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 recommended treatments without leaving 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.
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 medical doctor or nurse practitioner, or psychologist
Getting a referral from your healthcare provider emailed to you after an over-the-phone consultation
Your medical doctor might ask you questions over the phone to diagnose your symptoms
Accessing new or reordering treatments recommended by a clinician, with the option for delivery to your door or getting an e-script sent to your phone1
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 following a consultation with a medical doctor or nurse practitioner2
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 treatment 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 through our partner, hub.health. Learn more on our dedicated telehealth page.
You can also use nib’s find a provider tool to search for 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.
Telehealth doctors
A telehealth appointment should feel no different to an in-person visit and should be just as comprehensive. It's important that a registered practitioner not only suits your needs in terms of specialty, but also communicates clearly, thoroughly explains medical information, ensures your privacy and makes you feel comfortable and heard.
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 consultations. However our partnership with hub.health means you access exclusive pricing for telehealth consultations with a wide network of medical doctors and nurse practitioners anywhere in the country.
Members with Overseas Student cover or Overseas Workers with cover that includes out-patient GP services, can access telehealth using the nib App and claim for the cost of hub.health telehealth consultations.3
Can I use my nib Extras cover for non-GP telehealth services?
If you have nib Extras cover, you may be able to claim for one‑on‑one telehealth appointments with a recognised provider, as long as the consultation is clinically appropriate and included in your policy.
This can include services like psychology, physiotherapy, dietetics, speech pathology, occupational therapy, exercise physiology and podiatry. Keep in mind that waiting periods and limits apply and group sessions or classes aren’t currently covered.4
Find the telehealth service you need or get to know more about telehealth and your cover.
The information contained in this article is provided as general information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For personalised medical advice, always consult your qualified healthcare professional.
1The provision of treatments is not guaranteed. It will be based on the information you provide during your consultation and whether the medical doctor or nurse practitioner deems it to be appropriate for the care of your individual health needs. Please note that treatments which have high potential for misuse, abuse or addiction cannot be recommended via telehealth.
2The provision of a medical certificate is not guaranteed and will depend on the information provided during your consultation and whether the medical doctor or nurse practitioner deems it to be appropriate.
3nib 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.
4nib covers eligible telehealth treatments with recognised providers, subject to your level of cover, clinic availability, policy exclusions, waiting periods, and limits. Telehealth may not be suitable for all consultations, and group sessions or classes are not covered. nib Fund Rules, Recognised Provider criteria, and Policy Booklet Terms apply. Services covered may include psychology, physiotherapy, dietetics, speech pathology, occupational therapy, exercise physiology, podiatry, and hospital rehabilitation care, subject to your level of cover, policy exclusions, waiting periods, and limits. Individual telehealth consultations only.