In today’s on-demand world, where convenience is king, accessing quality healthcare exactly when and where it’s needed has become essential for many Australians. That’s where telehealth and online doctors step in, transforming how we access and experience healthcare. But what is telehealth, and why are online doctors quickly taking over modern healthcare in Australia?
What is telehealth?
Some people think telehealth simply means talking to a GP online or over the phone. While this can be the case, telehealth allows patients to consult with qualified medical professionals without needing to visit a clinic or hospital. Whether you’re at home, at work, or in a remote (rural) location, telehealth makes healthcare more accessible and convenient.
In Australia, telehealth services have gained significant traction, especially during the COVID-19 period, when restrictions and social distancing measures made in-person visits more challenging. It also has become very beneficial for patients in rural areas, where access to healthcare professionals can be limited.
And it is more than just a quick chat to verify symptoms. Your appointment can provide a range of outcomes, such as online medical certificates, referrals to specialists or pathology, and even prescriptions if you are unwell. Doctors on Demand offer services that go beyond basic consultations, including support for smoking cessation, mental health, weight loss, and repeat prescriptions, all available through the convenience of telehealth.
Online doctors? Does it work?
Answering the question: Does it work? Absolutely. Telehealth provides a viable, practical and cost-effective healthcare solution. By leveraging technology, online doctors allow patients to access healthcare without the need to travel to a clinic or hospital. Doctors on Demand doesn’t just help you out when you’re at your sickest, but also when you’re at your busiest.
Telehealth benefits a wide range of patients, particularly those living in rural and remote areas where access to healthcare professionals can be limited. With the convenience of remote consultations, patients can access care—when and where it’s most convenient for them.
Why use Doctors on Demand?
Doctors on Demand is a telehealth service that takes primary care to another level, where the patient can engage an Australian registered doctor any time of day or night with a 24/7 roster of doctors available online. We have delivered 60,000 online video consultations so far, so we know how to make it a smooth experience for the patient and the doctor.
Worried about your personal information online when using telehealth? Doctors on Demand is a custom-built, secure platform designed with your privacy in mind. We understand that sharing information online can feel risky, which is why we prioritise confidentiality at every step. When you consult with one of our doctors, you can be assured that everything you share is completely secure and stays between you and your healthcare professional. A one-time patient registration process allows for quick, accessible and convenient healthcare.
Next time you’re feeling unwell, concerned about current health precautions, or need a quick doctor’s appointment, skip the trip with Doctors on Demand. Whether you’re after a simple doctor’s certificate, prescription or a comprehensive telehealth appointment consultation, we’re here every day, 24/7 – including public holidays – whenever you need us.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book a doctor’s appointment?
How much will my appointment cost and how do I pay?
Doctors on Demand consultations are private fee services, except where Medicare rebates are indicated. You can view our full pricing schedule via the table below.
| Appointment Type | Service Fee | Booking Fee* | GST | Medicare Rebate^ | Total Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Appointment – Business Hours Available from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday. | $60.00 | $2.95 | – | – | $62.95 | Book Now |
| Standard Appointment – After Hours Available from 6pm to 8am Monday to Friday & all day Saturday, Sunday and National Public Holidays. | $90.00 | $2.95 | – | – | $92.95 | Book Now |
| Mental Health Care Plan Assessment (Medicare Card Required) A Medicare card is required to access rebates for this consult, and to obtain a Medicare subsidised Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). We will lodge the claim for your consult immediately after your video consultation, however your out-of-pocket costs may depend on the outcome of your appointment, and your eligibility as assessed by Medicare. Medicare rebates on this service range from $100.20 rebate ($19.80 out of pocket) where a MHTP is provided and $78.95 rebate ($41.05 out of pocket) where a MHTP is not provided. | $120.00 | – | – | $78.95 to $100.20 | $19.80 to $41.05 | Book Now |
| Mental Health Care Plan Review (Medicare Card Required) A Medicare card is required to access rebates for this consult. We will lodge the claim for your consult immediately after your video consultation, however your eligibility will be assessed by Medicare. The applicable rebate is $78.95 rebate ($41.05 out of pocket). | $120.00 | – | – | $78.95 | $41.05 | Book Now |
| Private Fee Mental Health Consultation If you don’t nave a Medicare card, you Will not be eligible for a bulk billed assessment or a Medicare subsidised Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). A private fee per appointment will apply to speak with a mental health trained Doctor about any other mental health concerns. | $120.00 | – | – | – | $120.00 | Book Now |
| Smoking Cessation Available from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday. | $19.90 | – | – | – | $19.90 | Book Now |
| QuickScript Repeat Prescriptions Available 24/7. | $19.90 | – | – | – | $19.90 | Book Now |
| Preparation of Medical Reports Medical reports regarding a patient’s treatment and/or condition requested by patients, and/or third parties with a patient’s consent. | $120.00 | – | $12.00 | – | $132.00 | Contact Us |
| Provision of Medical Records Access to full medical records maintained by Doctors on Demand requested by patients, and/or third parties with a patient’s consent | $25.00 | – | $2.50 | – | $27.50 | Contact Us |
In July 2020 the Government announced changes to Medicare rebates for telehealth; That is, if we have not seen a patient face-to-face within the previous 12 months we will not be able to offer Medicare rebates for most of our services. Being a fully online service, we are wholly unable to meet this criteria.
Please note – the face-to-face requirement does not apply to:
- mental health services
We do offer a Medicare eligible service in this area.
If you have a benefit code provided by your Insurer or Employer, simply enter your code in the ‘Redeem a Benefit’ section when making your appointment to access your services for reduced or no fees.
*We build and maintain our own virtual health platform so we can ensure we have the best tools available for both clinical and patient experience. A booking fee of $2.95 per appointment supports investment in our technology and the development of new healthcare services.
^Your out-of-pocket costs may depend on the outcome of your appointment, and your eligibility as assessed by Medicare.
When can I book my video consultation?
Doctors on Demand is available 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week Australia-wide. Get Started and see a doctor from the convenience of your home or office right now.