Using an online doctor: what to expect.

A lot of doctors in Australia are now offering their patients a video consultation as opposed to face to face visits.

There’s a variety of reasons general practitioners now offer this online doctor service. Most of which are related to convenience for their patient. Obtaining a medical certificate, repeat prescriptions and general advice can all be taken care of with a virtual doctor consultation.

The service does however have its limitations and is not suited to all medical conditions. The Medical Board of Australia strongly advises seeking Telehealth consultations from your current GP or a fully qualified Australian doctor. The Australian health practitioner regulation overseas all advertised online doctor services, however cannot police offers in real-time.

The health practitioner regulation agency Ahpra is constantly reviewing the marketplace to ensure consumer safety. They also prevent the abuse of this convenient online offering. One concern is the ease of access to prescription medication which has been published by the abc news.

In 2021 it’s now commonplace to book online for most services and your doctor appointment is no exception. DOCTO is available 24/7 to provide advice, sick certificates, specialist referrals and prescriptions. These prescriptions can be sent directly to your phone via e-prescribing or directly to your local pharmacy. For rural patients, medical specialist consultations are bulk billed, saving Australians hundreds of dollars.

In 2021 it’s now commonplace to book online for most services and your doctor appointment is no exception.

The major advantage of using DOCTO is the network of medical specialists on hand. If your emergency doctor consultation requires referral you can expect an appointment offered within 7-10 days.

Contact us today to learn about our services and book a telehealth consultation. 

BY PHOEBE

OCTOBER 27, 2021

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a licensed healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.