Telehealth in Australia — Bulk Billed Phone and Video GP Visits

What Telehealth Covers

Telehealth lets you consult a GP or specialist by phone or video call. Under Medicare, many telehealth consultations are bulk billed — meaning free to you. Services available via telehealth include:

• General consultations and health advice
• Prescription renewals and new scripts (sent electronically to your pharmacy)
• Referrals to specialists
• Medical certificates (sick notes)
• Mental health consultations (including under a Mental Health Care Plan)
• Follow-up appointments
• Chronic disease management reviews

When Telehealth Isn't Enough

You still need an in-person visit for physical examinations, blood tests, vaccinations, wound care, and anything requiring hands-on assessment. Use telehealth for conversations, prescriptions, and admin — see a GP in person when they need to examine you.

How to Access Telehealth

1. Call your regular GP and ask for a phone or video appointment
2. Or use an on-demand telehealth service (InstantScripts, 13SICK, Eucalyptus, etc.)
3. Have your Medicare card ready
4. The doctor calls you at the appointment time or you join a video link
5. Prescriptions are sent electronically — you collect from any pharmacy using a token or SMS

Is It Bulk Billed?

Many telehealth consultations are bulk billed, especially through dedicated telehealth services. Your regular GP may also bulk bill telehealth appointments. Always ask about billing before the appointment — the same rules apply as in-person visits.