Understanding telehealth: what is it and how can it help you?
Telehealth changes the way we can access medical care, making it easier and more convenient to speak with a doctor or get a prescription without leaving our home. But, there are some common questions around telehealth. For example, is it suitable for every medical or health care need? And, does it cost more than a face-to-face consultation?
We’ve answered your top telehealth questions to help you feel more comfortable using telehealth and reaping the benefits.
Are you an nib member? We've partnered with hub.health to give you access to an experienced network of Australian-based GPs (doctors) and nurse practitioners.
What is telehealth?
Simply put, telehealth allows you to access healthcare virtually. Some common ways people use telehealth are:
Consultations over the phone with your GP or psychologist
Getting a referral from your GP emailed to you after an over-the-phone consultation
Your doctor might ask you questions over the phone to diagnose your symptoms
Filling prescriptions online and getting them delivered to your door
Using devices to monitor health concerns like heart rate or blood sugar levels while you’re at home. The information from these devices is sent to your healthcare professional
Getting an online medical certificate
Accessing preventative health management programs through phone or online consultations.
Because telehealth happens virtually, it makes it more convenient for you to access the healthcare you need without having to battle traffic, parking or putting on a pair of jeans.
Telehealth vs telemedicine
You may have heard the terms ‘telehealth’ or ‘telemedicine’ used interchangeably, so is there a difference? Telehealth is a broad term encompassing clinical consultations with a healthcare provider over the phone, including all the examples we discussed above. Telemedicine, on the other hand, is a subset of telehealth and refers to the virtual sharing of patient information between health professionals for evaluation, diagnosis, treatment or education.
Benefits of telehealth
Telehealth technology has helped make health more accessible so you can avoid the struggles that often come with driving to a clinic, and simply enjoy the convenience of getting your health needs met while wearing your favourite trackie-dacks.
It’s also increased access to healthcare for people who are immunocompromised or who live in remote areas. There’s now more choice when it comes to choosing our healthcare provider as we’re no longer constrained by location or distance.
Not having to leave the house just to get a medical certificate or pick up a prescription if you’re feeling unwell or are caring for sick kids at home is a major benefit for busy parents (well, busy anyone actually).
Above all though, telehealth means you can stay at home and isolate if you’re feeling unwell so you don’t risk infecting others (or getting sick) by sitting in a communal waiting room.
How can I use telehealth?
nib members can access exclusive discounts for telehealth appointments. Learn more on our dedicated telehealth page. You can book a telehealth appointment through the nib App or website and get access to a GP ASAP.
You can also use nib’s find a provider tool to search for certain practitioners who offer telehealth. Alternatively, contact your doctor, specialist or allied health practitioner directly to ask whether they provide telehealth consultations; they’ll also be able to advise if your condition is appropriate for a telehealth consultation. The important thing to remember is that a telehealth consultation may not be recommended for everyone and sometimes it’s essential you go into a medical clinic to see your healthcare professional for a face-to-face consultation.
Related: What you can and can’t use telehealth for.
Is telehealth covered by Medicare?
If you have a valid Medicare card and meet the eligibility criteria, Medicare may help cover the cost of some out of hospital telehealth services. As a general rule of thumb, what you pay for an in-person consult will be what is charged for a telehealth appointment. Visit Services Australia or speak with your healthcare professional for more information.
Can I use my nib private health insurance to claim telehealth for GP appointments?
nib members who are Australian residents cannot use their private health insurance to claim GP telehealth appointments.
However our partnership with hub.health means Australian residents can access a network of GPs anywhere in the country, and access exclusive pricing for GP telehealth.
Members with overseas student cover and overseas workers with cover that includes out-patient GP services can access telehealth using the nib App and claim for 100% of the cost of telehealth consultations with our partner hub.health. Visit our dedicated GP telehealth page to learn more.
What telehealth can I claim for with my nib private health insurance?
nib members who carry a level of Extras cover which pays benefits for psychology, physiotherapy, dietetics, speech pathology, occupational therapy, exercise physiology and podiatry, and hospital cover for rehabilitation care, can use their cover to claim on appropriate treatment via telehealth appointments.1
Find the telehealth service you need or get to know more about telehealth and your cover.
1nib will cover appropriate treatment using telehealth for eligible members with recognised providers. This is subject to your chosen level of cover, availability at your chosen clinic, policy exclusions, waiting periods and limits. May not be appropriate for all consultations. Only individual telehealth consultations are covered, groups and classes are currently not funded for telehealth. nib Fund Rules and Policy Booklet Terms apply.