There are many reasons a patient might not be able to walk into a clinic on any given day. You might be unwell and not fit to travel, a primary carer who cannot leave the house, or living in a more rural part of the Sunshine Coast where getting to a clinic takes real effort.
For these patients, the question is not whether they want to see a doctor, but how they can do it without the visit itself becoming a barrier. Telehealth online is the answer. At our Maroochydore GP clinic, it is a fully integrated part of how we deliver care to patients from the comfort of home.
What Telehealth Actually Means in General Practice
Telehealth is a scheduled consultation with your doctor conducted by phone or video call. It is not an automated symptom checker or a simple message exchange. It is a real appointment with a registered GP who has access to your full medical history.
Your doctor can discuss symptoms, provide clinical advice, issue prescriptions, order pathology, and make referrals. What distinguishes a genuine telehealth service is the continuity behind it. When you consult via telehealth online through your regular clinic, your doctor uses the same records they would use in person. You can learn more about the national standards for these services on the Australian Digital Health Agency website.
Who Benefits Most From Remote Consultations?
While telehealth is convenient for everyone, it is a vital resource for specific groups:
- Acutely Unwell Patients: If you are managing a fever or an infectious illness, sitting in a waiting room is not ideal. Telehealth allows for a safe initial assessment.
- Primary Carers: Those looking after young children or elderly parents can maintain their own health without the logistical stress of arranging alternative care.
- Patients with Chronic Conditions: For those with limited mobility or stamina, a 15-minute check-in from home is far less exhausting than a physical trip to the clinic.
- Rural Sunshine Coast Residents: For patients in Nambour, Yandina, or Eumundi, the distance to a clinic can be a barrier to seeking timely care.
How a Telehealth Appointment Works Step by Step
The process is straightforward and does not require you to be tech-savvy.
- Booking: Book through HotDoc or call the clinic directly. Telehealth slots at Maroochydore are available Wednesday to Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm.
- Preparation: Find a quiet space. For video calls, any smartphone or computer with a camera works. For phone calls, a standard connection is all you need.
- The Consultation: Your doctor will call you or send a secure video link. The appointment follows the same clinical rigour as an in-person visit.
- Follow-up: Prescriptions and referrals are processed and sent to your phone or pharmacy electronically.
Medicare Rebates and Eligibility in 2026
To access a Medicare rebate for telehealth online consultations, the “12-month rule” applies. You must have attended the clinic in person at least once in the past 12 months.
- Pricing Information: Our consultation fees vary depending on the length and complexity of the appointment. To view our current pricing schedule, including standard and long consultation rates and estimated out-of-pocket costs, please visit our Fees & Pricing Section.
For patients registered with MyMedicare, additional rebates may apply for longer consultations. You can check your registration status via your MyGov account.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does telehealth work if I have never visited the clinic?
New patients generally need one in-person visit first for Medicare rebates to apply. If you are too unwell to travel, contact us to discuss the best next step.
Can my GP send a prescription through telehealth?
Yes. Prescriptions are sent directly to your phone as an electronic token or to your preferred pharmacy.
Will I see my regular doctor?
Yes, you can book with your preferred GP. If they are unavailable, our team shares records securely so any doctor you speak with has your full history.
How do I book at One Health Clinics Maroochydore?
Book via HotDoc or call 1300 689 133. Telehealth is available from Wednesday to Friday, while in-person visits are held on Mondays and Tuesdays.