Telehealth Appointments: What You Can and Can’t Do Online
In recent years, telehealth appointments have completely changed the way Australians access healthcare. Whether you’re in rural Queensland, a busy Sydney suburb, or regional Victoria, a virtual GP consultation with your GP is now just a click away. But while telehealth is incredibly convenient, it’s not a full replacement for in-person visits. Here’s a clear guide on exactly what you can and can’t do through telehealth appointments in Australia.
What Are Telehealth Appointments?
Telehealth appointments let you speak with a doctor or allied health professional using video (or sometimes phone) instead of attending the clinic in person. These consultations are secure, private, and fully bulk-billed or Medicare-rebatable in most cases.
How Telehealth Works in Australia
In Australia, telehealth services are supported by Medicare under specific item numbers (e.g., 91890 and 91891 for video, and 91900 and 91910 for phone). As of 2025, most temporary COVID-era expansions have been made permanent, meaning ongoing access to Medicare-funded telehealth for all Australians — as long as the provider believes it’s clinically appropriate.
Benefits of Telehealth for Patients
- Save time and travel costs
- Perfect if you’re unwell and don’t want to sit in a waiting room
- Easier for parents with young children or carers
- Ideal for people in rural and remote areas
- Reduces exposure to winter bugs
What You Can Do Through Telehealth
Most day-to-day healthcare needs can now be managed perfectly well online.
General Consultations
Colds, flu symptoms, sinus infections, headaches, allergies, rashes (with good photos), UTI symptoms, contraception advice — all of these are routinely handled via video.
Repeat Prescriptions
Need another script for your regular blood-pressure tablets, asthma puffer, or the Pill? As long as your doctor has seen you in the last 12 months (in person or via telehealth), they can usually issue repeats online.
Mental Health Support and Plans
Telehealth is excellent for mental health. You can:
- Have a mental health consultation
- Get or review a Mental Health Care Plan
- See a psychologist or psychiatrist via video
- Receive crisis support referrals
Medicare rebates for telehealth psychology sessions remain generous.
Chronic Condition Reviews
Asthma action plans, diabetes check-ins, hypertension management, and heart-disease reviews are commonly done online — especially if you have a home blood-pressure monitor or recent pathology results.
Follow-Up Appointments
Discussing test results, adjusting medications, or checking how you’re going after starting a new treatment are all ideal for telehealth.
What You Can’t Do Through Telehealth
While telehealth is powerful, some things still require an in-person visit.
Physical Examinations
Your GP can’t listen to your chest, feel your abdomen, check your reflexes, or examine your ears properly over video. Conditions needing hands-on assessment usually require a face-to-face appointment.
Blood Tests
Pathology (blood tests, swabs, urine tests) still needs to be done at a collection centre. Your doctor can send the request electronically, but the sample collection is in person.
Skin Checks
Full-body skin cancer checks and suspicious mole examinations require good lighting and, sometimes, a dermatoscope — not possible with a standard webcam or phone camera.
Emergency Assessments
Chest pain, severe shortness of breath, stroke symptoms, serious injuries, or anything potentially life-threatening should go straight to emergency — never rely on telehealth for urgent problems.
Who Is Eligible for Telehealth in Australia?
Almost everyone with a Medicare card is eligible. The only current restriction is that you must have visited that particular practice (in person or telehealth) at least once in the previous 12 months to access bulk-billed telehealth with that doctor. New patients can still book telehealth, but it may attract a private fee.
How to Prepare for a Telehealth Appointment
A little preparation makes the consultation run smoothly.
What to Have Ready
- Your Medicare card
- List of current medications
- Recent test results or letters
- A quiet, private space with good lighting
- Pen and paper for notes
Technology Tips
- Use a device with a good camera (phone, tablet or laptop)
- Test your internet connection beforehand
- Have headphones ready if privacy is a concern
- Log in 5 minutes early
Telehealth at St Andrews Health: What Patients Can Expect
At St Andrews Health, we’ve been offering telehealth since 2020 and have fine-tuned the experience. You’ll receive an SMS with a secure link, no complicated apps or logins needed. Our doctors use high-quality video and can send scripts, referrals, and results straight to your phone or email. Same-day appointments are often available.
Final Thoughts
Telehealth appointments have made quality healthcare far more accessible for Australians, especially when you’re time-poor, far from a clinic, or just feeling under the weather. While they can’t replace every in-person visit, they handle the majority of everyday health needs quickly and conveniently.
Ready to give it a try? Book your telehealth appointment with St Andrews Health today it’s secure, Medicare-supported, and often bulk-billed.
