DocTel Instant Care
Online Doctor & GP Consultations Australia
Book a private video consultation with an Australian-registered GP, anywhere in Australia. Same-day appointments are available when there is an open slot, with after-hours appointments too. Discuss general health concerns, prescriptions, medical certificates, tests and referrals with the doctor.
$60 Monday–Friday 8am–6pm Melbourne time$90 after hours
Private practice. No bulk billing or Medicare-billed GP appointments. No Medicare card required.
- Australian-registered GPs
- Same-day appointments where available
- Consult from anywhere in Australia
- Secure, private video consults
Not for emergencies. For chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of stroke, severe bleeding or any life-threatening symptoms, call 000 now. When telehealth isn’t suitable
What an online GP consultation is
An online GP consultation is a general practice appointment held over secure video instead of in a clinic room. You speak with an Australian-registered general practitioner who asks about your symptoms, your history and the medicines you take, then works out what should happen next.
Your history helps the GP assess symptoms, review treatment and decide on the next step. Video can also help with visible concerns, but it cannot provide every examination. If your GP needs to examine you, take your blood pressure or look in your ears, they’ll tell you and point you to the right place.
The outcome depends on what you need. That might be advice and a plan, a prescription, a certificate, a test or a referral. Your consultation fee pays for the doctor’s time and clinical judgement, not for a particular result.
At a glance
- Who
- Australian-registered general practitioners
- How
- Secure video on your phone or computer
- When
- Same-day appointments where available, including after hours
- Where
- Anywhere in Australia
- Cost
- $60 business hours, $90 after hours. Fee details
What your online GP can help with
Bring the health concern or request you want to discuss. The GP assesses what is safe and useful, then explains your options.
Prescriptions and repeat scripts
DocTel GP prescriptions are issued as eScripts after clinical assessment. For a repeat prescription, have the medicine name, dose and reason you take it ready. The GP may need your previous prescription, treatment history or recent monitoring results before deciding whether to continue it.
A new medicine or dose change can require an examination, blood tests or information from your usual doctor. Payment buys a consultation, not a prescription. Antibiotics are not automatic: they do not treat viral infections, and the doctor must assess whether they are needed.
If an eScript is issued, you’ll receive an electronic prescription token that can be presented to a participating pharmacy. Medicine costs are separate.
Read about prescription refills
Medicinal cannabis consultations belong to the separate DocTel Medicanna service. Instant Care is not the medicinal cannabis consultation pathway.
Medical certificates
The GP assesses your illness and its effect on work, study or usual duties before deciding whether a certificate is supported. Paying for the consultation does not guarantee one. If this is your only request, see the dedicated medical certificate service.
Pathology, blood tests and imaging
A GP can request blood or urine tests when they help answer a clinical question or monitor treatment. Explain your symptoms and bring previous results; testing is chosen for your situation, rather than ordered as a standard panel for everyone.
Imaging may be requested after assessment, but a scan does not replace an examination. An injury or new pain may need an in-person review first. The appropriate scan and any rebate depend on the clinical reason and the provider’s requirements.
You attend a collection centre or imaging practice. Ask the GP how results will be reviewed and whether to book a follow-up; do not assume no news means a normal result. If symptoms worsen while waiting, seek medical review.
Specialist referrals
A referral explains the clinical problem and relevant history to a specialist. Bring any previous referral, specialist letter and test results so the GP can assess what further care is needed.
A valid referral can matter for Medicare rebates at the specialist appointment if you are eligible. The referral does not guarantee a rebate or a bulk-billed specialist visit. DocTel’s own GP consultation is private and is not Medicare-billed.
Mental health and sleep
You can discuss anxiety, depression, stress or sleep concerns with a GP. They can assess symptoms, discuss management, consider medication, prepare suitable clinical plans or documents, and refer for further care.
Medicare rebates for downstream mental health services have separate requirements; a private GP consultation or plan does not itself guarantee a rebate. If you are in immediate danger, call 000. Lifeline offers crisis support on 13 11 14.
Medication reviews and follow-up
Discuss side effects, treatment changes or recent pathology and imaging results. For blood pressure, cholesterol or asthma reviews, bring readings, results and your current treatment plan if you have them. Breathlessness or a severe asthma flare needs urgent care.
Repeated symptoms and long-term conditions can benefit from a regular GP who knows your history and can examine you. DocTel provides timely access between those visits; keep your usual doctor informed about changes to treatment.
Common reasons Australians see a GP online
Telehealth suits concerns that can be assessed through a careful history and, where helpful, a look at a rash or swelling on camera. This isn’t a complete list, and some of these will still need an in-person check. Linked topics have their own page with more detail.
Everyday illness
Discuss cough, cold or flu symptoms, sinus discomfort, hay fever, gastro symptoms or headaches. New, severe or worsening symptoms can need examination rather than remote treatment.
- Cold and flu
- COVID-19
- Sinus infection
- Hay fever and allergies
- Gastro
- Headache and migraine
Infections and sexual health
Urinary symptoms, vaginal discomfort and eye redness can have different causes. A GP may recommend urine tests, STI testing or examination before treatment.
Skin
Clear photos and video may help assess acne, eczema or a minor rash. A changing mole, deep wound or rapidly spreading infection needs hands-on care.
- Rashes and eczema
- Acne
- Minor skin infections
Medicines and long-term conditions
Review established treatment and monitoring. Telehealth can support follow-up when the necessary readings, results and history are available.
- Repeat prescriptions
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Asthma
Women’s health
Discuss contraception, period changes or menopause symptoms. Some concerns require examination, pregnancy testing or other investigations before a treatment decision.
- Women’s health
- Menopause
- Contraceptive pill
- Period problems
Mental health and sleep
Discuss how symptoms affect your daily life and what you have tried. An ADHD concern may need specialist assessment; booking does not guarantee diagnosis or stimulant prescribing.
Booking for a child? Check the booking information for any age or consultation requirements before paying. Some paediatric concerns need an in-person examination.
How an online GP appointment works
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Choose a time
Pick a same-day or later appointment. The fee is shown before you pay.
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Tell the GP what’s going on
Share your symptoms, current medicines, allergies and anything relevant from your history so the doctor has the full picture from the start.
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Speak with your GP
Join the secure video call from your phone or computer. The GP asks questions, may ask to see a rash or swelling on camera, and explains what they think is going on.
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After the consultation
Anything your GP decides to provide, such as an eScript, certificate, test request or referral, is sent to you electronically. If you need to be examined in person, the GP will say so and explain why.
Before you join
- A quiet, private spot with a reliable connection
- The names and doses of medicines you take, or the boxes
- Any allergies and past reactions to medicines
- Recent test results or specialist letters, if relevant
- Relevant diagnoses, previous treatment and when symptoms started
- Photos of visible changes, if helpful, and good lighting for the call
- Pharmacy details if the GP needs them; no Medicare card is required
Online GP consultation fees
Private GP consultations, with the price shown before payment. DocTel does not bulk bill or bill these GP appointments to Medicare. You do not need a Medicare card to book.
Business hours
$60
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm Melbourne time, excluding Victorian public holidays
After hours
$90
Weekdays before 8am or after 6pm, weekends and Victorian public holidays
Hours are Melbourne time. The fee pays for GP assessment and clinical judgement. A prescription, certificate, referral, investigation or treatment is not guaranteed. Pharmacy, pathology, imaging and specialist charges are separate where applicable; ask the provider about costs and any rebate before attending.
When telehealth isn’t the right option
A video consultation can’t replace a physical examination. Knowing the limits helps you get the right care first time.
Call 000 for an emergency
- Chest pain, pressure or tightness
- Difficulty breathing
- Signs of stroke: face drooping, arm weakness or slurred speech
- Severe bleeding, a serious injury or a seizure
- A sudden severe headache, confusion or collapse
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat after an allergic reaction
- A baby or child who is floppy, unusually drowsy or hard to wake
If you may act on thoughts of harming yourself or cannot stay safe, call 000. For crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, any time. For poisoning, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
See a doctor in person if you need
- Chest or breathing symptoms needing oxygen levels, vital signs or a chest examination
- Abdominal pain needing examination, or ear symptoms needing a look inside the ear
- Weakness, altered sensation or balance problems needing a neurological examination; sudden stroke symptoms need 000
- Assessment of an injury that may need an X-ray, stitches or a dressing
- A close look at a lump, mole or changing skin spot
- A procedure, vaccination or blood pressure check you can’t do at home
- Persistent or worsening symptoms needing examination or urgent investigations
If your GP decides during the consultation that you need to be seen face to face, they’ll tell you, explain why, and suggest where to go. Unsure whether you need a doctor at all? healthdirect’s free nurse helpline is on 1800 022 222.
Who you’ll be speaking with
Australian-registered GPs
Every consultation is with a general practitioner registered to practise in Australia. You can check any practitioner’s registration on the public AHPRA register.
Clinical decisions stay with the doctor
Prescriptions, certificates and referrals are issued only after assessment. A GP may decide something isn’t suitable by telehealth, and will tell you what to do instead.
Privacy and secure records
Consultations run on a secure telehealth platform and your health information is handled under Australian privacy law. Read our privacy policy and telehealth consent.
Alongside your regular GP
Keep copies of prescriptions, referrals and results to share with your regular GP. A doctor who follows you over time can track changes, review preventive care and arrange hands-on assessment. Mention any other clinicians involved so treatment is coordinated. The Australian Government explains how telehealth fits into the health system.
Questions about seeing a doctor online
Can an online doctor prescribe medication?
A DocTel GP may prescribe after assessing your symptoms, history and current medicines. eScripts are standard. Some medicines require examination, monitoring results or further records first. A consultation is not the purchase of a prescription.
Can an online GP prescribe antibiotics?
The GP can prescribe antibiotics when the assessment supports their use. They do not treat viruses, and many respiratory symptoms do not need them. Examination or testing may be needed before deciding on treatment.
Can I get a repeat prescription?
Bring the medicine name, dose, previous prescription and relevant monitoring results if available. The GP reviews whether continuing it is safe. See our prescription refill page for more detail.
How do I receive an eScript, and can I use my regular pharmacy?
An eScript is usually sent as a token by SMS or email. You can take it to your regular pharmacy or another Australian pharmacy that accepts eScripts. Ask the pharmacy about stock and how to send the token securely. Pharmacy charges are separate.
Can I get a medical certificate online?
The doctor must assess you before deciding whether a certificate is supported. Payment does not guarantee issuance. If you only need a certificate, see the medical certificate service.
Can an online doctor order blood or urine tests?
A GP can issue a pathology request when testing will help assess symptoms or monitor care. You attend a local collection centre. Ask how results will be reviewed, whether another appointment is needed and what the collection provider will charge.
Can a GP request imaging online?
A request may be possible after assessment, but some symptoms require physical examination first. The GP decides whether imaging is useful and which test is appropriate. Check costs and any rebate with the imaging provider.
Can I get a specialist referral online?
A GP can refer after assessing your concern and relevant history. A valid referral may be needed for a Medicare rebate at the specialist visit if you are eligible. Specialist fees and rebate rules are separate from your private DocTel consultation.
Do I need Medicare, and is DocTel bulk billed?
No Medicare card is required. DocTel Instant Care is private practice: these consultations are not bulk billed and are not Medicare-billed GP appointments. Separate Medicare rules can apply to later specialist care or investigations.
What does a consultation cost?
Business hours cost $60: Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm Melbourne time, excluding Victorian public holidays. After hours cost $90, including other weekday times, weekends and Victorian public holidays. The fee is shown before payment. External provider charges are separate where applicable.
Can I book a same-day or after-hours appointment?
Same-day appointments depend on available slots. Check the booking page for current times, including after-hours availability. Do not wait for an online appointment if you need urgent or emergency care.
Can I use DocTel interstate?
Yes, the service is available Australia-wide, including when travelling interstate. Tell the GP where you are during the call so they can consider local care options if needed. Prescribing can be affected by state and territory rules.
Can children use the service?
A parent or guardian must be present throughout the consultation. Check the booking information for any age restrictions before paying. A child who needs physical examination will need in-person care; call 000 for a child who is floppy or hard to wake.
What happens if the GP cannot treat me through telehealth?
The GP explains the limitation and recommends the next step, such as a clinic visit, your regular GP or urgent care. The fee covers that assessment and advice even if a particular prescription or document is not issued. Do not assume a video consultation will avoid a later face-to-face appointment.
Can I discuss more than one concern, and how long is the appointment?
Mention all your concerns at the start so the GP can prioritise them. A complex issue or several concerns may need follow-up or in-person care. Check the booking information for appointment duration before paying.
Is the consultation private?
Consultations use a secure telehealth platform, with health information handled under Australian privacy obligations. Join from a private place. Read our privacy policy and telehealth consent for details.
Is Instant Care suitable for an emergency?
No. Call 000 for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, signs of stroke or another life-threatening situation. For crisis support call Lifeline on 13 11 14; for poisoning advice call 13 11 26. Do not use the booking queue for emergency care.
Book a private online GP consultation
Book a video consultation from wherever you are in Australia. Same-day appointments are offered where available, including evenings and weekends.
$60 Monday–Friday 8am–6pm Melbourne time, excluding Victorian public holidays; $90 after hours. No bulk billing. Not for emergencies: call 000.