Telehealth in Australian General Practice: Practical Insights for GPs and Registrars

What is Telehealth and Why Does It Matter in Australian General Practice?

Telehealth broadly refers to the delivery of health services via digital communication technologies. In the context of general practice in Australia, this usually involves real-time video or phone consultations between GPs and patients. While telehealth existed before, the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly accelerated its adoption, fundamentally shifting how care is delivered across the country.

For Australian GPs and GP registrars, understanding how to effectively use telehealth is now essential. It offers an avenue to expand access, increase convenience, and uphold continuity of care—especially for rural, elderly, or immunocompromised patients. Plus, with ongoing changes to Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item numbers supporting telehealth, the service is here to stay.

How Telehealth Works: A Brief Clinical Overview

Telehealth consultations allow GPs to assess, diagnose, and manage a wide range of patient concerns remotely. While some conditions need physical examination, many chronic diseases, medication reviews, mental health checks, and routine follow-ups can be effectively managed via telehealth.

Two main modalities exist: video consultations and telephone calls. Video offers visual cues enhancing clinical decision-making, while telephone consultations provide an accessible, less resource-intensive alternative. Both require secure platforms, patient consent, and adherence to confidentiality standards.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons of Telehealth in the GP Setting

  • Pros: Improved patient access (especially in remote areas), reduced transmission risks, convenience, and potential practice efficiency gains.
  • Cons: Limited physical examination, technological barriers for some patient groups, potential risks to rapport-building, and variable funding rules.
  • Key Features: Integration with GP software, use of secure communication tools, compliance with RACGP telehealth guidelines, and documentation in clinical records.

Real-World Use Cases in Australian General Practice

Consider Mrs. Tan, a 72-year-old with stable type 2 diabetes living 150km from the nearest clinic. Telehealth enables her quarterly medication reviews and diabetic checks without lengthy travel, enhancing adherence and satisfaction.

Or John, a young adult dealing with anxiety, who benefits from confidential video consultations outside regular clinic hours. Telehealth provides timely mental health support and facilitates early intervention.

Integration with GP Software and Workflows

Most practices use software like Best Practice or MedicalDirector, which now support telehealth templates and billing tools. These systems allow for streamlined appointment booking, structured clinical notes, and simplified MBS telehealth item number claiming.

Also, telehealth consultations should be linked to the patient’s My Health Record for continuity and comprehensive shared care—this is a medico-legal and clinical best practice.

Data Privacy, Medico-Legal, and Compliance Considerations

GPs must use secure, encrypted communication platforms compliant with Australian privacy laws. Obtaining informed patient consent specific to telehealth is mandatory. Thorough documentation of the consultation is essential to meet medico-legal standards.

Stay updated on MBS policy changes, as payment eligibility rules for telehealth evolve, and comply with RACGP telehealth recommendations to mitigate risk.

Getting Started: Step-by-Step Walkthrough for Your Clinic

  1. Review your practice’s IT infrastructure to support video calls securely.
  2. Train staff and clinicians on telehealth platforms and workflows.
  3. Update practice protocols to include telehealth consent and clinical assessment checklists.
  4. Incorporate telehealth offerings into appointment scheduling.
  5. Document consultations promptly using integrated GP software templates.
  6. Claim MBS telehealth items correctly and monitor your billing reports for accuracy.

Clinical Tips and Best Practices

  • Prepare patients ahead by explaining telehealth process and troubleshooting tech issues.
  • Use video where possible to enhance clinical assessment and patient rapport.
  • Be mindful of privacy especially if patients are in shared living spaces.
  • Ensure clear safety-netting advice and follow-up plans.
  • Maintain cultural sensitivity and communicate clearly, especially with non-English speakers.

Future Trends and Guideline Updates

Telehealth will continue evolving alongside digital health tools, including integration with remote monitoring devices and AI-driven decision supports. The RACGP frequently updates telehealth guidelines reflecting emerging evidence and regulatory shifts.

Stay informed through RACGP communications and consider contributing case examples to registrar education sessions to enhance practical understanding.

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Conclusion: Embrace Telehealth in Your Clinic and Teaching

Telehealth is a transformative tool for Australian general practice—expanding access, improving patient-centred care, and supporting flexible workflows. By understanding its clinical applications, technology requirements, and legal considerations, GPs and registrars can confidently deliver safe, effective remote care.

Use this in your next registrar teaching session or review your current workflow to maximise telehealth’s benefits. Download our printable cheat sheet to guide daily practice and start integrating telehealth with confidence today.