We are able to offer telehealth consultations for any general medical appointments that don’t need a physical examination or for the patient to be physically present. Telehealth sessions are no longer available to be bulk billed.
Banksia Medical Centre offers telehealth consultations for general medical appointments that don’t require a physical examination, such as follow-up on results, mental health consultations, and requests for repeat prescriptions or medical certificates. Telehealth sessions are privately billed, and a Medicare rebate is available only if the patient has had a face-to-face visit at the clinic within the last 12 months.
Telehealth is available for our Torquay and Newcomb locations. Our Torquay GP clinic is convenient for residents of Torquay, Jan Juc, Bellbrae, Breamlea, Connewarre, Freshwater Creek, Mount Duneed, Armstrong Creek, Barwon Heads, Leopold and Ocean Grove. Our Newcomb GP clinic is easily accessible for patients in Newcomb, East Geelong, Moolap, Thomson, Whittington, St Albans Park, Breakwater, Newtown, Belmont, Charlemont and South Geelong.
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Telehealth suits many general consults that don’t require a physical examination. Red-flag symptoms, procedures and complex examinations are better done face-to-face; your GP will advise if an in-person visit is safer.
When practical, video is preferred because it gives your GP more clinical information (appearance, breathing, movement). Phone is fine when video isn’t possible.
Generally yes—if you have an existing relationship with the practice (a face-to-face visit in the last 12 months). Some longer telephone items also require you to be registered in MyMedicare with that practice. Limited exemptions apply (e.g., certain age groups/contexts).
Book a quick face-to-face appointment first (so future telehealth is rebate-eligible), unless you meet an exemption your GP can apply.
Interstate (within Australia): usually fine.
Overseas: Medicare can’t be claimed if either the doctor or the patient is outside Australia at the time of the service. Private billing may be possible; ask the clinic.
Yes, if clinically appropriate. Your GP can send an electronic prescription as a token (SMS/email) or place it on your Active Script List (ASL) so any participating pharmacy you authorise can dispense it.
Yes, if appropriate. Medical certificates are valid evidence for sick/carer’s leave under Fair Work; employers assess whether the evidence is reasonable. Referrals can also be arranged via telehealth.
You may include a support person (family, carer or interpreter). Your GP will confirm everyone’s identity and ask for your consent for additional participants.
A device with camera/mic, reliable internet and a quiet, well-lit space. If video drops out, the consult may continue by phone if suitable.
Clinicians follow Australian privacy and professional standards when providing virtual care, including appropriate identification, consent and record-keeping.
No—doctors must apply the same standards of care as in person and advise an in-practice visit when telehealth isn’t appropriate.
Rebates depend on eligibility rules (existing-relationship/ MyMedicare for some longer phone items). Fees and bulk-billing vary by clinic and consult length; confirm when booking.
If you’ve had cold or flu symptoms in the last 7 days and are interested in participating
