What is telehealth?

Telehealth

Get access to healthcare by phone or video call, wherever you are.

Telehealth services use information and communications technologies (ICTs) to deliver health services and transmit health information over both long and short distances. It is about transmitting voice, data, images and information rather than moving care recipients, health professionals or educators
Telehealth is having a consultation with a healthcare provider by phone or video call.
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Many GPs, specialists and other healthcare providers now offer a telehealth consultation when a physical examination isn’t necessary. It’s not intended to replace essential visits to the doctor, but rather be a convenient solution when you can’t see a doctor face to face. Until 31 March 2021, if you have seen your regular doctor or medical centre in the last 12 months, they may be able to bulk-bill your telehealth consultation.

Kendal keeps in contact with telehealth

After relocating back to her hometown of Emerald to be closer to family – and hopefully to raise one of her own – Kendal uses digital health services to stay connected to her specialists.

What are the benefits?

With telehealth, you can see your nurse, doctor, psychologist, surgeon and other healthcare providers without having to visit them in person. What’s more, if you’ve seen them in the last 12 months, they may be able to bulk-bill their service.

Healthcare when you can’t leave home

If you’re unwell or need to self-isolate, you can still attend a consultation virtually. Telehealth consultations are not only convenient, but can also reduce the spread of illness.

Your healthcare providers are closer than ever

Occasionally, Australians living in rural and remote areas need to travel far to see their healthcare provider. A telehealth consultation can save time by enabling doctors to consult with their patient by phone or video call.

Australians had more than 30 million telehealth consultations in 2020.