How phone and video GP consultations work under Medicare. When it's appropriate, what it costs, and how to prepare.
Telehealth means having a doctor's consultation by phone or video call instead of in person. Since 2020, Medicare permanently covers telehealth consultations with GPs, specialists, mental health professionals, and some allied health providers. You receive the same Medicare rebate as an in-person visit.
Script renewals and repeat prescriptions · Reviewing blood test or imaging results · Mental health check-ins and counselling · Follow-up appointments · Discussing referrals · Simple rashes or skin issues (video) · Managing chronic conditions (diabetes reviews, BP follow-up) · Sick certificates · Contraception advice · Post-surgery follow-up
Physical examinations (e.g. abdominal pain, lumps, joint assessment) · Procedures (skin checks, wound care, IUD insertion, injections) · New or worsening symptoms that need examination · Blood pressure check, ECG, or other in-clinic tests · Anything that needs hands-on assessment · Emergencies (call 000)
Telehealth consultations attract the same Medicare rebate as in-person visits. If your GP bulk bills for in-person visits, they'll usually bulk bill telehealth too.
If your GP charges privately, you'll pay the same fee (or sometimes slightly less) and receive the same Medicare rebate. Some practices offer lower fees for telehealth since there are lower overheads.
Mental health telehealth sessions (with a psychologist under a Mental Health Care Plan) also attract the standard Medicare rebate.
1. Find a quiet, private space with good phone reception or wifi.
2. Have your Medicare card number ready.
3. Write down your symptoms and questions beforehand (use our Appointment Prep Sheet).
4. Have your medication list or packaging nearby.
5. For video calls: make sure your camera and microphone work. Good lighting helps the doctor see you clearly.
6. Be ready at the scheduled time — your doctor will call you.
Yes. Your GP can issue electronic prescriptions (eScripts), referral letters, pathology requests, and medical certificates during a telehealth consultation.
eScripts are particularly useful after telehealth — the prescription is sent to your phone as a token/QR code, which you can take to any pharmacy. See our eScripts Explained guide.
Pathology and imaging request forms can be emailed or sent electronically to the pathology provider.
To receive a Medicare rebate for telehealth with a GP, you generally need to have an established relationship with the practice (seen a doctor at that practice at least once in the past 24 months). This doesn't apply in some circumstances, such as if you're in a rural area or seeking mental health services.
Video consultations attract a slightly higher Medicare rebate than phone-only consultations for some item numbers.
Specialist telehealth consultations still require a valid GP referral, just like in-person specialist visits.