Regular Health Checks Made Easy with Telehealth

Keeping up with routine health checks is a cornerstone of preventive care. In fact, regular checkups are an integral part of an early detection and management strategy for chronic disease in remote communities [1]. And yet, many Australians face long drives and full waiting rooms to see a GP – and not only those of us living in regional, rural, or remote areas.

Telehealth has become a mainstream solution for managing these sorts of routine appointments, as it helps you stay on top of your health – at a time that suits you - without even leaving your home. It can help bridge the gap between seeing a doctor only when absolutely necessary and early detection of many illnesses.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of using telehealth for managing regular check-ups and how to decide whether to go online or in-person – and how to find a good in-between.

The Australian government describes telehealth as a vital part of a modern, safe, accessible healthcare system for all Australians [2]. The biggest benefit of using virtual consults for regular health checks is that doing so can help prevent many diseases and catch others before it’s too late to change their course. Some health checks and screening tests can help prevent serious illnesses like cancer [3]. If your telehealth doctor notices early warning signs, they can refer you to a specialist or for an in-person check-up.

Convenient scheduling also means that appointments can be booked for a time that suits you, often during extended business hours every day or even 24/7, fitting around your schedule and cutting down on waiting time – and ultimately making it more likely you will comply with your check-up regimen.

Virtual doctors’ visits give improved access for patients living far from the nearest clinic, connecting you with a GP or other health professional without a lengthy drive, and consequently reduces indirect costs for your downtime, fuel, parking or road tolls. This can be especially helpful for families and other patients on a budget.

Ongoing management of chronic conditions via telehealth using the same provider or even doctor and logging all notes in My Health records offers greater continuity of care. It allows for more regular follow-ups or urgent assistance to tweak any treatment through quick video or phone check-ins.

Finally, telehealth provides quick access to prescriptions and referrals, even after hours and also includes nationwide medication delivery.

While virtual consults can help with many regular healthcare needs, they have certain limitations compared to in-person visits. These largely centre on a lack of continuity of care when the provider does not allow you to book with the same healthcare professional or does not connect to My Health Record. This is typically not a problem with premium providers and those offering more booking options and comprehensive services.

Online consults are also limited when it comes to physical examinations: doctors may not be able to conduct as thorough a visual inspection of lumps, rashes and the like and are very limited with palpating or, for example, physically assessing the range of motion of a limb. Administering some treatments by applying wound care, medication or injections, for example, also requires in-person assistance. In an elderly care setting, resident nurses or other staff can sometimes assist with some of these functions.

For diagnostic tests, including pathology and imaging, patients also generally need to head to their nearest lab, clinic or hospital.

Another consideration may be your out-of-pocket cost. While some telehealth providers, such as Abby Health, offer largely bulk-billed services, the majority of providers charge a private fee, often more affordable than visiting an in-person clinic. Some providers, like Greencare with its chronic condition management approach, offer compassionate fee-waiver programs for some patients. It is also worth checking with your private health insurance to see if you receive any rebates.

Finally, telehealth appointments rely on a stable internet or phone connection, which not all patients may have in remote regions of Australia.

Note: In an emergency, you should dial 000 or head to your nearest A&E.

1. Check the telehealth provider’s bulk billing eligibility and credentials. MediCompare offers easy comparison tools and in-depth reviews.
2. Prepare your environment, so you can have your consult in a quiet, private space, have your Medicare card handy, and ideally test your camera/microphone ahead of time.
3. Prepare your health information, including a list of current medications and symptoms, allergies, recent test results and any questions ready. While your consulting doctor may have access to My Health Record, this will help ensure they are fully up to date.
4. Read up on and understand the follow-up process. After the consult, you’ll typically receive an eScript, referral or medical certificate within minutes. But if you do need any additional tests or visits, make sure you know whether your provider will notify and assist you or whether you need to arrange these yourself.

Telehealth can be a great asset for managing your health long-term and having regular check-ups. While it can’t replace the care you receive at an in-person appointment, a dedicated telehealth doctor can help you lower long-term health risks and potentially speed up the discovery of illnesses. It’s accessible, convenient and often of high quality, provided you choose your regular online doctor with care.

The key is to check provider credentials, prepare your tech and health details before each appointment, and recognise the service’s limits. With a little prep, you can make the most of virtual care while staying safely connected to your regular GP.

This article is for informational purposes only and is no substitute for professional medical advice. Please choose your provider with care. Always consult your doctor or a qualified health professional regarding any health-related questions or concerns.

[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10314503/
[2] https://www.digitalhealth.gov.au/
[3] https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/regular-health-checks