Telehealth Consultations: How They Work and Who Can Benefit – When to use telehealth, setting up technology, and advantages over in-person visits.
Telehealth Consultations: How They Work and Who Can Benefit – When to use telehealth, setting up technology, and advantages over in-person visits.
You do not have to leave home to see your doctor.
At Molonglo Valley Medical Centre, we offer phone and video GP appointments. You call in, your doctor joins, and care happens — right where you are.
This guide explains how it all works. It also covers who it suits most and how to get set up fast.
Part of other guide series: Accessing Healthcare Services at Molonglo Valley Medical Centre
What Is a Phone or Video GP Appointment?
It is a GP visit done by call. You and your doctor meet at a set time. You talk, they listen, and they help — just like a normal visit.
Your doctor can check your symptoms. They can look at your test results. They can write a script or send a referral. All of this can happen without you leaving your chair.
This type of care is not a lesser option. For the right situation, it works just as well as coming in.
How to Book and Attend — Step by Step
Step 1 — Make a Booking
Go to HotDoc or our website. Pick a remote GP appointment. Choose your doctor and a time that suits you.
Rather call us? Our team will book it over the phone. Just ask.
Step 2 — Check Your Confirmation
We send a text or email to confirm. It has your time and a secure link for the video call.
No app needed. No download required. Just click the link when it is time.
Step 3 — Join the Call
At your appointment time, click the link. Your doctor will be there.
Talk through your concerns. Ask questions. It feels just like a face-to-face chat.
If video does not work on the day, a phone call works just as well.
Step 4 — Get What You Need
After the call, your doctor sends your script to the pharmacy. Referrals and care plan updates go out digitally too.
In most cases, you do not need to visit the clinic at all.
Who Is It Best For?
Remote GP appointments work well for many people. Here are those who find them most useful.
Busy Parents and Workers
Taking time off work for a short GP visit is hard. Sorting childcare adds to that.
A remote appointment fits into your day. You can call in from work, from home, or from your car. No leave needed.
Older Patients and Those with Mobility Issues
Getting to a clinic can be tiring. For some patients, it is painful too.
A remote call means no travel, no stairs, and no waiting. You speak with your own doctor from your own home. That matters a lot.
Patients Who Live Further Away
Not everyone lives close to a clinic. Distance should not be a barrier to good care.
Remote appointments give you access to your GP — no matter where you are in the Canberra region.
Patients with Anxiety or Mental Health Needs
For some people, clinic visits feel stressful. Speaking from home can feel much safer.
Mental Health Care Plans can be set up and reviewed over a remote call. You get the support you need in a space that feels right for you.
Routine and Follow-Up Visits
Many GP visits do not need a physical check. Reviewing results, renewing a script, or checking in on a condition can all be done by call.
It saves you time. It is just as thorough.
What Can Be Done in a Remote Appointment?
A lot. Here is what your GP can handle over phone or video:
• Mental Health Care Plans — new plans and reviews
• Repeat scripts and referral renewals
• Check-ins for diabetes, blood pressure, and other long-term conditions
• Reviewing blood tests, scan results, and specialist letters
• Medical certificates and health clearances
• Assessing mild illness — coughs, rashes, early infections
• Pre- and post-surgery conversations
• Workers compensation reviews and capacity certificates
Some things do need an in-person visit. Physical exams, wound care, and on-site tests cannot be done remotely.
Your GP will tell you straight away if you need to come in.
Will It Cost Me Anything?
That depends on your situation. We use a mixed billing model here. It applies to both clinic and remote visits.
You may pay nothing if you are:
• A child aged 15 or under with a Medicare card
• A pensioner or concession card holder
• A Healthcare Card holder
• In a rural or remote area — in some cases
A fee may apply if:
Your appointment is long. Or it involves a detailed care plan. Or it is complex in other ways. This is the same approach we use for in-person visits.
Call us before your appointment. We will tell you what to expect. No surprises.
Part of other guide series : Understanding Bulk Billing and Private Billing Options – How to know if you’re eligible for bulk billing and what out-of-pocket costs to expect.
What Our Patients Say
Managing Diabetes From Home — Coombs
"I check in with my GP every few weeks by video. She looks at my results and adjusts my plan if needed. I am done in under 20 minutes. No drive, no parking, no stress."
Mental Health Support That Felt Safe — Wright
"Clinics felt hard for me. Calling from my couch was different. My GP set up a Mental Health Care Plan and referred me to a local psychologist. That call changed things for me."
A Script Renewal in Under 15 Minutes — Molonglo Valley
"I needed a repeat prescription. I booked online, called in, and it was done fast. The pharmacy had it ready before I even hung up. That is the kind of care I want."
Part of other guide series : Patient Stories: Experiences and Outcomes from Molonglo Valley Medical Centre – Case studies and testimonials highlighting care quality and services.
What Do You Need to Get Started?
Setup is simple. Most people are ready in under a minute.
You need:
• A phone, tablet, or computer
• A camera and microphone — most devices have these built in
• A Wi-Fi or mobile data connection
• A quiet spot where you can talk in private
You do not need:
• Any app or software download
• A new or expensive device
• Any tech skills at all
Having trouble? Call our reception team. We will help you sort it out before your appointment.
Remote or In-Person — How to Decide
Not sure which to pick? Use this as your guide.
Choose a remote appointment when you:
• Need a script or referral renewed
• Are due for a mental health check-in
• Want to go over test results
• Are doing a routine check for a long-term condition
• Cannot get to the clinic easily
Come in person when you:
• Need a physical examination
• Are having a skin check or minor procedure
• Are new to our practice
• Need a blood test or vaccine
• Have been told by your GP to come in
Still not sure? Call us. Our team will help you pick the right option.
Quick Answers to Common Questions
Is a remote visit as good as coming in?
Yes — for many types of care. Follow-ups, scripts, mental health reviews, and results chats all work well remotely. Your GP will say if an in-person visit is needed.
How do I book a remote appointment?
Go to HotDoc or our website. Select a remote appointment. Pick your doctor and a time. It takes about two minutes. Or just call us.
Can I be bulk billed for a remote appointment?
You may qualify if you are a child, pensioner, or concession card holder. Call us first to check.
What health issues can I raise in a remote call?
Most routine ones. Scripts, referrals, mental health plans, results, and condition reviews all work well. Your GP will redirect you if you need to come in.
Where can I read about other patients' experiences?
Our website has real stories from patients in the Molonglo Valley area. They share how remote care has worked for them.
Other related article
• Accessing Healthcare Services at Molonglo Valley Medical Centre
Take Action on Your Health Today
Your health matters at every stage of life. From routine check-ups and preventive care to managing ongoing health concerns, early medical support can make a real difference. At Molonglo Valley Medical Centre, our experienced GPs provide professional, compassionate care for individuals and families in a comfortable environment.
📅 Book your appointment today
https://www.molonglovalleymedicalcentre.com.au/contact
Call Us: 0251103155
📧 Email Us: reception@molonglovalleymedicalcentre.com.au
