Medicare Specialist Appointment FAQ

Medicare Specialist Appointment FAQ

Why has the Australian Government introduced Telehealth?
Who is eligible?
Is registration with GP2U free?
I've filled in the registration form, now what?
Where do I have to go for my consultation?
Can I choose who will be in the room with me when I have the vhrefeo consultation with a doctor?
If my doctor suggests a vhrefeo consultation do I have a choice?
Can vhrefeo consultations be conducted in my home?
How do I book?
How can I get a referral?
Is there a waiting period?
How do I know I'm really speaking with a doctor?
I'm concerned about the privacy of my medical records?
How much will it cost and how do I pay?
Can I receive a Medicare or DVA rebate?
Can I claim a Medicare or DVA rebate if I have a vhrefeo consultation with a doctor when I am in hospital?
Why do I have two bills for the one service?
How do I pay my Specialist?
How do I pay my GP?
What do I do if I'm running late?
What if I change my mind or no longer need the appointment?
What happens if the vhrefeo conference suffers from a technological failure?
If medication is required, how do I get the prescription?
What details do I need to register?

Why has the Australian Government introduced Telehealth?

Telehealth has been introduced to make it easier for all Australians to access specialists’ medical services. Patients using Telehealth will be able to see a specialist without the time and expense involved in travelling, in many cases sooner than would otherwise be the case. Back to the top of the page

Who is eligible?

Yes, all Australians are eligible to use Telehealth, however only some Australians are eligible for a Medicare rebate when using Telehealth services.

Medicare benefits are only accessible if you are seeing a Specialist and live in an eligible geographic area, are a resident of a Residential Aged Care Facility or access care through an Aboriginal medical centre Patient geographical eligibility for Medicare funded Telehealth can be checked quickly and easily here. Patient geographical eligibility for Medicare funded Telehealth can be checked quickly and easily here. Provided you are NOT in a green "Major Cities RA1" area you are eligible.

There is no Medicare rebate for online consultations with GPs at this time. Back to the top of the page

Is registration with GP2U free?

Yes, registration is free for patients. Click here to make an online appointment.

If you are a doctor and would like to consult online please contact our team on 1300 058 805. Back to the top of the page

I've filled in the registration form, now what?

Once you've filled in the registration form you will receive an email. Click the link to confirm your email address and follow the instructions we send you. The steps required after this range from nothing more for patients who have filled in all the necessary registration details, through to a formal, hospital style, accreditation of doctors wishing to participate in our service. Back to the top of the page

Where do I have to go for my consultation?

If you have a suitable computer and broadband Internet it may be possible to conduct your consultation in the privacy of your own home. Alternatively you may need to travel to your GP, or a dedicated video-conference facility. Please note that your treating doctor may advise you of the need for a face to face consultation. Back to the top of the page

Can I choose who will be in the room with me when I have the video consultation with a doctor?

Yes. Your doctor will discuss whether clinical support from a doctor, pharmacist, nurse practitioner, midwife, practice nurse or Aboriginal health worker is required for the video consultation. Back to the top of the page

If my doctor suggests a video consultation do I have a choice?

Yes. If a video consultation is suggested, you may choose a face to face consultation instead. You should discuss the benefits and risks of any treatment, including video consultations, with your doctors. Back to the top of the page

Can video consultations be conducted in my home?

Yes, provided you have suitable computer equipment and broadband Internet, and your treating doctor(s) agree this is clinically appropriate. Back to the top of the page

How do I book?

For Telehealth consultations directly to a GP you simply click the link "Book a GP appointment" from your home page. You do not require a referral. For Telehealth consultations with Specialists you will require a referral. If your GP is registered with our site they will be able to make the booking on your behalf. If your GP is not registered, please direct them to gp2u.com.au. If you already have a current referral to a Specialist they will be able to make the booking for you provided they are registered with us. If your Specialist is not registered, please direct them to gp2u.com.au. Back to the top of the page

How can I get a referral?

You get a referral in the usual way - through your GP. First you will need to register with us as a Patient. Then you will need to make an appointment with your GP for the referral. Back to the top of the page

Is there a waiting period?

Waiting times vary, regardless of whether the consultation is face to face or via Telehealth, however the GP2U system allows you access to short notice appointments as they become available. Back to the top of the page

How do I know I'm really speaking with a doctor?

We use the same formal accreditation processes used by major private hospitals to validate the credentials of our doctors before we allow them to make appointments available on our system. If, for any reason, you feel that the doctor you are talking to does not seem to have the expertise you expect please contact us to discuss your concerns, in complete confidence, with an experienced medical practitioner. Back to the top of the page

I'm concerned about the privacy of my medical records?

We take great care to protect your privacy and the security of the information we store. You can review the GP2U Privacy Policy here. Back to the top of the page

How much will it cost and how do I pay?

Registration with GP2U is free.

Your treating doctor will charge their standard consultation fee and you may or may not be out of pocket. Most, but not all of our specialists bulk bill. If your GP or another eligible health professional is assisting you with the video conference, they too may charge their standard consultation fee. Back to the top of the page

Can I receive a Medicare or DVA rebate?

New Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items were introduced for video consultations on the 1st of July 2011. The eligibility requirements are specified above. Unfortunately not all patients are eligible, nor are all doctors. Back to the top of the page

Can I claim a Medicare or DVA rebate if I have a video consultation with a doctor when I am in hospital?

No. Medicare or DVA rebates are not available for video consultations with admitted hospital inpatients. This applies to both public and private admitted patients. Back to the top of the page

Why do I have two bills for the one service?

Each doctor or other health worker involved in the video consultation will bill separately. If you have two bills, the first bill is likely to be for the specialist/consultant service and the second bill for the patient-end service. Back to the top of the page

How do I pay my Specialist?

If your Specialist is Bulk Billing then you only need to sign the DB4 form to assign your Medicare Benefits to them. If your Specialist is not Bulk Billing you will be sent a tax invoice. This invoice can be paid by credit card, direct deposit, cheque or money order. Some Specialists may not accept all these payment methods. Back to the top of the page

How do I pay my GP?

If your GP has participated in your Telehealth consultation they will bill you in their usual manner. Back to the top of the page

What do I do if I'm running late?

Please do not run late. If you are running late please contact your treating doctor. Back to the top of the page

What if I change my mind or no longer need the appointment?

Your doctor will have their own cancellation policy, which can be confirmed with their rooms. Back to the top of the page

What happens if the video conference suffers from a technological failure?

If the consultation is unable to take place due to technological failure, your doctor has the ability to indicate that to us, which will result in us refunding your booking fee. Back to the top of the page

If medication is required, how do I get the prescription?

GP2U offers the options of posted prescriptions, FAX to a local pharmacy for immediate pick up, or home delivery via Terry White Chemists. Back to the top of the page

What details do I need to register?

All you need to register is your Medicare or DVA Card, a phone number and an email address. The registration process is very easy and takes less than 3 minutes. Back to the top of the page

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