Introducing STI Doctor: Telehealth for STI Testing and Treatment

STI Doctor (stidoctor.com.au) is Teldoc’s sister telehealth service, set up to focus only on sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It offers phone and video consultations with Australian GPs for STI testing, treatment and prevention, bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.

Here’s why we created it, what it offers and how it fits alongside Teldoc.

Why we created STI Doctor

Many people put off STI testing. It can feel awkward to raise with a regular GP, appointments can be hard to get, and in regional and remote areas a sexual health clinic may be hours away. Yet many STIs, including chlamydia and gonorrhoea, often cause no symptoms, so testing is the only way to know.

Teldoc already provides sexual health care as part of general practice. STI Doctor takes that one step further, with a service designed around a single question: “Could I have an STI, and what should I do about it?” A dedicated site makes it easier to find clear information and book the right consultation without having to explain yourself.

What STI Doctor offers

• STI testing: a GP talks through your situation and sends you an electronic pathology request for the tests that suit you, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV and hepatitis.
• Treatment: if you test positive or have symptoms, the doctor can prescribe treatment if clinically appropriate, with an eScript sent to your phone.
• Prevention: consultations about HIV PrEP, urgent HIV PEP and Doxy-PEP for people who meet Australian guidance.
• Related concerns: such as genital herpes, genital warts, bacterial vaginosis (BV) and thrush.
• Results and follow-up: you’re told when your results are ready, and the doctor talks you through what they mean and what to do next, including letting partners know.

How it works

1. Book online. Choose a time and answer a few questions. Most patients are seen within 15 minutes, 7 days a week from 9 am to 7 pm (Sydney time).
2. Speak to a doctor. An AHPRA-registered GP calls you by phone or video. They’ll ask about symptoms and recent sexual contact so they can recommend the right tests. This is a normal part of a sexual health consultation.
3. Get tested. Take your electronic pathology request to a local collection centre. Most tests use a urine sample, a self-collected swab or a blood test.
4. Get your results. If you need treatment, the doctor can send an eScript to your phone to take to any pharmacy.

What does it cost?

STI consultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. That’s because sexual health consultations are one of the exceptions to the Medicare rule that you must have seen a practice in person in the past 12 months to claim a telehealth consultation. Pathology tests are often bulk billed too, but check with the collection centre. If you don’t have a Medicare card, standard consultation fees apply: $55 on weekdays and $75 on weekends and public holidays. See our fees page or read how Medicare bulk billing works for sexual health.

Privacy and discretion

Consultations are confidential, and your doctor is bound by Australian privacy law and professional obligations. You can speak from wherever you feel comfortable, and there’s no waiting room. You’ll be notified when your results are ready. If you’d like to tell partners anonymously after a positive result, the doctor can explain the options.

How STI Doctor fits with Teldoc

STI Doctor is part of the Teldoc family, with the same doctors and the same standards of care.

• Use STI Doctor if your main concern is an STI, testing, PrEP or PEP.
• Use Teldoc for everything else, including broader sexual health such as contraception, erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, and general health needs like prescriptions and medical certificates.

Teldoc also offers STI testing and treatment directly, so you can book through whichever site you prefer.

When telehealth isn’t the right option

Some situations need to be seen in person or urgently:

• If you may have been exposed to HIV in the past 72 hours and can’t get an appointment straight away, go to a hospital emergency department or sexual health clinic for HIV PEP. See Doxy-PEP vs HIV PEP for more.
• Severe pain in the lower tummy or testicles, fever, or feeling very unwell needs urgent care. Call 000 in an emergency.
• If you’ve been sexually assaulted, go to an emergency department or call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).

Frequently asked questions

What is STI Doctor?

STI Doctor is Teldoc’s sister telehealth service that focuses only on STI testing, treatment and prevention. Consultations are with Australian GPs by phone or video.

Is STI Doctor bulk billed?

Yes, STI consultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. Without Medicare, consultations are $55 on weekdays and $75 on weekends and public holidays.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can book directly online. The doctor will arrange any pathology tests you need.

Should I book through Teldoc or STI Doctor?

Either works for STI testing. STI Doctor is designed specifically for STI concerns, while Teldoc covers a broad range of general practice care, including other sexual health needs.

This article is general health information and isn’t a substitute for advice from your own doctor. If you’re worried about your health, speak to a GP. In an emergency, call 000.

Medically reviewed by Dr Vafa Derakshan (MBBS, FRACGP), September 2026