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Long COVID Support Online

Speak with a bulk billed telehealth GP about long COVID. Symptom assessment, investigations, and referrals to allied health and specialist services.

Can a telehealth GP help with long COVID?

Yes. An AHPRA-registered GP at NewDoc can take a thorough post-COVID symptom history by video, order pathology to investigate other causes (full blood count, iron studies, thyroid, inflammatory markers, plus cardiac or respiratory tests where relevant), coordinate specialist referrals, and plan a pacing and recovery approach.

There is no single medication that treats long COVID — management focuses on specific symptoms (sleep, mood, pain, breathlessness) and rehabilitation. A Chronic Disease Management Plan can give you access to allied health. The consultation, pathology, and referrals are bulk billed for eligible Medicare cardholders.

What is long COVID?

Long COVID, also known as post-COVID-19 condition, describes symptoms that continue or develop after the initial COVID-19 infection and persist beyond the expected recovery period. Definitions vary. Some use 4 weeks as the threshold, others use 12 weeks or more. Symptoms vary widely between people and can include fatigue, cognitive difficulties (“brain fog”), breathlessness, chest pain, palpitations, sleep disturbance, mood changes, and changes in taste or smell.

The exact causes of long COVID are still being researched. Management focuses on individualised assessment, treating specific symptoms, excluding other causes, and supported pacing and rehabilitation.

How a telehealth GP can help

A NewDoc GP can take a detailed history, arrange initial investigations, and develop a management plan targeted at your most troublesome symptoms. This may include medications for specific symptoms (for example for pain or sleep), sleep and pacing strategies, and referrals to rehabilitation providers, cardiology, respiratory medicine, neurology, or allied health as appropriate.

Because long COVID can last months, a Chronic Disease Management Plan may be appropriate for some people, giving access to Medicare-rebated allied health sessions. Mental health support, such as a Mental Health Treatment Plan with psychology, can also be part of the plan if mood or anxiety symptoms are contributing.

Risk factors for long COVID

Long COVID can occur in anyone who has had COVID-19, including after mild infections and in children. Research is evolving, but some factors that may be associated with higher risk include the severity of the initial infection (especially requiring hospitalisation), female sex, and pre-existing conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or obesity.

Being unvaccinated or under-vaccinated at the time of infection may also be associated with higher risk of prolonged symptoms in some studies. Your GP will assess your individual situation and review any relevant medical history when discussing your care.

Management approaches

Management is individualised and symptom-led. Fatigue is often addressed with pacing, balancing activity with rest to avoid post-exertional symptom worsening. Overly rapid return to activity is not usually advised. Sleep optimisation, gradual reintroduction of activity where tolerated, and addressing any mental health contributors are important.

For breathlessness, referral to respiratory medicine or a supervised respiratory rehabilitation programme may be considered. For palpitations or chest symptoms, your GP will arrange initial investigations such as an ECG and may refer to cardiology. Pain, headache, and brain fog are managed with a combination of lifestyle strategies, targeted investigations, and therapy-based approaches.

Overlaps with chronic fatigue, anxiety, and depression are common. Treating co-existing conditions is often part of long COVID care.

When to seek urgent care

Seek urgent care for severe chest pain, marked shortness of breath, new neurological symptoms, or any acute deterioration. Call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department.

References

This content is informational and does not replace individual medical advice. For personal assessment, book a consultation with your GP. In emergencies, call 000.

Reviewed by Dr. Jason Yu FRACGP

Last reviewed 22 April 2026. Editorial policy

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Frequently asked questions

Can a telehealth GP help with long COVID?

Yes. A GP can take a thorough history of your symptoms since COVID-19 infection, arrange investigations to look for other causes, coordinate referrals, and plan a pacing and recovery approach.

What investigations might my GP order?

Depending on symptoms, tests may include a full blood count, iron studies, thyroid function, inflammatory markers, and where relevant, cardiac or respiratory investigations. Referrals to specialists may be appropriate.

Is there a specific medication for long COVID?

There is no single medication that treats long COVID. Management focuses on addressing specific symptoms (such as sleep, mood, pain, or breathlessness) and rehabilitation. Your GP can tailor an individual approach.

Can I get a Chronic Disease Management Plan for long COVID?

If you meet the criteria for a chronic condition lasting or likely to last six months or more, your GP may be able to create a Chronic Disease Management Plan. This can give access to allied health supports such as physiotherapy or psychology.

Is the consultation bulk billed?

Yes. NewDoc bulk bills telehealth consultations for eligible Medicare cardholders. There is no out-of-pocket cost for the consultation, eScripts, or pathology referrals.

Can I get long COVID care online in Australia?

Yes. Australian-trained GPs can review your symptoms via a secure video consultation, arrange blood tests, prescribe symptom-targeted medications where clinically appropriate, and issue referrals to specialist or allied health services.

How does an online long COVID consultation work?

You book a telehealth appointment, complete a short intake, and meet your GP via video. Your GP will take a detailed symptom history, review any investigations done to date, and plan next steps. Referrals and scripts are issued electronically.

What are the common risk factors for long COVID?

Risk factors may include severity of the initial infection, certain pre-existing conditions, female sex, and age. However, long COVID can occur after mild infections too. Your GP will assess your individual situation.

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