Telehealth vs In-Person GP: When to Choose Each

Telehealth consultations — by phone or video with your regular GP — became widely available during the pandemic and are now a permanent option under Medicare. They’re convenient, fast, and work well for many situations. But they’re not a substitute for every appointment. Knowing when to choose each helps you get the right care without wasted visits.

When Telehealth Works Well

Prescription renewals for stable conditions

If you’re on long-term medication for a condition that’s well controlled — blood pressure, cholesterol, stable diabetes, ongoing mental health medication — your GP can often review and renew prescriptions over the phone or video. You save a trip; the appointment is shorter; there’s no waiting room.

Discussing test results

Many pathology and imaging results can be reviewed via telehealth. Your GP explains what the numbers mean, whether any action is needed, and whether follow-up tests or a specialist referral is warranted.

Mental health reviews

Follow-up appointments for anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental health concerns often work well by video. The video format is familiar, private, and removes the barrier of travelling to a clinic on a low-energy day. New mental health presentations are often still better handled in person for the first appointment.

Minor concerns and reassurance

Things like simple skin rashes (where a video image helps), mild respiratory symptoms, medication side effects, questions about vaccinations, and general health advice — all suitable for telehealth in many cases.

Medical certificates

For short-term illness (cold, flu, gastro) where an in-person examination wouldn’t change management, a telehealth consultation can result in a medical certificate for work or study.

Specialist referrals

When your specialist has recommended seeing them again and you need your GP to issue a fresh referral, a telehealth consultation is often enough.

When You Should Book In Person

Anything that needs physical examination

• Abdominal pain
• Chest pain
• Ear, nose, and throat problems
• Detailed skin checks (full-body or a concerning mole)
• Joint pain, injuries, or loss of range of motion
• Neurological concerns (weakness, numbness, severe headaches)
• New breast lumps or changes
• Eye symptoms (redness, pain, vision changes)

First appointment at a new clinic

A first visit is about establishing the doctor-patient relationship, taking a thorough history, and doing baseline checks (blood pressure, weight, general examination). Best done in person.

Procedures

Skin excisions, joint injections, pap smears, ear syringing, wound care, ECGs, spirometry — all require in-person appointments.

Vaccinations and injections

Flu shot, travel vaccines, childhood immunisations — obviously need to happen at the clinic.

Chronic Disease Management plans

Initial GPMP and TCA plans typically need a face-to-face consultation. Follow-up reviews may be done via telehealth depending on the clinic and your condition.

Medicare Rules for Telehealth

Medicare pays rebates for both phone and video GP consultations. Two rules are important:

• You generally need an existing relationship with the clinic — Medicare rebates for telehealth require that you’ve seen the GP (or another GP at the same practice) face-to-face within the past 12 months. Exceptions apply for rural areas, homeless patients, and some other groups.
• Rebates are the same as for equivalent in-person consultations — a 15-minute telehealth call rebates the same as a 15-minute in-person visit.

Some clinics bulk bill telehealth, others charge the same fees as in-person visits. Check your clinic’s fees page — fees change periodically and the live page is authoritative.

Phone vs Video: Which to Choose?

Phone consultations are simpler — no app to install, no bandwidth concerns. Good for simple issues, prescription renewals, and brief reviews.

Video consultations let your GP see you. Useful when the GP needs to assess your appearance, look at a rash or skin lesion, observe breathing, watch a child move, or judge general wellness. Most clinics use simple platforms (HealthDirect Video Call, HotDoc, or similar) that work in a browser without downloads.

How to Prepare for a Telehealth Appointment

• Find a quiet, private space — no background conversations or interruptions
• Good lighting for video calls — your GP needs to see you clearly
• Have your medication bottles on hand in case doses or spellings need checking
• Write down your questions — the same as for an in-person appointment
• Know your Medicare number — have the card nearby
• Have a pen and paper to note instructions, medication changes, or follow-up plans
• Test your technology 5 minutes early — microphone, camera, internet speed

What Happens After the Call

• Prescriptions are sent electronically to your nominated pharmacy or as a QR-code “token” SMS
• Pathology requests are emailed to you or sent electronically to a nominated pathology provider
• Referrals are emailed or posted to you
• Medical certificates are emailed to you
• Follow-up appointments can be booked online or by calling the clinic

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any GP do telehealth?

Most Australian GPs offer telehealth now. Medicare rebates require an established relationship with the clinic (a recent in-person visit), so the “any GP via app” services don’t always attract the full rebate.

Can I do a telehealth appointment from overseas?

Generally no — Medicare telehealth rebates require you to be in Australia at the time of the consultation. If you’re overseas and need a GP, consider international telehealth services or contact your travel insurer.

Will my GP refuse a telehealth appointment if they think I need to come in?

Yes, and that’s good practice. If during a telehealth call your GP decides they need to examine you, they’ll ask you to book an in-person follow-up. Better to switch mid-call than miss something important.

Is telehealth private?

Yes. Clinics use secure, compliant platforms. Your GP has the same confidentiality obligations as in person. Just make sure your end of the call is private — a quiet room, not a shared space.

Can children have telehealth appointments?

Yes. Parents or guardians need to be present for younger children. For follow-ups, medication reviews, and simple issues, telehealth with your child’s usual GP works well.

Book a Telehealth or In-Person Appointment

Every Family Doctor clinic offers both telehealth and in-person appointments. Find your nearest clinic and book online — most clinic websites let you choose between telehealth and face-to-face when booking.