What Telehealth Can and Can’t Do: When to See a GP in Person or Call 000

Telehealth has become a normal part of healthcare in Australia. For many problems, a phone or video consultation with a GP is quick, convenient and just as appropriate as sitting in a waiting room. But it isn’t right for everything.

Knowing when telehealth works well, and when you need to be seen in person or get emergency help, keeps you safe and saves you time.

What telehealth works well for

A GP can assess and manage many common concerns by phone or video, including:

• Prescriptions: renewing regular medicines, or new treatment when clinically appropriate. eScripts are sent to your phone. See online prescriptions.
• Medical certificates: for work, study or carer’s leave. See online medical certificates.
• Common infections: such as colds and flu, UTIs, thrush, BV and tonsillitis. Our article Common conditions a telehealth GP can help with goes through them one by one.
• Sexual health: STI testing and treatment, and contraception.
• Mental health: talking through how you’re feeling, advice and referrals to psychologists or psychiatrists.
• Skin concerns: such as acne and rashes, often with photos or video.
• Referrals: to specialists, and for blood tests, imaging and other pathology.
• Test results: going through results and planning next steps.
• Pregnancy: early pregnancy consultations and referrals.

What telehealth can’t do

Examinations that need hands-on care

A doctor can see a lot on video, but they can’t listen to your chest, feel your tummy, check your ears or take your blood pressure. The Medical Board of Australia’s telehealth guidelines expect doctors to recognise when a consultation needs to happen in person. If your problem needs a physical examination, your telehealth doctor will tell you and suggest seeing a GP in person.

Emergencies

Telehealth is not for emergencies. See the list below.

Some medicines and services

Every telehealth service is different. At Teldoc:

• We don’t prescribe S8 or S4D controlled medicines, such as strong opioid pain relief.
• We don’t provide chronic disease management plans or workers’ compensation paperwork.
• We don’t prescribe weight-loss medicines.

Procedures

Vaccinations, wound care, stitches, skin checks with a dermatoscope, cervical screening collected by a clinician, and similar procedures all need to be done in person.

When to see a GP in person

Book an in-person appointment if:

• your doctor needs to examine you to make a diagnosis
• your symptoms haven’t improved after a telehealth consultation
• you need a procedure, vaccination or physical check
• you have a long-term condition that needs regular hands-on reviews

Telehealth works best alongside a regular GP, not instead of one. With your consent, we can send a summary of your consultation to your usual GP.

Not an emergency, but can’t wait?

If you need to be seen in person today but it isn’t life-threatening, such as a minor fracture, a cut that needs stitches or a sprain, a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic may help. They’re open 7 days with extended hours, you don’t need an appointment, and care is bulk billed.

When to call 000

Call 000 or go straight to your nearest emergency department if you or someone else has:

• chest pain or pressure
• difficulty breathing
• signs of a stroke: face drooping, arm weakness or slurred speech
• severe bleeding
• a seizure, fainting or collapse
• sudden, severe pain
• a severe allergic reaction (swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing)
• thoughts of harming yourself or others
• a serious injury

If you’re not sure how urgent something is, you can call healthdirect on 1800 022 222, 24 hours a day, to speak to a registered nurse. In a mental health crisis, Lifeline is available on 13 11 14.

Telehealth and Medicare

Medicare generally only covers a telehealth GP consultation if you’ve seen that practice in person in the past 12 months, unless an exemption applies. That’s why many telehealth consultations are charged privately. Our article Telehealth and Medicare: the 12-month rule explained covers the details, and our fees page shows which Teldoc consultations are bulk billed.

Getting the most from a telehealth consultation

• Find a quiet, private spot with good phone reception or internet.
• Have your Medicare card, a list of your medicines and any allergies ready.
• Write down your symptoms and when they started.
• For skin problems, take clear photos in good light.
• Have a pen ready for any instructions.

Our telehealth preparation checklist has more tips.

Choosing a safe telehealth service

A good telehealth service will:

• use AHPRA-registered doctors
• speak with you in real time by phone or video, rather than prescribing from a form alone
• tell you clearly when you need to be seen in person
• be upfront about fees

Read more in How to check your telehealth doctor is AHPRA registered.

About Teldoc

• Teldoc Australia is an independent, Australian-owned telehealth GP service.
• Our AHPRA-registered doctors consult by phone or video, 9 am to 7 pm (Sydney time), 7 days a week, usually within 15 minutes.
• General consultations are $55 on weekdays and $75 on weekends and public holidays. Bulk billing is available for eligible patients; see our fees page.
• See all our telehealth services.

Frequently asked questions

Can a telehealth doctor prescribe antibiotics?

Yes, if they’re clinically appropriate after an assessment. Many infections don’t need antibiotics, and some need an examination or test first. Read Do you need antibiotics?

Can I get a medical certificate through telehealth?

Yes. A telehealth GP can issue a medical certificate for work, study or carer’s leave if they’re satisfied it’s appropriate after speaking with you.

What happens if I need to be seen in person?

Your doctor will explain why and what to do next, such as booking with your regular GP, visiting an urgent care clinic or going to an emergency department.

Can telehealth replace my regular GP?

Telehealth is convenient for many problems, but it works best alongside a regular GP who knows your history and can examine you when needed.

Sources and further reading: Medical Board of Australia: Telehealth consultations with patients; healthdirect: Medicare Urgent Care Clinics; healthdirect: Hospital emergency departments.

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