ABOUT DOCTORS ON DEMAND
1. What is Doctors on Demand?
2. What are the benefits?
ABOUT THE CONSULTATION
3. Is my consultation covered by Medicare?
4. Can I use this service if I am overseas?
5. Can international tourists use this service?
6. How do I book?
7. When can I book my consultation?
8. What if my video consultation drops out?
9. How much will it cost and how do I pay?
10. What if the doctor is running late? What if I need a longer appointment?
11. What if I no longer need the appointment? Can I get a refund?
WHAT SERVICES ARE OFFERED?
12. Can I get prescription medication through Doctors on Demand?
13. Can I get Schedule 8 Controlled Drug (narcotic) medications through Doctors on Demand?
14. Can I get a medical certificate through Doctors on Demand?
15. Can I get a workers compensation medical certificate through Doctors on Demand?
16. What if my doctor requests blood tests?
17. Can my doctor write a referral to see a specialist?
ABOUT OUR DOCTORS
18. Do I have the choice of a female or male doctor?
19. Are your doctors registered in Australia?
20. Will there always be doctors available?
IT REQUIREMENTS, SECURITY AND PRIVACY
21. Can I use Doctors on Demand on my iPad or iPhone?
22. What security systems does Doctors on Demand use?
23. What happens to my Medical Records?
RESPONSES
1. What is Doctors on Demand?
Doctors on Demand is an online service that provides patients with access to doctors via video conference appointments. We provide a convenient and secure system for you to see a doctor via video consultation at a time that suits you, from the comfort of your own home, or on the go with your mobile device. Our model gives GP's a platform to deliver care in a more efficient and patient-centric way. It is the perfect solution for time-poor patients and those unable to readily access regular health services for urgent but non-emergency conditions for adults and children. Because we are an online service, our doctors provide consultations via video consultation, so a home visit is not necessary.
We are a patient-driven service. As a patient, you are in control of the timing of your consultation. You simply need to log onto our website or app and choose: “I want to see a doctor” and you can book your appointment immediately or in advance. There is no need for you to phone our reception to arrange your appointment – so you can arrange your appointment online whenever and wherever suits you
2. What are the benefits?
The ultimate benefit is the convenience to patients. Doctors on Demand provides patients with immediate access to doctors online. This is exceptionally useful for time poor patients or when a doctor is needed outside of regular clinic hours. Patients can avoid driving, parking and sitting in a waiting room with other sick people, and can be speaking with a doctor within minutes. This is of particular benefit to rural patients or those where access to local General Practitioner's is limited.
Any prescriptions written can be delivered via fax and email to your local pharmacy for immediate collection of your medication or we offer an Express Post delivery service for home delivery of your medication.
3. Is my consultation covered by Medicare?
Video Consultations with General Practitioners are not currently covered by Medicare and are privately billed. You may be able to claim some of the cost of your appointment back through your private health insurance. Check with your insurance provider. Whilst Medicare does not subsidise your GP Telehealth consultation, for identification and insurance purposes, you will need to provide your Medicare card number when registering an account with Doctors on Demand.
4. Can I use this service if I am overseas?
No. Due to medico-legal reasons we are unable to offer Doctors on Demand video consultations to patients outside Australia.
5. Can international tourists use this service?
Yes they can as long as they are in Australia at the time of their consultation.
6. How do I book?
Simply go to our website or download our app and choose “I want to see a Doctor” on our homepage. You can choose to see a doctor “Now” i.e. no waiting or choose an appointment time that suits you. You can read each doctor’s bio and rating. If you are a new patient, you will need to register on our platform. Registering is free and requires you to answer some general medical questions, just like any other medical centre. Enter the reason for your appointment, your preferred pharmacy and your payment details, then sit back, relax and wait for your Doctor on Demand to join the session.
Doctors on Demand uses the OpenTok software platform for video conferencing. The following browsers are supported by OpenTok:
- Google Chrome (latest release version)
- Opera (latest release version)
We recommend you use one of the above browsers when using Doctors on Demand for optimal performance
Internet Explorer 8,9,10 and 11 is NOT supported.
If you are using a mobile device with iOS or Android, you can download the Doctors on Demand app from the App store or Google Play for FREE.
If you are using a personal computer, in addition to good internet connection you will need access to a web camera and in some cases external speakers.
7. When can I book my video consultation?
Doctors on Demand is available 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week. Between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. AEST, you can book an appointment on demand, that is, no waiting. Outside of these hours (from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. AEST) you can book an appointment in advance at a time that is convenient to you.
8. What if my video consultation drops out?
There are several reasons why your video consultation may not connect or connects and then drops out. Poor internet connection can cause drop outs. Our minimum requirement is 3G capability, however, if the service drops below that then the video consultation may be lost.
If your connection with the doctor is lost:
- The doctor will attempt to reconnect to the video consultation – you will be asked to re-join the session; OR
- The doctor will attempt to call you on the mobile number you have provided in your Doctors on Demand profile – please ensure that your phone number is correct. The doctor’s call will be from a “no caller ID” number. Please be available to answer the call. In most instances, the consultation can be conducted via telephone, but if not appropriate, the doctor may request you re-book another appointment.
- If the doctor is unable to contact you, he may cancel your appointment and ask you to re-book another appointment.
9. How much will it cost and how do I pay?
Doctors on Demand video conference appointments are privately billed. Our fees are:
Business hours appointments - $60 (up to15 minutes) plus $2.95 prescription handling fee (if a prescription is issued)
After hours appointments - $90 (up to 15 minutes) plus $2.95 prescription handling fee (if a prescription is issued)
Our business hours for the purposes of consultation fees are:
Mon-Sun 8am-6pm AEST
For customer service, we have staff available Mon-Fri 8.30 am - 5.30 pm AEST only.
After you have registered and selected your preferred doctor you will be asked to provide credit card payment details before your appointment for pre-authorisation.
If you choose to have any prescription sent to our partner pharmacy for dispensing, you will be charged separately by the pharmacy for the cost of the medication and a $9.95 postage fee. As your medicines have strict delivery guidelines, we use Australia Post's Express Post Next Day* receipted delivery service.
*Guaranteed next business day delivery of prescription and/or medicine(s) for appointments booked before 10 am AEST within the Express Post delivery network only, with dispatch from Brisbane. The Express Post network covers 80% of Australian business addresses, private addresses and post office boxes. If you are in an address outside this network it won't be covered by our Next Day Guarantee.
If you do not complete your consultation before 10am AEST we will still do our best to dispatch your parcel that day and it should still get to you in 1-3 business days (depending on where you live in Australia). The delivery standards for Australia Post varies depending on your exact location. For delivery times between specific points, or to track your parcel online please check here.
10. What if the doctor is running late? What if I need a longer appointment?
It is extremely rare for our doctors to be late. If the doctor is temporarily unavailable for any reason, they will let you know how long they will be. You can then choose to wait or cancel the appointment and book another appointment. Your consultation does not start until both parties have joined the session.
If you need more time with the doctor, the doctor will suggest booking a follow up appointment.
11. What if I no longer need the appointment? Can I get a refund?
Video Consultations are paid for at the time of booking and are not eligible for a refund if you change your mind. If the doctor feels that your appointment is not suitable for a video conference, then at their discretion they can cancel the appointment and you will not be charged.
Research shows that 70% of GP presentations can be handled via telehealth*. However, video consultation appointments are not suitable for all conditions. For emergencies and serious medical conditions, your local hospital or GP are better suited to care for your needs. If you are seeking a prescription for a Schedule 8 controlled drug or any drug of addiction, please do not proceed with a video consultation as our doctors will not prescribe these restricted medications and a refund will not be issued for patients booking appointments for this reason.
*American Medical Association and Wellness Council of America
12. Can I get prescription medication through Doctors on Demand Video Consultations?
Yes, in fact most consultations will be for patients needing a prescription. We suggest you have any regular medications you are taking with you to show the doctor during your video consultation. . At the end of the consultation if the doctor feels it is necessary to write you a prescription, you will have the choice of having your script sent to your local pharmacy for immediate collection or alternatively, for non-urgent conditions or if more convenient, you can have the prescription dispensed by our pharmacy partner and posted out to you.
In some instances, the doctor may only prescribe a short course of medication and suggest that you see your regular doctor for review. This is entirely at the doctor’s discretion.
13. Can I get Schedule 8 Controlled Drug (narcotic) medications through Doctors on Demand?
No. Schedule 8 Controlled Drug medications, drugs of addiction and Duromine will NOT be prescribed via our service. Please do not proceed to book a video consultation if you are seeking such medication as your consultation fee will not be refunded.
14. Can I get a medical certificate through Doctors on Demand?
Absolutely. If the consulting doctor thinks a medical certificate is required, they can issue one. Your medical certificate will be emailed to you following your video consultation. If your employer requires the original document, we can post it to you, on request.
15. Can I get a workers compensation medical certificate through Doctors on Demand?
No. Unfortunately due to medico-legal reasons we cannot offer this service and you will need to arrange a face to face appointment.
16. What if my doctor requests blood tests?
Your doctor may request blood pathology tests during your Video Consultation. Your blood pathology request form will be emailed to you following your consultation.
17. Can my doctor write a referral to see a specialist?
Yes. This will be at the discretion of the doctor you see. Referrals will be emailed to you following your consultation.
18. Do I have the choice of a female or male doctor?
Yes. You can request a female or male doctor. (Please note this request is subject to availability and is not guaranteed).
19. Are your doctors registered in Australia?
All doctors consulting for Doctors on Demand are registered in Australia and certified by Australian standards. All doctors are fully insured.
20. Will there always be doctors available?
We have a doctor available 24 x 7, 365 days a year. Our aim is to have a doctor available on demand at during the hours of 8 am to 6 pm AEST and by appointment after that. The availability of doctors may vary, but appointments are usually available within an hour.
21. Can I use Doctors on Demand on my iPad or iPhone?
Yes, our service can be used from most smartphones and tablets. Download the latest Doctors on Demand app for your device for free from the App Store or Google Play.
22. What security does Doctors on Demand use?
All internet traffic on Doctors on Demand use 256 bit SSL Certificates. 256 bit SSL Certificates are trusted by over 99.9% of current Internet users, Positive SSL is the solution for new websites or environments where trust has been established and entity verification (for identity assurance) is not needed.
Our SSL certificates are provided by Comodo. For more information click here.
23. What happens to my Medical Records?
Doctors on Demand does not store any medical information on this site. Your medical records are recorded and kept by your consulting doctor. Our Board members have run Medical Centres for more than 16 years and apply the same principles of privacy for our patients to Doctors on Demand.