Telehealth
Some health conversations can happen from wherever you are.
New and existing patients can book telehealth appointments with Mahila from anywhere in Australia. Telehealth can be booked across all Mahila service areas, with suitability depending on your circumstances and the treating clinician's judgement. Your clinician may recommend an in-person examination or assessment with Mahila or another appropriate healthcare provider when needed.
01
When telehealth may be suitable
Depending on your circumstances and the treating clinician's judgement, a telehealth appointment may include:
- 01
discussing symptoms and medical history
- 02
discussing perimenopause and menopause concerns
- 03
reviewing pathology or imaging results
- 04
medication and treatment reviews
- 05
follow-up after an in-person appointment
- 06
discussing symptom tracking or changes over time
- 07
care planning and referral discussions
- 08
discussing concerns across [Mahila's other service areas](/services)
An initial in-person appointment is recommended, but it is not automatically required before you can book telehealth. The treating clinician will determine whether telehealth is suitable for your circumstances.
02
When an in-person appointment may be needed
Telehealth cannot replace every type of consultation. Your doctor may recommend attending Mahila or another appropriate health service if you need:
- 01
a physical examination
- 02
blood pressure or other clinical measurements
- 03
a swab, specimen or point-of-care test
- 04
a procedure
- 05
urgent assessment
- 06
an examination of a new lump, lesion, bleeding or acute pain
- 07
care that cannot be provided safely through video or telephone
If the treating clinician determines that an examination or in-person assessment is needed, they will discuss the appropriate next step with you. This may involve attending Mahila or another suitable healthcare provider.
03
Medicare eligibility and fees
Mahila is a private billing practice. Telehealth fees are the same as the fees for the corresponding in-person appointment. The relevant clinic fee is payable in full. Being able to book telehealth does not automatically mean you are eligible for a Medicare rebate; eligibility is explained below.
A Medicare rebate may apply to eligible telehealth consultations. For most general practice telehealth services, eligibility requires either:
- 01
registration with the practice through MyMedicare, where the relevant requirements are met
- 02
an eligible clinical relationship, which generally includes a face-to-face appointment with the doctor or another eligible clinician at the same practice within the previous 12 months
- 03
an applicable exemption under current Medicare rules
Some sexual and reproductive health telehealth services may have different eligibility provisions. The clinician must also determine that telehealth is safe and clinically appropriate.
Eligibility rules can change. Mahila cannot guarantee a Medicare rebate based only on the appointment selected online. Contact reception before booking if the rebate affects your decision to proceed.
04
Preparing for telehealth
Before your appointment:
- 01
choose a private place where you can speak comfortably
- 02
check your internet connection, camera and microphone if using video
- 03
keep your phone nearby in case the connection fails
- 04
have your current medicines and supplements available
- 05
keep relevant results, reports and symptom notes nearby
- 06
make sure Mahila has your correct telephone number and current location
At the beginning of the consultation, your doctor may confirm your identity, current location and a contact number for safety and privacy.
05
Privacy and limitations
Treat a telehealth appointment with the same privacy as an in-person medical consultation. Avoid joining from a public place, workplace or vehicle if you cannot speak safely and privately.
Mahila will use its approved clinical systems for the consultation and medical record. Do not send detailed or urgent health information through social media or unapproved website forms.
If the connection fails or the consultation cannot continue safely, your doctor may contact you by telephone, reschedule the appointment or recommend in-person care.
Book a telehealth appointment
New and existing patients can book telehealth online. If you would like help deciding whether telehealth may be suitable for your concerns, contact the clinic.