What Is Telehealth?
Telehealth is the delivery of healthcare services through digital technology - typically via video call or phone consultation. Instead of travelling to a clinic, you connect with a registered doctor from your home, office, or wherever you happen to be.
In Australia, telehealth has become a mainstream part of the healthcare system. Millions of Australians now use telehealth services every year for everything from general consultations and prescriptions to specialist referrals and mental health support.
How Telehealth Works in Australia
Using a telehealth service is straightforward. Here is how a typical consultation works with Medidoc:
- Book an appointment - visit the Medidoc website and choose a time that suits you. Appointments are available 7 days a week, including evenings and weekends
- Join your consultation - connect with your doctor via a secure video call or phone call from any device with an internet connection
- Receive your care - your doctor will assess your condition, provide a diagnosis, and discuss your treatment options
- Get your outcome - depending on your needs, this could include a prescription (sent as an eScript), a medical certificate, a specialist referral, or a pathology request
Most consultations take between 10 and 20 minutes, and you can have your eScript or medical certificate within minutes of the appointment ending.
What Can a Telehealth Doctor Help With?
Telehealth is suitable for a wide range of medical concerns. Common reasons Australians use telehealth include:
General Health Consultations
- Cold, flu, and respiratory infections
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Ear, nose, and throat infections
- Gastroenteritis and digestive issues
- Allergies and hay fever
- Headaches and migraines
- Back pain and musculoskeletal complaints
- Fatigue and general unwellness
Prescriptions and Repeat Scripts
- New prescriptions for acute conditions
- Repeat prescriptions for ongoing medications
- Contraception - the pill, mini pill, and other options
- Skin treatments for acne, eczema, and fungal infections
- Mental health medications (for patients on stable doses)
- Blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes medications
Medical Certificates
- Sick leave certificates for work
- Carer's leave certificates
- Certificates for university, school, or childcare
- Multi-day certificates when needed
Referrals and Pathology
- Specialist referral letters - dermatology, psychiatry, cardiology, and more
- Pathology requests - blood tests, STI screening, hormone panels
- Imaging requests - X-rays, ultrasounds, and other scans
Sexual and Reproductive Health
- STI testing and treatment
- Contraception advice and prescriptions
- Erectile dysfunction consultations
- Period pain and menstrual concerns
Skin Conditions
- Rashes, eczema, and dermatitis
- Acne assessment and treatment
- Fungal infections
- Cold sores and shingles
- Hair loss consultations
Benefits of Telehealth
Telehealth offers significant advantages over traditional in-person visits for many types of consultations:
- Convenience - see a doctor from anywhere, no travel or parking required
- Speed - skip the waiting room and get seen faster
- Accessibility - ideal for patients in regional and rural areas where GP access is limited
- Reduced infection risk - no exposure to other sick patients in a waiting room
- Flexibility - appointments available outside standard business hours, including evenings and weekends
- Privacy - consult from the comfort and privacy of your own home
- Cost-effective - competitive flat-fee pricing with no hidden charges
When Is Telehealth Not Appropriate?
While telehealth covers a broad range of healthcare needs, some situations require in-person care. Telehealth may not be suitable when:
- You require a physical examination that cannot be done remotely
- You need a procedure, vaccination, or injection
- Your condition requires emergency care - always call 000 for emergencies
- You need Schedule 8 medications (strong opioids, stimulants) which cannot be prescribed via telehealth in most cases
- Your doctor determines an in-person assessment is necessary for safe care
A good telehealth doctor will always refer you to in-person care when it is clinically appropriate. Your safety is the priority.
Is Telehealth Legal in Australia?
Yes. Telehealth is fully legal and regulated in Australia. The Australian Government has supported telehealth services as part of the national healthcare system, and the Medical Board of Australia recognises telehealth as a valid form of consultation.
All doctors practising telehealth must meet the same registration, training, and professional standards as doctors working in traditional clinics. At Medidoc, every doctor is a registered medical practitioner who follows Australian clinical guidelines.
Telehealth and Medicare
Some telehealth services are covered by Medicare, particularly those provided by your regular GP. However, many on-demand telehealth platforms, including Medidoc, operate as private services with a flat consultation fee.
This means:
- You do not need a Medicare card to use Medidoc
- Consultations are available to all Australian residents, including temporary visa holders and international students
- You pay a transparent flat fee at the time of booking
- No gap payments, no surprise bills
How to Get the Most Out of Your Telehealth Appointment
A little preparation goes a long way. To make the most of your consultation:
- Find a quiet, private space with good lighting and a stable internet connection
- Have a list of your symptoms ready, including when they started and how they have changed
- Keep a list of any medications you are currently taking
- If you have a skin condition, take a clear, well-lit photo beforehand to share during the call
- Have your pharmacy details handy if you think you may need a prescription
- Prepare any questions you want to ask your doctor
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a telehealth consultation as good as seeing a doctor in person?
For many conditions, yes. Research shows that telehealth consultations deliver comparable outcomes to in-person visits for a wide range of common conditions. Telehealth is particularly effective for consultations that rely on patient history, symptom discussion, and visual assessment. Your doctor will always refer you for in-person care if it is needed.
What technology do I need for a telehealth appointment?
You need a device with a camera, microphone, and internet connection. This can be a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. No special software or downloads are required - Medidoc consultations run directly in your web browser.
Can I use telehealth for my children?
Yes. Parents and guardians can book telehealth consultations for their children. The child should be present during the appointment so the doctor can assess them. Telehealth is commonly used for childhood conditions such as ear infections, rashes, coughs, and fevers.
How quickly can I see a doctor via telehealth?
With Medidoc, most patients can book and complete a consultation within the same day. Appointment availability varies, but we aim to connect you with a doctor as quickly as possible, with many time slots available throughout the day and evening.
Will my telehealth consultation be kept confidential?
Absolutely. All Medidoc consultations are conducted over encrypted, secure connections. Your medical information is stored in compliance with Australian privacy legislation, including the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles. Your data is never shared without your consent.
Can I get a specialist referral through telehealth?
Yes. Your Medidoc doctor can issue referral letters to specialists including dermatologists, psychiatrists, cardiologists, endocrinologists, and more. The referral letter is sent to you electronically and is valid for use with any specialist in Australia.
What happens if the doctor cannot help me via telehealth?
If your doctor determines that your condition requires in-person assessment, physical examination, or emergency care, they will advise you accordingly. They may recommend visiting your local GP, an urgent care clinic, or a hospital emergency department depending on the situation. You will still receive professional guidance during the consultation.
Book Your Telehealth Consultation With Medidoc
Whether you need a prescription, a medical certificate, a specialist referral, or simply want to speak with a doctor about your health concern, Medidoc makes it easy. Our registered doctors are available 7 days a week for fast, convenient telehealth consultations - wherever you are in Australia.
Book your consultation with Medidoc today - healthcare made simple, from wherever you are.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment specific to your situation.