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Answering some FAQs about Online Doctors in Australia

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Prime Medic
Answering some FAQs about Online Doctors in Australia

Online doctors have become all the rage over the course of the pandemic. Most people prefer to stay away from high-risk settings like hospitals and clinics unless absolutely essential. Commonly helping provide medical advice for non-life-threatening problems like colds and flu, migraines and headaches, UTIs and contraceptives, and stomach flu and helping manage chronic health diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure, online doctors offer a more convenient and safer alternative to visiting a doctor in person. This is such a convenient option especially when online doctors are available 24/7 in Australia


If you have some questions about how telehealth services work and how they can help you, read on as we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about online health services in Australia.


Can I talk to a doctor online free?

Most online doctors charge a very minimal fee for their services. You should be wary of any online doctor services that seem to offer video consultations and medical certificates for free, as this could bring into question their authenticity. Even if you have to pay a small amount, this is usually much less than you would pay at a traditional doctor’s clinic if you don’t have insurance or Medicare. Even with insurance and Medicare, many medical service providers charge a gap fee which will still come out of your own pocket.


However, many other service providers also have a live chat function where you could quickly get in touch with a doctor for free for minor concerns like a sudden rash or a child who won’t stop crying in the middle of the night. 


Can online doctors prescribe medication?

Online doctors can prescribe repeat medication for conditions you have already seen a physical doctor for. This is especially helpful for people suffering from chronic health conditions who require repeat prescriptions every few months for the management of their disease, or for those simply looking for a prescription to stock up on their contraceptive pills.


Can online doctors prescribe anxiety medication?

Certain medications used to treat or manage anxiety symptoms fall under the Section 8 Controlled Substances category, which means an online doctor cannot prescribe you anxiety medication, even if they have been prescribed by your doctor before. For prescriptions of controlled substances, please consult your local doctor in person.


Are online doctors really doctors?

All doctors authorised to practice in Australia are managed by the AHPRA, and you can easily search up their name or registration number on the AHPRA website for authenticity. The same is the case for online doctors. Any doctor in Australia, whether practising in a clinic, a hospital or online must be AHPRA registered and could get fined or suspended for practising without a valid license.


Can an online doctor diagnose you?

Studies show that well over 60% of all GP appointments are for concerns that could easily have been addressed over the phone or through an online video consultation. Many minor illnesses and concerns can easily be diagnosed by just analysing the symptoms, including colds and flu, UTIs and stomach bugs, as well as most types of allergies. Many online healthcare services also allow you to upload pictures for the doctor to see, or have a video consultation to discuss your symptoms in detail. If the online doctor requires more information or if they feel a physical appointment is necessary for your diagnosis, you will be notified and in most cases, your fee will be refunded.

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