What is telehealth?

Telehealth is like a face-to-face appointment. You’ll see your health professional on a video screen and hear them using your speakers or headphones. They'll also see and hear you.

Ask your health professional if telehealth is a good option for you.

How we use telehealth

We use telehealth for:

If you get a referral to hospital, ask about using telehealth.

Why should I choose telehealth?

With telehealth you can:

Telehealth appointments are secure, and your information is safe.

How to use telehealth

Watch our video to find out what you need to have for a telehealth appointment.

At home

If you’re doing your telehealth appointment from home, you'll need:

You can check that telehealth works on your device by doing a test call. You should see a video of yourself and hear your voice when you speak.

At a health clinic or at your GP's office

If you can’t have your appointment at home, you can have it at your local health clinic or GP's office. The staff will help you with the video conference equipment.

A nurse may sit in the room and help you during your video appointment.

Before your appointment starts, the nurse will tell you what to expect during the video call. They may also take your blood pressure, temperature and do other tests.

Your health professional will update your medical records after your appointment.

How to prepare for a telehealth appointment

Before your appointment:

How to connect to telehealth

Follow these steps to connect to telehealth.

  1. Receiving the appointment: You’ll receive an email or SMS from the clinic with a video link for your appointment.
  2. Testing your device: Test telehealth on your device by making a test call. You should see yourself and hear your voice.
  3. Starting your appointment: Open the link in your SMS or email to start your appointment.
  4. Allowing device permissions: When prompted, allow your device to use the microphone and camera.
  5. Joining the appointment: Your health professional will show up on the screen when they’re ready to see you.

How we can help you connect to telehealth

If you need help to access telehealth, we can support you.

Interpreter services support

We have free interpreters if you need help to speak and understand English. We have interpreters for spoken languages and Auslan sign language. Let us know if you'd like to have an interpreter with you during your appointment. They can join by video or sit in with you at a clinic.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support

We have an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Officer who can support you during your appointment. They can either sit with you or join the appointment by using the link.

Technical support

Call the Telehealth Helpdesk on 1800 066 888, if you need technical support.

Common technical issues

You didn't get a telehealth link.

When your device says the microphone or camera isn't allowed.

If you can’t see or hear other people, or they can’t see or hear you.