Health Info > Telehealth Published on : June 11, 2024

What is Telehealth? A Guide to Telehealth Doctor's Appointment

Name: Hola Health
Address: Australia
Telephone: +611300014652
Price range: $

Written by Sai Pragna Chagarla, Writer at Hola Health Medically reviewed by Dr Nelson Lau, MBBS FRACGP, GP & Digital Health Specialist

What is Telehealth? A Guide to Telehealth Doctor's Appointment

Telehealth focuses on delivering healthcare virtually and includes non-clinical services. When the services of an online doctor are involved, it is known as telemedicine. It uses digital communication technology such as video, audio, or messaging to connect patients to a GP (General Practitioner) for any healthcare services. In an ever-evolving landscape of Australian healthcare, telehealth is a game-changer, especially put into focus during the pandemic years of COVID-19, when virtual consultations are mainstream due to the restrictions imposed on movement and to mitigate the risk of spreading the disease. Telehealth leverages technology to bridge the gap between patients and healthcare professionals, providing various medical services. This delivers healthcare services remotely and its primary goal is to enhance access to medical care, particularly for individuals who may face geographical issues, mobility issues, stigma from the community, or time-constraint issues.

What is a telehealth doctor appointment?

A telehealth doctor’s appointment occurs through digital communication platforms rather than in person at a physical healthcare facility. During an appointment, the patient and the doctor will connect with the help of the technology, to discuss medical concerns, receive advice, and address any health-related issues of the patient.

What is its main purpose?

The main purpose of telehealth is to leverage technology such as video calls, audio calls, messaging, and chat to enhance access to healthcare services, facilitate remote communication between patients and healthcare professionals, and improve overall healthcare delivery. It is particularly valuable for:

After-hours consultation
Weekend doctor consultation
Virtual doctor's appointment
Remote consultation for people staying in rural or remote areas.
Follow-up appointments
Getting a medical certificate online for work or school.
Telehealth prescriptions
Getting a referral to a specialist
Getting a referral to diagnostics such as pathology tests or radiology tests.
Managing certain health conditions without the need for in-person visits.
Mental Health Treatment

What types of care can you get via telehealth?

Telehealth is proven to be versatile offering a range of medical care services ranging from GP consults to medicine delivery. It is important to note that it also has its limitations. Certain situations and conditions such as emergencies, physical examinations, procedures etc cannot be conducted remotely and would require an in-person visit. Here are some of the ways these appointments can change healthcare for the better:

Can I speak to a GP via telehealth?

Yes, you can now speak to a General Practitioner (GP) using digital technology. A GP can advise you on various medical queries such as medication management, routine check-ups, post-operative non-surgical follow-up, and addressing parental concerns for conditions like colds, coughs, and flu.

Can doctors prescribe medicine via telehealth?

Yes, doctors can prescribe medicine through this means. It is important to note that the prescription of any medication is at the discretion of the consulting doctor and is not guaranteed. There are also some limitations to which medicines can be prescribed.

Can I get an electronic script or an E-script?

Yes, it is possible to get an e-script or a repeat script instantly, either after a consult or via a short assessment.

Can I get a medical certificate?

A Medical certificate online can be issued by a telehealth doctor for school, work, university, or as a carer medical certificate. Once the online doctor analyses the issue in the questionnaire filled or via a consult, they will be able to provide a medical certificate. Medical certificates can be issued on the same day or multiple days depending on the underlying medical condition.

Can I get a referral online?

Yes, you can get various referrals online such as:

a specialist doctor referral
a referral for pathology tests (blood tests etc)
a referral for radiology tests (X-ray).

Can I get a mental health consultation with telehealth?

Yes, absolutely! It is a commonly used platform for mental health consultations. It provides a convenient and accessible way for individuals to connect to mental health care professionals from the comfort of their space.

Can I get medicine delivered via Telehealth?

Yes, medicine can be delivered using online delivery services by certain platforms that provide these virtual healthcare services. Online pharmacy delivery can be easy and convenient for people living in remote locations or who have a busy schedule. Opt for online pharmacy delivery with fast delivery from anywhere in Australia.

What are the various health conditions I can get treated for online?

Most virtual health consultation companies work as intermediary services and do not deal with emergencies.

Health conditions that do not require in-person visits, chronic conditions that can be managed through medication such as diabetes, hypertension, regular coughs, colds, flu, fevers, sore throat, headaches, certain skin conditions, mental health conditions, respiratory system conditions such as hay fever or mild asthma could be treated online.
Parental concerns about food allergies, vomiting, etc, some sexual health conditions, and contraception could also be treated through Telehealth.

The health conditions treated by online health providers are up to their discretion and one should contact them to understand what they treat.

Is telehealth safe?

Healthcare is guarded with the utmost protocols in Australia to ensure only quality services are provided to all citizens. All online GP consults, referrals, prescriptions, and online medical certificates are provided by Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) accredited medical practitioners. Patient data is valuable information and telehealth companies work with advanced technology to ensure the data stays safe using enterprise-grade encryption protocols that prioritise your privacy and are conformant to ADHA (Australian Digital Health Agency). It is important to see the information given out by Telehealth companies on their safety, doctors, and patient information to understand the credibility of the company.

How does a telehealth doctor's appointment work?

The online doctor’s appointment process depends on the platform being utilised for it. Platforms and companies providing these services usually keep it simple. You can get an appointment, either a script, advice, online medical certificate, or a referral with a few clicks and details. Here is how to book a telehealth appointment:

- Choose your consultation time: Head to the Telehealth appointment page. Start by selecting the appointment length that best suits your needs. Options typically include short consultations (around 8 minutes) or long consultations ( up to 15 minutes).
- Provide your details: Once you've chosen your consultation length and agreed to the terms, enter your details and payment information. We'll verify your mobile number for easy communication.
- Connect with your doctor: When your doctor is ready, you'll receive a link via SMS to initiate the consultation call. You can comfortably attend the appointment from anywhere – home, school, or even your workplace.
- Receive care and follow-up: During the consultation, the doctor will address your health concerns and provide advice. Prescriptions will be sent instantly via SMS, while referrals or certificates will be emailed for your convenience.

Is telehealth bulk billed?

With a reduced number of bulk billing clinics overall in Australia, Telehealth provides a mix of payment options. It is also to be noted that any virtual consult performed by a medical practitioner who is not the patient’s regular doctor cannot receive a Medicare rebate.

Is telehealth covered by Medicare?

Some online healthcare services are covered by Medicare, depending on the platform used. For more information, it is best to visit the site of the platform. As telehealth continues to evolve, it is transforming the healthcare landscape in Australia by making it more accessible even to people in rural and remote areas. It ensures access to healthcare is now more convenient, and patient centric. Embracing technology, putting patient needs ahead, and incorporating the convenience of modern-day lifestyle, this service opens new possibilities for improved healthcare delivery and ensures that on-demand healthcare is available for all regardless of their location, situation, and condition.

Reference

Australian Communications and Media Authority – How we use the internet – Key Summary findings: Reference Link
Australia National Digital Health Strategy: Reference Link
Australian Government – Department of Health and aged care: Reference Link
What is Telehealth: Reference Link

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Disclaimer

This content is created for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. For emergencies please immediately contact 000.