All Medicare-eligible consultations are bulk billed for patients with a valid Medicare card. Some items, including privately purchased vaccines and consumables, attract a fee.
A phone appointment saves a trip when the problem is one that can be sorted by talking. When it needs looking at, listening to, or feeling, it needs a room.
Telehealth is at its best for conversations: results, medication reviews, mental health follow-up, referral renewals, and checking in on something already assessed. It is at its worst as a substitute for examination.
It is a real appointmentSame length, same record, same doctor. Be somewhere quiet and private, with your medicines and any readings to hand.
Medicare rebates for telehealth generally require an existing relationship with the practice — usually a face-to-face visit in the previous 12 months. Some exemptions apply. Reception will confirm your eligibility when you book.
Phone or video?
Both are available. Video helps when something needs to be shown, such as a rash or a wound.
What if it turns out I need to come in?
Then you come in. The doctor will say so and reception will find you a slot.
Suits telehealth
Results
Read more →
Suits telehealthResults
Explaining bloods, imaging and screening results.
Suits telehealth
Mental health follow-up
Read more →
Suits telehealthMental health follow-up
Reviewing how a plan or medicine is going.
Suits telehealth
Some repeat scripts
Read more →
Suits telehealthSome repeat scripts
For stable, long-term medicines where you have been seen recently.
Suits telehealth
Referral renewals
Read more →
Suits telehealthReferral renewals
When nothing has changed since the last assessment.
Around your appointment time. Clinic runs vary, so keep the phone with you rather than watching the clock.
What if I miss the call?
The doctor will usually try again. If you miss it entirely, ring reception to rebook.
Is it bulk billed?
Where you are eligible under Medicare's telehealth rules, yes.
1BookChoose a telehealth appointment through HotDoc or by phone.24/7 online
2Be readySomewhere quiet and private, with your medicines and readings to hand.At the time
3The consultPhone or video. Same length and same record as a room appointment.10 minutes
4Anything else neededScripts and referrals sent electronically; if you need examining, we book you in.Same day
Telehealth appointments
Phone & video
Existing patients
Results and follow-up
Mental health reviews
Some repeat scripts
Bulk billed where eligible
Book via HotDoc
Telehealth appointments
Phone & video
Existing patients
Results and follow-up
Mental health reviews
Some repeat scripts
Bulk billed where eligible
Book via HotDoc
Telehealth appointments
Phone & video
Existing patients
Results and follow-up
Mental health reviews
Some repeat scripts
Bulk billed where eligible
Book via HotDoc
Telehealthquestions, answered.
Can anyone book telehealth?
Medicare rebates generally require an existing relationship with the practice. Reception will confirm.
Is it bulk billed?
Where you meet the Medicare eligibility rules, yes.
Can I get a certificate by telehealth?
Sometimes, depending on what needs to be assessed.
Can I get any script by telehealth?
Many, but not all. Controlled medicines always need a face-to-face appointment.
Video or phone?
Both. Video is better when something needs to be seen.
What if the doctor says I need to come in?
Reception will find you a slot, often the same day.
Can my child have a telehealth appointment?
For follow-up conversations, sometimes. An unwell child almost always needs to be seen.
Is it private?
Yes. Same confidentiality as any consultation — which is why somewhere private at your end matters.
General information onlyThis page is general health information for anyone who finds it useful. It is not advice about your own situation and it does not replace a consultation with a doctor who knows you. If you are worried about a symptom, book an appointment or call (02) 6530 7404. In an emergency, call 000.
Standard GP consultations are bulk billed for everyone with a valid Medicare card.