Telehealth for Seniors: Getting Started with Virtual Doctor Visits

Overview

For many older Australians, attending a doctor’s appointment can be quite difficult, whether due to mobility issues, chronic health conditions, or distance in rural and regional areas. Telehealth is changing that. By allowing seniors to access medical care from the comfort of their homes, Telehealth offers a convenient alternative for many older Australians, helping them stay connected to care when physical travel is difficult. It helps older Australians stay connected to the care they need without the hassle of travel or the burden of waiting rooms.

What is telehealth, and how does it work for seniors?

Telehealth is a way to consult a doctor remotely using a phone or video call. Instead of going to the clinic and waiting in a waiting room, you simply call or log in at your appointment time and speak directly with a healthcare professional. A medical practitioner will assess your condition to determine if a prescription or medication adjustment is clinically appropriate. For seniors who are already familiar with using a phone or tablet, telehealth is often easier than they think.

Why is telehealth beneficial for seniors?

Older Australians are more likely to visit the doctor, as most of them deal with chronic health conditions that require regular monitoring and follow-ups. But frequent doctor visits can be physically demanding, especially for those with limited mobility, fatigue, or transportation challenges. Telehealth removes most of these barriers. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 2024-25 Patient Experiences¹ report, people aged 75-84 reported more positive experiences with telehealth practitioners than younger adults, with 90.1% saying they always felt listened to carefully, compared to 73.9% of those aged 25-34.

Common healthcare challenges faced by seniors

Ageing often comes with various healthcare hurdles that make routine face-to-face appointments more challenging. Common challenges include:

• Limited mobility

• Transportation difficulties

• Managing multiple medications

• Frequent doctor appointments

• Living in rural or remote areas

• Higher risk of infections in waiting rooms

Seniors often require regular, consistent care, but these challenges can be a hurdle. Telehealth helps bridge this gap by bringing healthcare directly into their homes.

 Telehealth vs in-person visits for seniors

Feature	Telehealth	In-person visit
Convenience	Consult from home, no travel required	Must travel to the clinic or hospital
Accessibility	Ideal for limited mobility or rural patients	Can be difficult for those with transport barriers
Wait times	Often shorter, flexible appointment times	Can involve long waits at the clinic
Chronic condition management	Suitable for regular check-ins and monitoring	Better for initial assessments and new symptoms
Physical examination	Not possible	Full body examination possible
Prescriptions and renewals	Can be issued electronically	Issued in person
Cost	Medicare rebates available	Medicare rebates available
Technology required	Phone or internet-connected device	No technology required

  Telehealth is an excellent option for routine follow-ups, medication reviews, managing known conditions, and getting quick advice, but it does have limits. In-person visits remain important for physical examinations, tests, and urgent concerns. The best approach for most seniors is a combination of both: telehealth for routine care, and in-person care when it’s clinically necessary.

Healthcare services seniors can access via telehealth

Telehealth covers a wide range of healthcare services that are relevant to older Australians.

• Doctor or medical practitioner consultations
• Chronic disease management

• Medication reviews

• Mental health support

• Specialist referrals

• Aged care health assessments

• Follow-up appointments

• Preventiatve health advice

Since 1 January 2022, telehealth has been a permanent feature of Medicare in Australia. This means eligible patients can access Medicare rebates, including bulk billing* for many telehealth consultations².   Step-by-step: How seniors can get started with telehealth Getting started with telehealth is simple. Here's how to do it, one step at a time:

1. Choose a telehealth provider: Start with your regular medical practitioner, as most general practices now offer telehealth appointments. If your practice doesn’t, you can find a reputable telehealth provider like Hola Health.

2. Check your Medicare eligibility: To access Medicare-subsidised GP telehealth services, you generally need to have had an in-person consultation with that GP (or another GP at the same practice) in the past 12 months. There are some exceptions; check with Services Australia³ if unsure.
3. Book your appointment: Call the practice or book online through the provider’s website or app.
4. Set up your device: For a phone consultation, no preparation is needed apart from having a charged phone. For video, make sure you have a smartphone, tablet, or laptop with a camera and internet connection.
5. Find a quiet, comfortable spot: Choose a place with good lighting and minimal background noise for your consultation.
6. Keep your details ready: Keep your Medicare card, a list of your current medications, symptoms and questions.
7. Join the consultation: Attend your consultation at your scheduled time.

What to expect during a virtual doctor consultation

A telehealth consultation is quite similar to a regular GP visit, just done remotely.

• Your GP will confirm your name, date of birth, and Medicare number.

• The doctor will ask about symptoms and medical history

• You can discuss your concerns and ask questions

• The GP may provide advice, prescriptions, or referrals

• Your doctor may recommend a follow-up telehealth or in-person appointment depending on your needs.

Benefits of telehealth for seniors

Telehealth offers numerous practical advantages for older Australians:

• Greater convenience and comfort

• Reduced need for travel

• Faster access to care

• Time saving

• Reduced infection risk

• Medicare rebates available

• Better continuity of care

Managing chronic conditions through telehealth

For Australians living with chronic health conditions, telehealth is a powerful tool. It supports regular, consistent care without travelling to the clinic. Telehealth supports chronic condition management through:

• Regular check-ups with a GP

• Monitoring symptoms and progress

• Medication adjustments

• Care plan reviews

• Coordination with specialists

• Support for mental health

When seniors should still see a doctor in person

While telehealth is a powerful and helpful option, it isn’t right for every situation. There are times when visiting a clinic or hospital in person is the best bet. Always see a doctor in person if:

• There is a medical emergency

• There is a need for a physical examination

• You experience severe or worsening symptoms

• You need pathology or imaging

• You need a procedure or treatment

The Medical Board of Australia⁴ advises that telehealth works best when it’s a part of an established clinical relationship alongside in-person consultations. Note: 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.

Challenges and limitations of telehealth for seniors

While telehealth has numerous benefits, it has some challenges and limitations. Key challenges include:

• Difficulty using technology

• Limited internet access

• Lack of physical examination

• Hearing or vision challenges

Tips for seniors using telehealth services

Starting something new can feel unsure at first, but a few easy steps can make your telehealth experience much smoother:

• Use a simple or familiar device

• Ask a family member or carer for help

• Write down questions in advance

• Keep your medication list ready

• Check your connection before the call

• Choose a quiet, comfortable, and well-lit spot

• Take notes

• Don’t hesitate to ask your GP to slow down or repeat themselves

How caregivers can support seniors in telehealth

Family members and carers play an important role.

• Help book appointments

• Set up technology

• Join the consultation if needed

• Follow-up on prescriptions and referrals

• Teaching digital skills gradually

• Providing reassurance

How Hola Health can help

Hola Health offers convenient telehealth services for everyday health concerns. Through Hola Health, seniors can access:

• 24/7 GP consultations

• Electronic prescriptions

• Specialist referrals

• Chronic condition support

• Mental health support

• Follow-up consultations

Our medical practitioners provide a consultation summary that can be shared with your regular GP to ensure continuity of care. 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

Telehealth is reshaping how older Australians access healthcare, and it’s a positive shift. By eliminating barriers like transport, distance, and physical strain, virtual consultations allow seniors to look after their health from home. With telehealth now a permanent feature of Medicare in Australia, subsidised virtual consultations are now more accessible than ever. However, telehealth works best alongside in-person care. Understanding when a virtual visit is the right call and when it’s time to head to the clinic helps seniors stay on top of their health while enjoying greater comfort and independence. The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment.

FAQs

Is telehealth suitable for seniors?

Yes, telehealth is well-suited for older Australians, especially for routine consultations, follow-ups, and managing ongoing conditions.

Do seniors need technical skills to use telehealth?

Not necessarily. Basic skills are enough. Most services are designed to be simple, and family members and caregivers can help if needed.

Can seniors get prescriptions through telehealth?

Yes, doctors can issue electronic prescriptions during a telehealth consultation.

What conditions can be managed through telehealth?

You can access a consultation to help manage common conditions including minor infections, chronic health conditions, mental health concerns, and general health advice.

When should seniors visit a doctor in person?

For emergencies, physical examinations, worsening symptoms, or when diagnostic tests are required.