How does bulk billed telehealth work in Australia, and how do you choose a service?

The short answer

Two questions today: how does bulk billed telehealth actually work in Australia, and how do you pick the right service when there are so many to choose from?

What bulk billing actually means

Bulk billing means Medicare is charged directly for your appointment, so there is nothing to pay out of your own pocket if you're Medicare eligible. You need a Medicare card, not a credit card.

How a telehealth consult works

Just like a normal GP appointment, you book online. Instead of going into a clinic, you have a video or phone consult with a GP, and you get the same care you would in person.

You can talk through your symptoms, get medical advice, request referrals or renew a medication without leaving home.

Scripts and medical certificates

Need a prescription? The doctor sends an eScript straight to your phone or email, and you take it to almost any pharmacy to have your medication dispensed.

Need a medical certificate? The doctor writes it during the consult and it is emailed to you, usually within a minute.

The advantage of telehealth is that you do not have to travel or take half a day off work for a quick script renewal. And when the consult is bulk billed, Medicare pays for it, not you.

What to check when choosing a telehealth service

Not every telehealth service in Australia works the same way, so here are three things to look at.

First, fees. Some platforms charge you to write a script, or lock you into a subscription that adds up fast when all you need is a quick renewal or a doctor's certificate. Those fees are often hidden until you are mid-booking, and if you manage an ongoing condition and need repeat scripts every few months, that is not a one-off cost.

Second, who is actually seeing you. A doctor without specialist GP training can write you a script but may not be equipped to manage mental health, a chronic condition or anything outside the basics, and you end up back at square one chasing a referral.

Third, availability. Some platforms only run during business hours. What if it is a Sunday, you are unwell, and you need a certificate before your Monday shift?

How NewDoc works

NewDoc is an Australian telehealth platform with no hidden fees. Consults are bulk billed for eligible Medicare cardholders, from the consult through to the script, and you see fellowship-qualified specialist GPs (FRACGP or FACRRM).

Appointments run from 8 am to midnight, seven days a week. Next time you need a doctor, book with NewDoc and get an experienced GP looking after your health at a time that suits you.