in person

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe trauma, call 000 immediately or visit the nearest Emergency Department. Some situations require in-person care. See your GP in person when  

• You have new or unclear symptoms

• Your condition requires a physical examination

• Your condition is complex or worsening

• You need diagnostic tests, such as blood tests or imaging

 

Limitations of online prescriptions

Online prescriptions are useful, but they are not suitable  for every situation:

• Controlled medications may not be prescribed online

• In some cases, doctors may require a physical examination before prescribing

• Not ideal for emergencies or serious conditions

• Eligibility rules must be followed

 

Are online prescriptions safe and legal in Australia?

Yes, online prescriptions issued through reputable telehealth services are both safe and legal in Australia. All doctors providing telehealth services must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and must follow the same professional standards as in-person GPs. The Australian Government supports electronic prescribing as part of a broader digital health initiative.

Tips for choosing the right option

Confused? Whether to book a telehealth consult or head to the GP? Here are some practical tips:

• Assess the severity of your condition

• Check your Medicare eligibility for bulk billing

• Choose a trusted, reputable provider

• Seek in-person care if in doubt

How Hola Health can help

Hola Health makes everything simple. Whether you need a script after hours or medical support on a weekend, Hola Health has you covered.

• Bulk-billed* telehealth consultations for eligible patients

• Online prescriptions

• Medical certificates and specialist referrals

• After-hours availability

• Follow-up care

• Mental health care plans

Note: *Hola Health bulk billing after-hours doctor consults are for urgent care and available to Medicare cardholders during these hours only: Weekdays 6pm–7:30am | Saturday 12am–7:30am & from 12pm | Sunday & public holidays: 24 hours.

Conclusion

Bulk-billed* online prescriptions and traditional GP visits play a vital role in Australia’s healthcare system. Telehealth provides a quick, affordable, and convenient way to consult a doctor, especially for repeat prescriptions, minor health concerns, and after-hours care. For eligible Medicare patients, the cost can be zero, with eScripts delivered to their phone within minutes. However, in-person care remains essential for new or complex conditions, physical examinations, and long-term care. It’s not about choosing one over the other; it’s about understanding when to use each. Use telehealth for routine care and see your GP in person when your health genuinely needs it. The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment.  

FAQs

What are bulk-billed online prescriptions?

Bulk-billed* online prescriptions issued via telehealth, where the consultation cost is covered by Medicare for eligible patients.

Can I get prescriptions online for free in Australia?

Yes, if the service is bulk billed and you meet the Medicare eligibility criteria.

Are online prescriptions as reliable as GP visits?

For suitable conditions, yes. However, complex cases may require in-person assessment.

When should I see a doctor in person instead?

If you experience new, severe, or unexplained symptoms or need a physical examination, seek in-person care.

Is telehealth covered by Medicare?

Yes, Medicare covers many telehealth services for eligible patients.