Telehealth for Chronic Illness

When you are suffering from a chronic health condition, like diabetes or heart disease, you may be wary of using online providers. But given you know what to look for, virtual health providers can fill a gap for fast access to convenient care at times when you may not be able to see your regular GP or specialist. For example, a trusted telehealth provider can prescribe regular medication, when you are running low, or provide after-hours care that’s in line with your primary physician’s recommendations. If you find a specialist who offers virtual consults, you can also often fast-track getting access to expert care with shorter wait times. My guide is designed to help you find the best telehealth provider for your specific condition.

It may feel counterintuitive, but your GP is the best starting point. They are deeply familiar with your medical history and current needs. They may also have highly recommended specialists in their network who offer telehealth services. By asking your GP for a referral, you also ensure continuity, as the specialist will send their notes back to your GP. However, your GP may not be able to recommend any specific nationwide providers or more comprehensive telehealth service with after-hours care.

That’s where searching for an online provider might come in. For certain conditions, specialised providers offer specific telehealth support, which include educational and diagnostic video consultations and medication management. For other conditions, you may want to find a highly rated comprehensive telehealth provider also offering assistance with chronic conditions. Here’s where you can find reputable, vetted providers:

Peak Body Websites and National Patient Organisations

These sites are valuable resources, as they often offer directories or recommendations for telehealth support tailored to the management of a specific condition.

For example, the Diabetes Australia and the Heart Foundation have not just useful online resources but also provide access to support groups. These virtual care groups offer plenty of information on managing and living with chronic illnesses, as well as emotional support.

Comprehensive Telehealth Services for Chronic Disease Management

There are definite upsides to using a more general telehealth provider to help manage chronic conditions, including the after-hours access, extremely fast service (sometimes within 15 minutes), access to some bulk billing, and additional health professionals, such as psychologists or dietitians, available through the service. This combination can help support you through remote monitoring and personalised health plans. Here are a few top providers I have vetted. You can find in-depth reviews on MediCompare.

• Hola Health: One of the fastest, most consistently high-ranking 24/7 telehealth sites with mid-range prices and some bulk billing. This provider is also available via Healthy Life, which adds an alternative medicine option and wellness shop.
• Prime Medic: A premium and comprehensive telehealth site that also offers bulk billing with certain doctors and allows you to schedule GP appointments and follow-ups.
• Updoc: A top-rated telehealth site with a monthly subscription option, making regular follow-ups and remote chronic condition support more affordable.
• Doctors On Demand: This is another great choice due to its high ratings, 24/7 care, multilingual services, and great network of specialists.

There are multiple approaches you could take to access telehealth for a chronic condition: check with your GP, visit the peak body’s website, and compare general telehealth providers’ sites. As chronic conditions require ongoing management, you may want to build up a strong support network using various options to cover all your bases.

Before booking, do check on the provider’s specific support for your condition, confirm whether they offer bulk billing, and check in with your private health insurer for coverage, too.

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.