Can a telehealth GP help with gout?
Yes. An AHPRA-registered GP at NewDoc can take a gout history by video, prescribe acute-flare medication where clinically appropriate, order serum urate and kidney function tests, and manage long-term urate-lowering therapy.
The consultation, pathology, eScripts, and any specialist referral are bulk billed for eligible Medicare cardholders. In-person review is recommended for a first attack needing joint examination or an unclear diagnosis. A severely swollen, hot, red joint with fever may be septic arthritis: go to an emergency department the same day.
About gout
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, leading to crystal deposits in joints. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates around 224,000 Australians (0.9% of the adult population) are living with gout from the 2022 ABS National Health Survey; Australian general-practice data using diagnostic-code prevalence puts it closer to 1.5%, rising to 11% in men aged 85 and over. Three in four people living with gout are male. Flares typically involve sudden, severe pain in a single joint, often the big toe, with redness, swelling, and warmth.
Management involves treating acute flares and preventing recurrence with long-term urate-lowering therapy when appropriate. Lifestyle factors such as diet, alcohol, and hydration also play a role.
How a telehealth GP can help
A NewDoc GP can review your symptoms, prescribe medication for acute flares where clinically appropriate, order serum uric acid and kidney function tests, and plan long-term therapy. Follow-up appointments can monitor response and adjust treatment. Pathology requests and eScripts are sent electronically. You can request a blood test referral online or a repeat prescription during a consultation.
Risk factors for gout
Gout is more common in men, older adults, and people with a family history of the condition. Higher body weight, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and heart failure may all increase risk. Certain medications, including some diuretics used for blood pressure, may also raise uric acid levels.
Dietary patterns can influence uric acid levels. Alcohol (especially beer and spirits), sugary drinks sweetened with fructose, and foods high in purines such as red meat, offal, and some seafood may contribute. Dehydration can also trigger flares. Your GP will review your individual picture and discuss modifiable factors.
Gout medications: acute flare and long-term urate control
Gout treatment has two parts: settling the flare you have now, and lowering uric acid long-term so flares stop coming back. Commonly used options in Australian practice include:
Acute flare medications: best started early
- Colchicine: effective at low doses when started early in a flare; not suitable for everyone, including people with significant kidney impairment
- NSAIDs (such as naproxen, indometacin, or ibuprofen): a short course where there are no contraindications
- Oral corticosteroids (such as prednisone): a short course for people who can't take NSAIDs or colchicine, for example because of kidney impairment, blood thinners, or stomach ulcers
Long-term urate-lowering therapy (ULT)
ULT is usually considered for recurrent flares (two or more a year), tophi, joint damage on imaging, or urate kidney stones. Your GP starts at a low dose and adjusts gradually, guided by blood tests, until your uric acid reaches target, then treatment continues long-term:
- Allopurinol: the usual first choice, with the dose adjusted gradually based on your blood results. Your GP may discuss a genetic test (HLA-B*5801) first if you are in a group at higher risk of a rare, severe skin reaction
- Febuxostat: PBS-listed where allopurinol is ineffective or not tolerated
- Probenecid: an option in selected patients with good kidney function; less commonly used
A low daily dose of colchicine is often added for the first few months of urate-lowering therapy, because starting ULT can itself trigger flares while levels adjust.
Your GP will arrange serum urate and kidney function tests to confirm response and guide dose titration.
Tips for managing gout
Self-care strategies may complement medical treatment. Staying well hydrated, typically with water, is often recommended. Reducing alcohol intake (particularly beer and spirits), limiting sugary drinks, and moderating intake of high-purine foods may help support lower uric acid levels. Weight management, if relevant, may also reduce flare frequency over time.
During a flare, keeping the affected joint rested and elevated, using an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for short periods, and avoiding pressure on the joint may provide some relief alongside medications. Your GP may also discuss co-existing conditions such as high blood pressure or kidney disease, as treating these holistically can be part of overall gout management.
Monitoring and follow-up
Once urate-lowering therapy is started, follow-up blood tests are used to check that serum urate is within target range, typically after each dose adjustment and periodically once stable. Kidney function is usually checked alongside, as it informs safe dosing.
Telehealth follow-ups with your NewDoc GP are a convenient way to review results and discuss next steps. In-person review may be needed if a joint remains very painful or if there are concerns about joint damage, tophi, or complications such as kidney stones. If flares persist despite treatment, your GP may refer you to a rheumatologist.
References
- Gout, Healthdirect Australia
- Gout, Arthritis Australia
- Chronic musculoskeletal conditions: Gout, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
- Gout, Better Health Channel
This content is informational and does not replace individual medical advice. For personal assessment, book a consultation with your GP. In emergencies, call 000.
Last reviewed 15 May 2026. Editorial policy