Healthcare When You Can’t Leave Home – Australia’s Telehealth Landscape

Overview

Not everyone can get into the car and drive to the GP. Whether you’re dealing with a chronic illness, caring for a loved one, stuck in a remote town, or just too unwell to leave the house, getting to the clinic isn’t always easy. That’s exactly where telehealth comes into the picture. Telehealth enables Aussies to connect with AHPRA-registered doctors and specialists, and allied health professionals through phone or video call, from their bedroom, office, or wherever they happen to be. Between March 2020 and July 2022, 118.2 million telehealth services were delivered to 18 million patients, with more than 95,000 practitioners using telehealth¹. Telehealth has changed the way Australians access healthcare, making it more flexible.

What is telehealth and how does it work?

Telehealth refers to healthcare delivered remotely via phone or video calls. Instead of sitting in a waiting room, you book an appointment online, connect with a qualified doctor at the scheduled time .and receive a clinical consultation and diagnosis comparable to an in-person visit, where a physical examination is not required. Telehealth has significantly improved access to timely care. The University of Queensland’s Centre for Online Health reports that in 2024, there were 32.5 million telehealth consultations through Australia’s public health system².

Why telehealth has become essential in Australia

Telehealth has existed for years, with Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) telehealth services available since 2002. However, it wasn’t widely used until the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything almost overnight. In just 10 weeks between March and May 2020, the Australian Government added 281 new telehealth items to the MBS, enabling the entire Medicare-eligible population to access health services remotely³. Even when restrictions eased, the demand for telehealth was strong. The Aussies valued the ease and convenience of remote care, and they wanted it to stay. In December 2021, the Minister of Health and Aged Care made telehealth a permanent feature of Medicare, calling it the most significant structural reform since the scheme began.

Who benefits most from telehealth?

The short answer? Innumerable people. While telehealth is beneficial for almost anyone, some groups benefit most:

• Rural and remote Australians- They can get expert care without spending hours on the road.

• Elderly and mobility-limited patients- They can skip the hassle of commuting and see a doctor from home.

• Busy professionals and parents- They can book a session during lunch break or handle the kids’ needs without interrupting work.

• People with chronic conditions- They can manage regular checkups and prescriptions without repeated GP visits.

• Mental health patients- They can get easy access to psychologists, counsellors, or psychiatrists.

Beyond these groups, telehealth has opened doors for people with disabilities, those with limited transport, shift workers with irregular schedules, and anyone who prefers staying at home. It’s not just about location; it’s about breaking down all the barriers that keep people from seeking care when they need it.

Telehealth vs in-person healthcare

Both approaches to care have their place. Here’s a quick comparison across some key aspects:

Factor	Telehealth	In-person
Convenience	Consult from home, anytime	Requires travelling and waiting room time
Access for rural patients	No travel required	Limited in remote areas
Physical examination	Not possible	Full physical assessment available
Prescriptions and referrals	Available	Available
Diagnostic procedures	Not available remotely	Blood tests, advanced imaging, etc.
Infection risk	None	Risk of exposure in waiting rooms
Mental health support	Private and convenient	Available, but may involve wait times
Emergency care	Not appropriate	Essential for urgent or critical situations
Medicare coverage	Yes, permanent since 2021	Yes

Neither option is universally better; the right choice depends on the situation. Telehealth offers convenience and easy access, while in-person care is vital for examinations and procedures.

Healthcare services available via telehealth in Australia

You’d be surprised at just how much telehealth can actually do. The range of services has expanded significantly since 2020.

• GP consultations

• Prescriptions and repeats

• Specialist referrals

• Medical certificates for work

• Mental health support

• Chronic disease management

• Allied health services (physiotherapy, dietetics, occupational therapy)

• Maternal and child health consultations

• Aged care and nursing assessments

How telehealth improves access to care

For many Australians, the biggest hurdle to healthcare isn’t cost, it’s logistics. Telehealth eliminates logistical obstacles, making care quicker and less burdensome.

• No need to travel long distances

• Faster access to doctors

• Reduced waiting times

• Better access to specialists

The role of telehealth in rural and remote Australia

Australia is a vast country, and its healthcare infrastructure hasn’t expanded at the same pace as the population outside major cities. Around 7 million (27%) Australians live in rural and remote areas. Those living in remote areas tend to have limited healthcare infrastructure, fewer GPs, higher rates of illness, higher burden of chronic diseases, and longer travel times for specialist care, creating genuine health inequity. Telehealth helps bridge the urban-rural gap by connecting patients with qualified clinicians.

Benefits of telehealth for at-home healthcare

Whether you are unwell, confined to home, or simply prefer the ease of home, telehealth delivers real-world advantages.

• Convenience and comfort

• Reduced exposure to infections

• Time and cost savings

• Continuity of care

• Improved access to specialists

• More private and discreet

When telehealth may not be enough

While telehealth is a powerful tool, it’s not a replacement for all forms of medical care. There are situations where you’ll need to see a doctor in person, and it is crucial to recognise these early to get the right help at the right time.

• Physical examinations

• Emergencies and severe symptoms

• Diagnostic imaging and procedures

• Surgical procedures and complex interventions

If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms or a medical emergency, call 000 immediately or visit your nearest Emergency Department.

Challenges and limitations of telehealth

Telehealth has come a long way, but it’s not perfect. There are practical and system-related challenges that need to be addressed.

• Internet connectivity issues

• Digital literacy barriers

• Limited physical assessment

• Not appropriate for all medical conditions

The future of telehealth in Australia

The growth of telehealth is anticipated to continue as technology and healthcare delivery methods advance.

• Integration with wearable devices

• AI and remote monitoring

• Expansion of Medicare-supported services

• Hybrid models combining online and in-person care

Tips for accessing healthcare from home

To make the most out of a telehealth consultation, keep the following points in mind:

• Choose a reliable telehealth provider

• Write down your symptoms and questions

• Ensure a stable internet connection

• Keep medical records handy

• Follow up when needed

How Hola Health can help

Hola Health makes it simple for Aussies to access quality medical care without leaving home. Whether you‘re too sick to travel, living in a remote area, or just value the comfort of on-demand care, Hola Health connects you with Australian-registered doctors at a time that suits you. Through Hola Health, you can access:

• GP consultations

• Prescriptions and repeats assessments

• Medical certificates

• Specialist referrals

• Follow-up care

• Mental health support

Note: All prescriptions, referrals, and medical certificates are issued at the clinical discretion of the treating doctor.

Conclusion

Telehealth has transformed the accessibility of healthcare in Australia. What started as an emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic has now become a permanent and integral part of our health system. It is beneficial for people who struggle to access in-person care, whether due to distance, mobility, or costs. It means a mother in Mount Isa can see a specialist without flying to Brisbane, an elderly Melburnian with limited mobility can renew a prescription from their armchair, and mental health support is just a video call away. That said, telehealth is most effective when used alongside in-person care. It offers easy access, while in-person care provides thorough support when needed. The aim isn’t to replace your GP, but to make healthcare more accessible.

FAQs

Can I access a doctor from home in Australia?

Yes, you can consult a GP, specialist, or allied health professional via phone or video call from home.

What services can be provided through telehealth?

A wide range of services can be provided through telehealth, including consultations, prescriptions, referrals, mental health support, and chronic illness management.

Is telehealth covered by Medicare?

Yes, many telehealth services are covered under Medicare, depending on eligibility and service type.

Who benefits most from telehealth?

People in rural areas, elderly patients, busy individuals, and those with chronic health conditions benefit the most.

When should I see a doctor in person instead?

You should see a doctor in person if you need a physical examination, diagnostic tests, or have an emergency.