Accessing new or repeat prescriptions can be faster and more convenient by using an online telehealth provider. Since the introduction of eScripts, which can be sent straight to your phone as an SMS, your email, or a pharmacy of your choice as tokens [1], obtaining your medication digitally has become a great alternative, especially if you cannot get to your GP or can’t get an in-person appointment. Whatever your reasons, getting a prescription is only a phone or video call away. Let’s take a look at how to get it – fast.
Fastest Way to Get a Prescription Online
Fastest Way to Get a Prescription Online
1. Pick a Telehealth Services Offering Fast Prescriptions
In Australia, you are truly spoilt for choice, with your options ranging from bulk-billing after-hour services, like 13SICK, comprehensive premium providers like Prime Medic that also offer some bulk-billing, subscription-based services with a monthly flat rate, such as Updoc, or affordable one-off services, including Instant Consult.
Here’s what you want to check when choosing your provider: pricing, speed, and delivery options. If you are unsure what medical conditions you need help with, you may also want to select a GP-based telehealth service such as Prime Medic over a service like Midoc that is based on questionnaires and reviews by AHPRA-registered doctors.
There are plenty to choose from that offer swift consultations, including those offering to speak to a doctor within 15 minutes, like Instant Consult, Hola Health, Our Sage, and My Telehealth Consult. Many others, like Next Clinic, also guarantee appointments within one hour. You may also find services or doctors available for urgent telehealth appointments via Healthdirect [2]. For a more detailed review, check out MediCompare’s in-depth pages for some of the most popular providers.
2. Book Your Online Consultation
While some services offer questionnaire-based prescriptions, best practice [1] requires a digital consultation with an AHPRA-registered doctor with a provider number. Most services provide pretty straightforward sign-up processes. Some allow you to book via a 1300 number while others require you to download an app or register via their website.
It is a good idea to have your Medicare card and credit card at hand, depending on whether your provider offers bulk-billed consultations.
When booking, verify the cost and what number the doctor will be calling from.
Also, if possible, check now what medication delivery options are available. Some telehealth providers offer pharmacy concierge service or an active script list, where your script is sent directly to their delivering pharmacy or one of your choice. Sometimes, choosing to pick up the medication at your nearest pharmacy may be your fastest option, especially if you are outside metro areas. It is a good idea to check how to ensure that you get your medication within hours, not in two days like with some slower providers.
3. Regardless of whether you are scheduling a specific time or booking the next available appointment, make sure you have your phone nearby and take it out of silent mode. One of the most common complaints I read in user reviews is that they missed the call and could not connect with the doctor, consequently. It may be worthwhile choosing a service with better customer service responses to avoid problems down the track.
Ideally, have a list of your symptoms and questions on or near your phone, as you may only have a short phone call and don’t want to be caught off-guard and forget to ask questions.
4. During the consultation, ensure you understand the exact dosage, timing, and mode of taking the medication. For example, do you need to have it on a full or empty stomach? Also, check on any potential contraindications, e.g., with medications or vitamins you are taking regularly.
Check how long you should continue the medication, whether a follow-up is required, and when to contact the doctor, if you aren’t improving or worsening.
Check that the doctor has the exact spelling of your name and correct Medicare number.
Double-check if your health record can/ will be shared with your GP to ensure greater continuity of care.
5. You will receive a separate token for each script. If possible, check you got the correct dosage and medication while still on the phone or straight after you receive it. Many services allow for quick changes if there are any mistakes, if you contact them within minutes of the consultation. (Waiting longer can mean the prescribing doctor may not be on duty anymore, which occasionally isn’t handled swiftly by some telehealth providers.
6. If you are organising delivery or pickup with your nearest pharmacy yourself, forward the token and follow up to check it was received. Double-check current wait times or engage a delivery service such as DoorDash to get your medication delivered.
Disclaimer
This content is for information only. It does not replace professional medical advice. Please get in touch with your doctor with any medical or health-related questions you may have.