Disclaimer: This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Clinically reviewed by Dr Madgalene (Peggy) Dubert – FRACGP, MBBS
AHPRA: MED0000987224
Preventive healthcare isn’t just about treating illness. It’s about identifying health risks, detecting conditions early, and supporting long-term wellbeing. Thanks to telehealth, Australian women can now access many aspects of preventive healthcare from the comfort of home, making it easier to stay proactive about their health.
Quick Answer
Many preventive health checks for women can be initiated, reviewed or managed through telehealth, including:
- Annual health assessments
- Cardiovascular risk assessments
- Blood pressure and weight management reviews
- Mental health screenings
- Sleep health assessments
- Menopause and perimenopause evaluations
- Contraception reviews
- Sexual health assessments
- Iron deficiency and fatigue investigations
- Diabetes risk assessments
- Cholesterol screening reviews
- Skin cancer risk discussions
- Preventive screening reminders and care planning
While some tests still require an in-person visit, such as cervical screening tests, mammograms and pathology collections, a telehealth GP can often assess your risk factors, arrange referrals, order tests and explain results remotely.
Why preventive healthcare matters
Preventive healthcare focuses on maintaining health, reducing disease risk and identifying conditions before symptoms develop. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) recommends preventive care throughout all stages of life, from young adulthood through to older age.
Regular preventive health checks may help identify:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Type 2 diabetes risk
- Iron deficiency
- Mental health concerns
- Sleep disorders
- Hormonal changes
- Certain cancers
- Lifestyle-related health risks
Many of these assessments begin with a conversation, making them highly suitable for telehealth consultations.
1. General Women’s Health Reviews
A telehealth appointment is often an excellent starting point for a comprehensive health review.
Your GP may discuss:
- Family medical history
- Current medications
- Lifestyle factors
- Exercise levels
- Nutrition
- Alcohol consumption
- Smoking or vaping
- Sleep quality
- Stress levels
Based on your age and risk factors, your doctor can recommend appropriate screening tests and preventive health measures.
Best suited for:
- Women of all ages
2. Heart Health Risk Assessments
Heart disease remains a leading cause of illness among Australian women.
Through telehealth, a GP can assess:
- Family history of heart disease
- Blood pressure records
- Cholesterol results
- Weight and waist measurements
- Lifestyle risk factors
- Diabetes risk
If further testing is required, pathology and imaging referrals can be arranged electronically.
Best suited for:
- Women aged 40+
- Women with risk factors such as obesity, diabetes or family history
3. Iron Deficiency and Fatigue Screening
Many Australian women experience iron deficiency, particularly during reproductive years.
If you’re experiencing:
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Poor concentration
- Shortness of breath
- Hair loss
A telehealth GP can assess symptoms and organise pathology testing to investigate possible iron deficiency or anaemia. Results can usually be reviewed during a follow-up telehealth consultation.
Best suited for:
- Women with heavy periods
- Vegetarians and vegans
- Women experiencing ongoing fatigue
4. Diabetes and Metabolic Health Assessments
Type 2 diabetes often develops gradually and may have few noticeable symptoms.
A telehealth consultation can assess:
- Family history
- Weight changes
- Gestational diabetes history
- Lifestyle factors
- Blood glucose results
- HbA1c testing results
Your GP can provide ongoing monitoring and lifestyle advice while arranging pathology testing when required.
Best suited for:
- Women with a family history of diabetes
- Women experiencing weight gain or insulin resistance
5. Mental Health Screening
Mental health is a vital part of preventive healthcare.
Telehealth consultations can help identify:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Burnout
- Stress-related symptoms
- Sleep-related mental health concerns
Many women find it easier to discuss sensitive concerns from home, making telehealth a convenient and accessible option.
Best Suited For:
- Working women
- Mothers and carers
- Women experiencing significant stress
6. Sleep Health Assessments
Poor sleep can affect physical health, mental wellbeing and weight management.
A telehealth GP can assess symptoms such as:
- Chronic fatigue
- Snoring
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Early waking
- Non-restorative sleep
Depending on symptoms, your doctor may recommend further investigations, including sleep studies where appropriate.
Best Suited For:
- Women experiencing fatigue
- Perimenopausal and menopausal women
7. Menopause and Perimenopause Health Reviews
Perimenopause can begin years before menopause and is often associated with symptoms that affect quality of life.
Telehealth consultations can be used to discuss:
- Hot flushes
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood changes
- Irregular periods
- Brain fog
- Weight changes
Your GP may recommend investigations, discuss management options and develop an ongoing care plan.
Best Suited For:
- Women aged 35-55
8. Sexual and Reproductive Health Checks
Many sexual and reproductive health concerns can initially be assessed through telehealth.
Examples include:
- Contraception reviews
- Period concerns
- Fertility discussions
- PCOS assessments
- STI screening referrals
- Menstrual health reviews
Pathology requests can be arranged if testing is needed.
Best Suited For:
- Women of reproductive age
Preventive checks that still require an in-person visit
While telehealth can manage many aspects of preventive care, some screening tests must be completed face-to-face.
Cervical Screening Tests
Australian guidelines recommend cervical screening every five years for eligible people aged 25-74 years who have a cervix and have ever been sexually active. Some people may be eligible for self-collection screening options.
Breast Cancer Screening
BreastScreen Australia recommends regular screening mammograms for women aged 50-74 every two years. Mammograms require attendance at a screening clinic.
Other Assessments
Depending on your circumstances, you may also require:
- Physical examinations
- Skin cancer checks
- Blood pressure measurements
- Blood tests
- Imaging scans
However, a telehealth GP can often arrange these services and review the results remotely
How telehealth supports ongoing preventive care
Can I get blood tests ordered through telehealth?
Yes. If clinically indicated, a GP can arrange pathology referrals electronically, which you can take to a pathology collection centre.
Can telehealth replace a cervical screening test?
No. A cervical screening test still requires sample collection, although some patients may be eligible for self-collection options.
Can telehealth help with menopause assessments?
Yes. Many menopause and perimenopause consultations involve discussing symptoms, reviewing medical history, ordering investigations and developing management plans, all of which can often be done via telehealth.
How often should women have preventive health checks?
This is very individual and depends on your age, personal medical history and family history. Your GP can help determine which checks are appropriate and how often they should be performed.
Telehealth is not a replacement for every health screening test, but it can play a valuable role in enabling women to stay on top of their preventive healthcare.
It can make it easier to:
- Access medical advice sooner
- Discuss health concerns privately
- Organise referrals and investigations
- Review test results
- Create personalised prevention plans
- Stay on track with recommended screenings
For many women juggling work, family and other commitments, telehealth offers a convenient way to prioritise health before problems become more serious.
Get expert medical advice from home
Telehealth makes getting medical care easier than ever, helping you access trusted advice quickly, safely and from the comfort of your home.
Our online doctors can assess your symptoms, provide personalised medical advice and help you determine the next steps for your care.
Book an online doctor appointment to speak with a doctor today.