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What Is Telehealth?

Telehealth is a consultation conducted by phone or video between you and your GP. It is used for general medical care where a physical examination is not required and where your doctor can safely assess and manage your concerns remotely.

Telehealth appointments follow the same professional and clinical standards as face-to-face consultations. If your GP feels an in-person review is needed, you will be advised to attend the clinic.

What Telehealth Can Be Used For

What Telehealth Can Be Used For

Telehealth may be suitable for:

  • Follow-up appointments, including discussion of test results
  • Mental health consultations
  • Patients with limited mobility or difficulty attending the clinic
  • Repeat prescriptions (where previously arranged)
  • Medical certificates (issued at the GP’s discretion)
  • Travel health advice
  • Family planning consultations for rural patients (with recent or home blood pressure readings)
  • Other general medical concerns, at the GP’s discretion

When Telehealth Is Not Suitable

Telehealth is not appropriate for all medical situations. An in-clinic appointment is usually required for:

  • Conditions requiring physical examination
  • Routine blood pressure reviews
  • Most legal or fitness-for-work assessments
  • Pre-employment medicals
  • Antenatal care
  • New patients, or patients not seen face to face in the past 12 months
  • Most paediatric consultations (with limited exceptions)
  • Mental Health Care Plans, Chronic Disease Management Plans, or Health Assessments

Your GP will advise if a face-to-face appointment is more appropriate for your care.

Billing, Fees & Medicare

  • Telehealth consultations are privately billed
  • Medicare rebates may be available if you have attended the clinic for a face-to-face appointment within the last 12 months
  • Eligibility for rebates depends on Medicare rules and the type of consultation
  • Some longer telephone consultations may require registration with MyMedicare

Our reception team can confirm fees and rebate eligibility at the time of booking.

Clinics Offering Telehealth

Telehealth consultations are available through our:

  • Torquay Clinic
  • Newcomb Clinic
  • Hamlyn Heights Clinic
  • Belmont Clinic

Telehealth supports patients across Geelong and the Surf Coast, while maintaining connection with your usual clinic and GP.

Telehealth FAQs

1. Which problems are suitable for telehealth versus in-person appointments?

Telehealth is suitable for many general consultations that do not require a physical examination. Your GP will recommend an in-person visit if it is clinically safer or more appropriate.

2. Is video better than a phone consultation?

When possible, video is preferred as it provides additional clinical information. Phone consultations are appropriate when video is not practical.

3. Am I eligible for a Medicare rebate for telehealth?

In most cases, yes—if you have had a face-to-face appointment at the clinic within the last 12 months. Some longer telephone items also require MyMedicare registration.

4. Can I receive prescriptions or referrals via telehealth?

Yes, where clinically appropriate. Prescriptions may be sent electronically, and referrals can be arranged during your consultation.

5. Can I have a support person on the call?

Yes. A family member, carer, or interpreter may be present with your consent.

6. What technology do I need for a video consultation?

A device with a camera and microphone, reliable internet, and a quiet, well-lit space. If video is interrupted, the consultation may continue by phone if suitable.

7. Is my information kept private during telehealth consultations?

Yes. Telehealth consultations follow Australian privacy legislation and professional standards for consent, identification, and record-keeping.