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Telehealth

What it is

Telehealth refers to healthcare provided remotely using technology and can include:

  • Telephone consultations

  • Video consultations

  • Remote monitoring in some settings

 

Telehealth allows patients and healthcare professionals to engage without being physically present in the same location.  It is one method of delivery care within a broad, complex health system, however it does not replace in person health care.

 

How it fits into the Australian health system

Telehealth is used across multiple parts of the health system, including:

  • General practice

  • Specialist services

  • Mental health services

  • Allied health services

  • Public and private healthcare settings

 

Some telehealth services may be funded through Medicare, depending on government policy settings; whilst others may be privately billed.  Funding arrangements are determined by government policy. Clinical decisions about whether telehealth is appropriate are made by healthcare professionals.

 

Why it is used

In general, telehealth may:

  • Support access to care in rural and remote areas

  • Reduce travel time

  • Assist with follow-up appointments

  • Improve flexibility in service delivery

 

However, telehealth may not be suitable for all clinical situations. The type of consultation is usually determined by clinical judgement and practical considerations.

 

Limitations of Telehealth

Telehealth has its role however it is not a substitute for face-to-face medical examination. Where safe diagnosis or management depends on physical examination findings, an in-person consultation may be required. 

 

Medicare has strict rules governing access to Medicare benefits for Telehealth services.  However, Medicare eligibility may not determine clinical appropriateness. 

 

Telehealth has inherent clinical limitations, for instance, but not limited to:

  • Absence of physical examination

  • Reduced ability to observe non-verbal cues

  • Increased reliance on patient-reported information

 

Telehealth reviews may result in

  • Diminished capacity to confirm or exclude red-flag conditions

  • Limited access to vital signs and point-of-care assessment

 

Due to its limitations, Telehealth may not be suitable for new or undifferentiated presentations, or clinical scenarios where diagnosis depends on examination rather than history alone. 

 

Clinical decisions about whether telehealth is appropriate are made by the health care provider.

 

Access and variation

Access to telehealth may vary depending on:

  • Internet and phone connectivity

  • Availability of local healthcare providers

  • Practice policies

  • Workforce capacity

  • Geographic location

  • Digital access and technology confidence

 

It is important to high telehealth availability does not guarantee bulk billing, appointment access, or specific clinical outcomes.

 

Privacy and security

Telehealth services are generally expected to operate within Australian privacy and health information laws.  Specific platforms, software, hardware and systems deployed may be different between different providers, organisations and/or entities.  Privacy and data handling arrangements depend on system design, provider policies, and applicable legislation.

 

Please refer to official government sources for up to date information, including but not limited to:

 

 

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Important Information

This page provides general educational information about telehealth in Australia. It is not medical advice and does not determine eligibility, access, funding, or clinical decisions. Health system rules and funding arrangements may change over time. Official government sources prevail.  The use of this website does not create a professional, clinical or advisory relationship.

 

Last reviewed: February 2026

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