What's the difference between NewDoc and HealthEngine?
They are different kinds of service. NewDoc is a direct telehealth GP service: you book and see a NewDoc FRACGP-qualified GP by phone or video, and the consultation is bulk-billed at $0 for eligible Medicare cardholders. HealthEngine is a booking platform and directory: you use it to find and book appointments at independent clinics, and you pay whatever the clinic you choose charges.
So the choice is about what you want: a guaranteed $0 bulk-billed telehealth consultation with NewDoc, or a tool to search, compare, and book a specific clinic (telehealth or in-person) with HealthEngine.
NewDoc vs HealthEngine at a glance
NewDoc and HealthEngine are not really competitors in the same category, so it helps to be clear about what each one is. NewDoc is a provider: it employs FRACGP-qualified GPs and bulk-bills the telehealth consultation it offers. HealthEngine is a platform: it does not employ doctors or set fees, but lists independent clinics so patients can find and book an appointment. With HealthEngine, the cost, the billing, and whether a visit is bulk-billed are all decided by the clinic you book, not by HealthEngine.
The table below sets out how the two differ on the dimensions that matter. Comparison data verified as at 6 June 2026.
| Dimension | NewDoc | HealthEngine |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Bulk-billed Medicare consult | Free booking platform (you pay the clinic, not HealthEngine) |
| Lowest listed price | $0 (Medicare) | Free to search and book; you pay the booked clinic's fee |
| Bulk-billed? | Yes | Depends on the clinic; HealthEngine offers a bulk-billing filter |
| Doctor type | FRACGP-qualified GPs only | Independent clinics (30,000+ practitioners across 10,000+ practices) |
| Same-day availability | Yes | Depends on clinic availability (same-day and after-hours filters offered) |
| Mental health care plan | Yes (bulk-billed) | Depends on the clinic |
| Referrals | Yes (included in consult) | Depends on the clinic |
Comparison data verified as at 6 June 2026. Values reflect each provider's lowest publicly listed pricing or stated feature on their own website. Prices and features change — check HealthEngine directly for current information before booking. "Bulk-billed" = no out-of-pocket cost for eligible Medicare cardholders.
When NewDoc fits
NewDoc suits you when you want care handled directly, without searching for a clinic. Choose NewDoc if any of the following apply:
- You want a guaranteed $0 bulk-billed consultation for eligible Medicare cardholders, rather than a cost that varies by clinic.
- You want a FRACGP-qualified Australian-trained general practitioner specifically.
- You want a telehealth consultation now and a script, certificate, or referral sent to you, without comparing practices.
- You would rather not search, filter, and choose between clinics to find one that bulk-bills.
When HealthEngine might fit
HealthEngine is useful for a different job. Choose HealthEngine if any of the following apply:
- You want to find and book a specific local clinic or a particular practitioner.
- You need an in-person appointment, which a telehealth-only service such as NewDoc does not provide.
- You want to book a service outside general practice, such as dental, physiotherapy, or an in-person specialist.
- You want to compare several clinics on location and availability before booking.
The two can also be complementary: NewDoc for a quick bulk-billed telehealth GP consultation, and HealthEngine when you need to find a particular in-person or non-GP appointment. For a genuine emergency, call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department rather than booking either.
Verify both before booking
Models and features change. Every claim above was verified against each provider's public information as at 6 June 2026. Before you book, confirm current details on NewDoc's pricing page and check HealthEngine's own site, including each clinic's own fees and billing. For a wider comparison across all major Australian online doctor services, see our hub comparison.
Last reviewed 6 June 2026. Editorial policy