Why More Australians Are Choosing Online Doctors Over Traditional GP Clinics

While Australia has a proud and long-standing tradition of telehealth services, largely owing to its many remote and rural communities, many more Australians have fully embraced the online and telehealth trend in the last few years [3]. This was, of course, further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, floods, and the inclusion of broader telehealth services under the government’s Medicare rebate scheme [2]. But let’s examine what the main drivers for the trend are amongst patients. 

The (almost) round-the-clock availability of telehealth services, short waiting times for online doctors and ease of booking and attending appointments are certainly some of the major drivers [1].  

Not only can access to in-person clinics and practices be limited outside of the major population centres, but it also often involves long drives and advance booking. Cutting down wait times and reducing the time necessary to book and attend means less time out of patients’ schedules and less hassle.  

In addition, there are many doctor visits where patients know exactly what they are looking for – including a medical certificate, a prescription or a referral, or even a review of some results, where an in-person visit is not required. 

As Telehealth providers are becoming easier to schedule and use, with online, phone, and video options now available even at many doctors’ practices, these services are also becoming more popular amongst older Australians, which will almost certainly lead to even more widespread use of online doctors in the future. For a full review of Australian telehealth providers on MediCompare, click here. 

Telehealth appointments, if that’s a phone or video call with their local GP or an online consultation with a medical provider, are often cheaper than attending a doctor’s practice, in particular, if the consultation is covered by Medicare. 

Fuel and parking costs are also eliminated, which can all add up.  

Some telehealth providers now also offer flat monthly subscription fees, making appointments even more affordable.  

For routine check-ups, a physical appointment isn’t always required. Medical certificates and prescriptions often” just” require a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and sign off, especially for repeat scripts or certificates. 

In addition, the waiting time that can exit for in-person visits is still a major frustration for patients, who may have to take time off work to see a doctor, whereby they may be able to see a doctor from their office or from their home.  

One of the original drivers during the pandemic was the reduced risk of illness transmission. While this may not be top of the mind for every patient, those with lower immunity or frequent needs for consults may prefer reducing their exposure to further illnesses in the waiting room of the doctor’s practice [4]. 

A significant factor preventing vulnerable populations from seeking medical assistance can be societal stigma or anxiety around attending appointments. Telehealth consultations offer a way around this, meaning some marginalised or otherwise affected patients may be more likely to seek assistance and also follow through on treatments. 

The ability to remotely monitor and check in with patients more regularly or swiftly can greatly improve the success of medical treatment programs, where compliance or time plays a big factor, e.g. weight loss treatments or fast-progressing illnesses.  

Telehealth enables doctors and nurses to check in on their patients and answer questions in a timelier manner, which also supports greater trust, compliance, and ultimately the success of some treatment plans.

There are many factors influencing the rise of online doctors over traditional doctors in Australia. From personal considerations around cost, convenience, comfort and privacy over legislative changes to societal factors driving the change due to floods, the pandemic and a lack of resources available in remote and rural communities, the shift seems here to stay. Online doctors' consultations offer a solution to one of Australia’s biggest evergreen and more recent challenges.  

With the rise of better technologies, more widespread use of such services and relevant training for healthcare staff, it is likely that telehealth services will become even more widely spread and used. By choosing online doctors, Australians have access to often more convenient, personalised, and cost-effective healthcare, ultimately leading to better health outcomes. 

 All content on this page is purely for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. We advise you to seek professional medical assistance with any questions you may have. If your symptoms persist or worsen, seek immediate in-person medical assistance. 

[1] https://www.health.gov.au/topics/health-technologies-and-digital-health/about/telehealth#:~:text=Telehealth%20improves%20their%20health%20care,COVID%2D19%20public%20health%20orders.
[2] https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2021/october/telehealth-and-australian-general-practice 
[3] https://www.digitalhealth.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/telehealth#:~:text=Healthcare%20when%20you%20can%27t%20leave%20home%20If,can%20also%20reduce%20the%20spread%20of%20illness 
[4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10647122/