Valued patients, we have recently changed the way we conduct ‘telehealth’ appointments at our practice. Medicare rebates for ‘telehealth’ have been significantly reduced from 1st July 2021. We have changed our approach to ‘telehealth’ to ensure patients always have access to the highest appropriate rebate possible. Read below for more information.
What is ‘telehealth’?
As you may be aware, the Federal Government introduced ‘telehealth’ consultations to the Medicare Benefits Scheme in March 2020.
‘Telehealth’ appointments are consultations that you have with the doctor either: 1) over the telephone or 2) via video link. These appointments were designed to give patients access to medical services without the need to physically attend the practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is the change?
From 1st July 2021, the Government has determined that consultations over the phone will no longer be encouraged, and they have reflected this by removing the Medicare rebate for a large number of appointment types. Instead, video consultations are encouraged moving forward.
Patients at our practice have enthusiastically embraced ‘telehealth’. To date, our practice has only held these appointments over the phone as we felt this was the most convenient option for patients.
We want to ensure that our patients always have access to the highest Medicare rebate possible. As a result of these changes, we will no longer be booking telephone appointments and will instead move to the video link option.
How will the video appointments work?
We will be using Hotdoc to provide you with an easy, secure video link for these appointments. No extra apps or downloading is needed – just a computer, tablet or smart phone.
When you make your appointment, Hotdoc will automatically send you a link. You need to click or open this link in a web browser at the time of your appointment and it will connect you to the doctor.
Click here for Hotdoc’s quick guide to attending your video consult.
How do I make an appointment?
Telehealth appointments should be made via Hotdoc. Booking through Hotdoc ensures you are sent a secure video link for the appointment and will provide you with an estimate fee for the appointment.
Although Hotdoc will ask for your credit card details, you will not be charged until after the consultation and we will not charge your card if you are a bulk-billed patient. Concession fees will also be applied manually by our team for patients with concession status.
Are there any fees for telehealth?
There may be a fee for your appointment. We charge the same rate for telehealth and face-to-face appointments. A summary of the fees is listed below. Up-to-date versions are always available on our website.
| Consultation | Private Fee | Medicare Rebate | Out of pocket (Gap) |
| Standard (<20 mins) | $80 | $39.10 | $40.90 |
| Long (20-39 mins) | $120 | $75.70 | $44.30 |
| Extra Long (40+ mins) | $160 | $111.50 | $48.50 |
You will need to pay the full fee via Hotdoc. Once we have received confirmation of your payment, reception will process your Medicare rebate for you in the practice – exactly the same as we do for your face-to-face appointments.
How can I pay for my appointment?
There are 2 ways you can pay for your appointment:
- If you booked through Hotdoc: Hotdoc will take your credit or debit card details at the time of booking and provide you with an estimated charge based on the appointment type you have booked. You will not be charged until after your appointment. After your appointment, we will check that the fee matches the length of appointment and your billing status and authorise the charge to your card. If you are a bulk-billed patient, we will cancel the payment request.
- If you booked over the phone or in the clinic: you will receive an SMS after your appointment with a secure payment link to pay for your appointment.
It is always preferable that bookings for telehealth are made via Hotdocs, as this provides better information security for both you and the practice.
Remember, COVID restrictions aside, we are always happy to see you face-to-face in our clinic and we hope to see you soon!