Quick Online Repeat Script

Introduction

If you’ve run out of your regular script and find yourself in a bind, telehealth providers may be the answer. Most services offer repeat scripts at a cheaper rate than a full doctor’s consult, and some even offer it entirely bulk-billed. But what are the caveats, and how can you identify the best provider for you? MediCompare reviews providers so you don’t have to spend as much time finding the right fit.

With so many different telehealth providers around and all focusing on slightly different services, it can be tricky to identify the best ones for you. That’s why I’ve taken a closer look at how they stack up. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Opening Hours: Not all providers offer 24/7 services, and some with extended hours won’t get to your request until the next day.
• Cost: Fully bulk-billed repeat scripts are available via some providers, while others offer repeat scripts at a fraction of the cost of a doctor’s consult, even cheaper than the gap fee at some GP clinics.
• Number of Repeats: Most providers cap the number of repeats you can get on the cheaper service at one. This may be significantly less than what your GP would prescribe. If you’re paying out of pocket, it may also mean you pay much more for, say, your regular three repeats.
• Medications on Offer: Not all medications can be requested online. Doctors are unable to prescribe Schedule 8 and 4D medicines via a telehealth consultation [1]. Most providers have a search function on their site for medications available via a repeat script.
• Speed of eScript delivery: Most providers offer repeats within fifteen minutes, but some take several hours, so be sure you check with customer service on the current wait time!
• Doctor’s Consult: While some services offer questionnaire-based repeat scripts, best practice according to the AHPRA FILL means a short doctor’s consult should be included. Which option you choose depends on your circumstances.
• Medication Delivery Options: If you need the medication fast, it may be best to opt for Click and Collect or get it at your nearest pharmacy yourself. Some services offer delivery within two hours in metro areas.

Top Telehealth Providers:

• Hola Health: 24/7, fully bulk-billed on certain medications, doctor’s consult included, within 15 minutes, eScript within minutes, and medication delivery within 2 hours in many areas.
• Medmate: 24/7, $20, within minutes/ or 15 minutes for priority consult, doctor’s review included, 60-minute delivery available in some areas.
• Qoctor:  8 am to midnight weekdays and 9 am to 10 pm on weekends, $31.99, doctor’s consult included, within 15 minutes (if priority fee paid), limited partner pharmacies for same-day delivery (or as arranged by you).
• Our Sage: 7 am - 11 pm every day, $21, GP consult included, within minutes for repeats/ 15 minutes for priority consults, some delivery options via app.
• Abby Health: 24/7, bulk-billed, doctor’s consult included, appointment times advertised at the top of the site (sometimes within minutes), no delivery options.
• Instant Consult: 6 am to midnight every day, $45 (bulkbilled for infants), doctor’s consult included, under 15 minutes, no delivery options.
• Healthy Life: 24/7, $21.90 (including complimentary delivery), doctor’s consult included, within 15 minutes, some delivery options

• Make sure you double-check that you have input your Medicare details and name correctly.
• Select the exact medication you usually take.
• Be specific if you would like more than one repeat (if it is an option.)
• After receiving your repeat, check it reflects all of the above without any typos.
• Check the eScript has the doctor’s name and provider number as well as today’s date.

Finding the right telehealth provider depends on your circumstances. But with plenty of providers offering slightly different services, there’s sure to be one that suits your needs, from cheap access over fast turnaround time to 24/7 opening hours. Once you’ve picked one that looks like a good fit, you could read MediCompare’s in-depth review to check how they stack up.

This content is independently researched and fact-checked. It does not represent medical advice. Telehealth is designed to complement the care of your primary health care professional. Please always contact your GP with any medical questions you may have or if your condition worsens.

[1] https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-03/prescriptions-via-telehealth-state-and-territory-rules_0.pdf