Frequently Asked Questions

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 practitioners is limited.

Any prescriptions can be sent as an ePrescription via SMS to your smart device for immediate collection of your medication.

All doctors consulting for Doctors on Demand are registered in Australia by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). All doctors are fully insured.

Doctors on Demand does not store any medical information on this website. Your medical records are recorded and kept by your consulting doctor in a secure Practice Management System (PMS). Our Founders have run Medical Centres for more than 20 years and apply the same principles of information security and privacy for our patients at 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 the type of practitioner and the type of consultation you require to book your appointment immediately or in advance. There is no need for you to phone our reception to arrange your appointment – you can book your doctor appointment online whenever and wherever suits you.

We have doctors available 24/7, 365 days a year. With doctors available for on demand and scheduled appointments from 8am to 6pm AEST, and for scheduled appointments at night, you are guaranteed a reliable, quality service. Doctor availability may vary, but appointments are usually available within an hour.

Yes. You can request a female or male doctor. (Please note this request is subject to availability and is not guaranteed).

We are open on all public holidays.

Please note after hours pricing will apply on national public holidays, only.

National Public Holiday Dates

^{Source: https://www.australia.gov.au/public-holidays}

Telehealth is a good option for managing many types of medical prescriptions. Our patients see us for a variety of online prescriptions, from contraception through to erectile dysfunction, and for conditions ranging from high blood pressure to asthma & allergies. Approval of a medication request, and any repeat prescriptions, are at the doctor’s discretion. Some medications should be prescribed by one prescriber who has overall management of your condition. Schedule 4 drugs which have the potential to cause harm or be misused such as benzodiazepines, duromine, zolpidem, zopiclone, quetiapine and high strength codeine are not routinely prescribed and should be sourced from your regular GP. No schedule 8 controlled drug medication or drugs of addiction will be prescribed via our telehealth services.

Need an online prescription? Get started here.

Regular visits to your GP are recommended to manage chronic conditions. We recommend a physical examination with your face-to-face GP once every 12 months. It is important that your blood pressure is checked regularly, and we recommend that you provide a printout or report showing a recent blood pressure reading to ensure that your online doctor can safely prescribe.

Login or Sign Up by entering your personal details, choose your preferred appointment time and complete your booking by entering payment details online.

Doctors on Demand is available 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week Australia-wide. Between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. in all time zones, you can book an appointment on demand, that’s right…no waiting! Outside of these hours (from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m.) you can book an appointment in advance at a time that is convenient to you. Get Started and see a doctor from the convenience of your home or office right now.

There is no need to contact us on the telephone to make a booking. Simply Get Started here and select your service and preferred appointment time. Confirm your booking and pay via credit card online.

You can view our full pricing schedule via the table below.

Doctors on Demand consultations are private fee services, except where Medicare rebates are indicated above.

In July 2020 the Government announced changes to Medicare rebates for telehealth; That is, if we have not seen a patient face-to-face within the previous 12 months we will not be able to offer Medicare rebates for most of our services. Being a fully online service, we are wholly unable to meet this criteria.

Please note – the face-to-face requirement does not apply to:

• mental health services

We do offer a Medicare eligible service in this area.

If you have a benefit code provided by your Insurer or Employer, simply enter your code in the ‘Redeem a Benefit’ section when making your appointment to access your services for reduced or no fees.

_{*We build and maintain our own virtual health platform so we can ensure we have the best tools available for both clinical and patient experience. A booking fee of $2.95 per appointment supports investment in our technology and the development of new healthcare services.
^Your out-of-pocket costs may depend on the outcome of your appointment, and your eligibility as assessed by Medicare.}

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 your appointment is not suitable for a video conference, then they can cancel the appointment at their discretion and you will not be charged.

70% of GP presentations can be handled via telehealth*, however, video consultations are not suitable for all conditions.

For emergencies and serious medical conditions, we recommend you seek care from your local hospital or GP. 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

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.

Please uncheck the box “I have a Medicare card”. This will allow you to move through the appointment booking process more quickly. Medicare rebates no longer apply to telehealth consultations in the absence of a face-to-face consultation in the previous 12 months. If you would like to receive your prescription as an eScript, your Medicare card will be required. Please contact us if you are having any difficulties.

No. Unfortunately due to medico-legal reasons we cannot offer this service and you will need to arrange a face to face appointment with a local GP.

You can obtain a referral for pathology or radiology (imaging) through our service if the doctor deems it appropriate. Your request form will be emailed to you following your appointment. You can take this referral form to your local imaging or pathology clinic. Once you have had the test(s) completed, please notify us via phone or email where you have had these tests completed so that we can follow this up to obtain your results. Once we receive your results, we will advise the referring doctor and if any further action is required, we will contact you to arrange.

International tourists can use our service as long as they are in Australia at the time of their appointment.

No. Due to medico-legal reasons we are unable to offer Doctors on Demand video consultations to patients outside Australia.

Our doctors are often requested to provide medical reports regarding a patient’s treatment and/or condition by patients and/or third parties.  The purpose of the requested reports can vary and may include for insurance claims, workers compensation claims or other legal proceedings.

The RACGP has recognized that doctors preparing medical reports should receive appropriate remuneration for this service.  At Doctors on Demand, the applicable fee for preparation of a medical report is $120 plus GST and is payable prior to the provision of the medical report.

Medical records are maintained by Doctors on Demand and form a record of a patient’s consultations and encounters with Doctors on Demand. Doctors on Demand are often requested to provide access to partial or full medical records. In most circumstances, information from, or copies of, a patient’s record will not be released to a third party without the patient’s consent.

The RACGP recognises that a reasonable fee should be established for providing copies of a patient’s record.  At Doctors on Demand, if a full medical record is requested, a fee of $25 plus GST will be payable prior to the release of the medical record.

If the consulting doctor believes your condition requires a medical certificate, they will issue and email one to you following your video consultation. We can also post the original document to you if your employer requires the medical certificate, upon request.

Please note: medical certificates are legal documents. Issuing of medical certificates is at the discretion of the doctor.

Unfortunately, our doctors cannot backdate medical certificates. Certificates can only be provided on the day of the consultation. We apologise we cannot assist you in these circumstances.

For all consults, except where clearly specified, we are private fee only.  In July 2020 the Government announced changes to Medicare rebates for telehealth; That is, if we have not seen a patient face-to-face within the previous 12 months we will not be able to offer Medicare rebates for most of our services. Being a fully online service, we are wholly unable to meet this criteria.

Please note – the face-to-face requirement does not apply to:

• mental health services

We do offer Medicare eligible services for mental health. Book an appointment online.

See our pricing page for more information on what your private fee appointment will cost.

This issue may be related to the web browser you are using. Please try booking using a different browser or download our Doctors on Demand Mobile App at the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Alternatively, if you are using Google Chrome as your browser, please try booking your appointment using Safari or Firefox.

You may be able to claim your telehealth video appointment on your private health insurance cover. Please make inquiries directly with your insurer. Please contact us if you require a detailed invoice for your insurance claim.

It’s a simple 4-step process:

1. Choose a service: You’ll need a standard appointment for a new prescription, or you can use our QuickScript service <> for eligible repeat prescriptions.
2. Sign up or login: Enter or confirm your personal details so we know who you are, and the doctor knows your current medical history.
3. Speak with your doctor about a prescription: Discuss your prescription with a doctor via video for a new prescription, or phone for a repeat prescription.
4. Access your medications: If prescribed, you’ll get an eScript by email or SMS. With QuickScript, medications can be delivered to your door.

Need an online prescription? Get started here.

Please contact us at info@doctorsondemand.com.au and we will follow up directly for you.

A signature is required on delivery of your medications, so we cannot deliver to a PO Box or Parcel Locker at this stage.

Postage of your medications to your home is available via our QuickScript and Quit Smoking services. It costs $12.95.

We don’t offer a same day delivery option at this stage, however our next day delivery service means you should still receive your medications quickly. Orders received before 2.30pm will be delivered to metro areas (including interstate) by the next day. If you’re in a regional area, it will normally take 1-2 days, and 2-3 days for rural areas.

Yes. Updates will be sent via email as soon as your package is scanned for shipping, and you will received regular updates as it progresses.

If prescribed, you can opt to get an eScript as an SMS to your phone or email for pickup at your preferred pharmacy, or get your medications delivered to your door.

Delivery orders received before 2.30pm will be delivered to metro areas (including interstate) by the next day. If you’re in a regional area, it will normally take 1-2 days, and 2-3 days for rural areas.

Please note: The delivery timeframes listed are estimates only, not guarantees and do not include delays from our couriers.

Telehealth is a good option for managing many types of medical prescriptions. Our patients see us for a variety of online prescriptions, from contraception through to erectile dysfunction, and for conditions ranging from high blood pressure to asthma & allergies. Approval of a medication request, and any repeat prescriptions, are at the doctor’s discretion. Some medications should be prescribed by one prescriber who has overall management of your condition. Schedule 4 drugs which have the potential to cause harm or be misused such as benzodiazepines, duromine, zolpidem, zopiclone, quetiapine and high strength codeine are not routinely prescribed and should be sourced from your regular GP. No schedule 8 controlled drug medication or drugs of addiction will be prescribed via our telehealth services.

Need an online prescription? Get started here.

Regular visits to your GP are recommended to manage chronic conditions. We recommend a physical examination with your face-to-face GP once every 12 months. It is important that your blood pressure is checked regularly, and we recommend that you provide a printout or report showing a recent blood pressure reading to ensure that your online doctor can safely prescribe.

Check the below list for a more pharmacies in your area:

You may be able to claim your consult cost or medication on your private health insurance cover. Please make inquiries directly with your insurer. Please contact us if you require a detailed invoice for your insurance claim.

When you sign up or login on our platform, you’ll need to enter or confirm your personal details so we know who you are, and the doctor knows your current medical history prior to your consult. You may also have to answer some specific questions related to the medication you’ve requested.

We need a healthcare identifier to enable creation of e-Scripts, so please provide either:

• a Medicare card number, if you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident; or

• an Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI number) if you’re an overseas visitor, international student or temporary resident.

Health professionals use your IHI to make sure they are accessing the right record when uploading information so it’s a good idea to get one now, as you’ll likely need it again in the future. Not sure or need to check? Visit Services Australia.

You chose our online doctor service for convenience & efficiency, and we want you to get your medications as soon as possible; make sure you’re set up for eScripts prior to your consult!

Need an online prescription? Get started here.

Our patients see us for a variety of online prescriptions, from contraception through to erectile dysfunction, and for conditions ranging from high blood pressure to asthma & allergies. You can speak to a doctor and request an online prescription, or eScript, for any of the following:

• Acne
• Asthma
• COVID-19
• Diabetes
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Gout
• Hay fever & allergies
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Hair loss
• Migraines
• Osteoporosis
• Pain and more

Need an online prescription? Get started here.

Requesting a new or repeat prescription online is a safe and convenient way to access many types of medical prescriptions. See our separate FAQ: “What types of prescriptions can be managed via telehealth?” for more information.

If your prescription request is approved, your doctor will issue you with an eScript which is transmitted from the doctor’s prescribing system to the prescription exchange service in an encrypted format (a private and secure way of sending information). The electronic prescription will not be able to be altered between the time of generation and dispensing, and your script can only be ‘unlocked’ by your pharmacist. The digital format can also help to reduce medication mistakes caused by poorly handwritten scripts.

If you ever need to buy your medicine online, always stick to trusted suppliers.

Need an online prescription? Get started here.

Speaking to a telehealth doctor to obtain an online prescription is legal in Australia. The Australian Government changed legislation in 2019 to make electronic prescribing of PBS medicines legal nationwide. States and territories have also made changes to their legal frameworks to allow for electronic prescriptions. Electronic prescriptions, also known as eScripts, are now a highly common and convenient option that removes the need for a physical paper prescription. The same regulations for prescribing and supplying medicines exist for both paper and electronic prescriptions. Clinicians are required to adhere to the National Health Act 1953 and relevant State or Territory regulations when prescribing and supplying medicines using an electronic prescription.

Need an online prescription? Get started here.

If the Doctor has provided you with an eScript, paper prescriptions are not created and cannot be issued to a patient or pharmacy. If your pharmacy has any concerns, they are welcome to contact us.

Medications of that nature are not prescribed through our virtual care service and should be sourced from your regular GP for your own safety and wellbeing. We apologise that we are unable to assist you in this circumstance.

No. Schedule 8 Controlled Drug medications and drugs of addiction will not regularly be prescribed via our service. It may not be appropriate to prescribe any such medication in this manner due to the potential for addiction and misuse. Our doctors believe this medication should be carefully monitored by your regular healthcare provider. Please do not proceed to book a video consultation if you are seeking such medication, as your appointment fee will not be refunded.

All medications requested through our QuickScript or Smoking Cessation service can be ordered through our home delivery partner. Approval of a medication request, and any repeat prescriptions, are at the doctor’s discretion. See our separate FAQ ‘What types of prescriptions can be managed via telehealth?’ for more information

To request an eScript please add a healthcare identifier to your account; this will be:

• a Medicare card number, if you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident; or
• an Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI number) if you’re an overseas visitor, international student or temporary resident.

If prescribed, you will receive a digital ‘token’ sent by SMS or email which you can present to your preferred pharmacy for immediate collection of your medication.

Unfortunately, our partner pharmacies cannot provide refunds on prescription medicines as legislation prohibits their return once they have been dispensed. This is due to State health regulations stipulating general medicines and prescriptions, including any preparation that is taken orally cannot be returned or refunded. Once the product has left the pharmacy, the storage conditions of the product cannot be guaranteed, and it is possible the product could be tampered with.

Repeats are always at the discretion of the reviewing doctor. It is possible to request repeats during your appointment—however, Doctors on Demand has no influence over the approval of your prescription request, or the number of repeats issued. The consulting doctor will decide, and is given the discretion to act according to their professional judgement considering each patient’s best interests and the limitations of an online consultation. If you would like to discuss your request for repeats, you can always book online at any time.

If you receive an electronic prescription with repeats, a new SMS or email will be sent to you when you get your medicine from the pharmacy.

Please check your junk folder to ensure the password reset email isn’t in there. If you did not receive an email, please contact us.

There are several reasons why your video appointment 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 appointment connection may be lost.

If your connection with the doctor is lost, here is what to expect:

• The doctor will attempt to reconnect to the video appointment– you will be asked to re-join the session; OR
• The doctor will attempt to call you on the mobile number that 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 appointment 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 after several attempts, he may cancel your appointment and ask you to re-book another appointment.

Poor internet connection can cause drop outs, particularly if you are on a busy Wi-Fi network. Our minimum requirement is 3G capability, however, if the service drops below that then the video appointment may be lost.

If your connection with the doctor is lost, here is what to expect:

• The doctor will attempt to reconnect to the video appointment – 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 have to cancel your appointment and ask you to re-book another appointment.

Your appointment confirmation email may appear in your junk folder. If not, log in to your Doctors on Demand Dashboard. Your booked appointments are listed and you can enter the virtual waiting room and wait for the Doctor to join the appointment.

Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan, if one is required. Generally you may discuss multicomponent lifestyle intervention – like a healthy eating plan, increased physical activity and support for behavioural change. Intensive interventions like medication, or bariatric surgery, can help some people. The use of intensive interventions takes your individual situation into account and may require referral to other healthcare professionals.

The World Health Organisation defines being overweight and obese as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. Obesity is caused by many factors and is a treatable health condition.

Body mass index (BMI) is an approximate measure of your best weight for health. It is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared (m2). The BMI model is intended for men and women over the age of 18. A healthy BMI for an adult is between 20 and 25. BMI is a useful indicator of health at the population level, but has some limitations; BMI cannot differentiate between body fat and muscle mass, and also doesn’t consider that your individual level of general health may be more important than being mildly overweight. Your doctor will be able to provide an assessment of your overall health in conjunction with any weight management program.

Body image can fluctuate between positive and negative at different times. If you are not satisfied with your body and are developing unhealthy habits, you can seek professional help. Resources like The Butterfly Foundation can help you improve the relationship you have with your body and appearance. Whether you need support for yourself or someone you care about, call their free and confidential Helpline on 1800 33 4673.

The causes of being overweight and obesity are often complex. This could include inherited biological factors, or early life experience, as well as your social, political and economic environment. There’s also individual lifestyle factors and habits that could contribute. Health professionals in primary health care can be an important and trusted source for understanding factors related to weight gain, and have a range of tools and strategies available to them to provide individualised advice addressing weight management and obesity.

You are generally considered overweight if your body mass index (BMI) is 25 or higher, and obese if your BMI is 30 or higher. Obese patients are at an increased risk for developing many medical problems, including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, stroke, sleep apnea, gallbladder disease, hyperuricemia and gout, and osteoarthritis. A doctor can help assess your need to lose weight, along with any other medical considerations.

Ozempic is a medication for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Some medical practitioners may prescribe Ozempic as an off-label weight loss treatment. Ozempic is not TGA-approved and therefore Doctors on Demand will not recommend this medication for weight loss. Please do not proceed with a weight loss consult if you request this medication. We will not offer refunds for this purpose. If you would like to discuss other treatment options, please book a consult with one of our doctors at a time that suits you.

Before prescribing any weight loss medication, your doctor will evaluate your medical history and may provide a referral for pathology tests to ensure your suitability for specific clinical treatments. You will be required to return for a follow up consultation to discuss your results. If approved, you will receive an eScript which you can take to any Australian pharmacy. Only medication that is TGA approved for weight loss will be prescribed.

If you have had medical tests recently undertaken, we recommend that you have your test results available to provide to the consulting doctor during your appointment. Your doctor may request you upload any current results after your video consult.  Alternatively, you can contact us to provide us with your results. Your doctor may issue a referral for further tests.

Video consultations are paid for at the time of booking and are not eligible for outcome-based refunds. Not all patients are suitable for medicated weight loss, and your doctor will consider and provide their professional advice your treatment. We are sure you will appreciate and respect the time and service provided by our doctors in assessing your circumstances and your treatment options.

Your consulting doctor will assess your eligibility for medicated weight loss in your online video consultation.  Your consulting doctor will consider your BMI, overall health and any health conditions you may have.  Our doctors are highly trained and experienced in providing weight loss advice and treatment. Patients are required to be 18 years or older for telehealth weight loss consultations.

If you would like to investigate a surgical alternative, you can have a video appointment to be referred to a bariatric specialist or visit your local GP to learn more.

Our standard Doctors on Demand video consultation fees apply to your initial consultation.  Doctors on Demand is a private fee service and Medicare rebates do not apply; you can find the pricing for our appointments on our website.

Medication fees will vary depending on what, if any, weight loss medication is prescribed. You will then pay for the cost of the medicine at your chosen pharmacy.

If your insurer, employer or other provider offers Doctors on Demand services to you, you can verify your benefit by providing your membership, policy or voucher code throughout the booking journey in the ‘Redeem a Benefit’ field to have a reduced or no-fee weight loss consult.

You may be able to claim your telehealth video appointment on your private health insurance cover. Please make inquiries directly with your insurer. Please contact us if you require a detailed invoice for your insurance claim.

If you initiated a weight loss appointment with Doctors on Demand previously, or had an external consult, you are welcome to have another consult with us, especially if your circumstances have changed. All treatment is provided within the consulting doctor’s discretion and your doctor will act in your best interest.

Providers will set their own fees, so it’s best to check directly with them on what you will pay to access their services. This includes what you may pay upfront, and what you will get back from Medicare, so you can calculate your out-of-pocket expenses. 

As a guide, here is a pricing table from our online psychology partner, Recharge Wellness.  

*Doctors on Demand has partnered with online psychology providers and may receive sponsorship fees.

—
Still need a Mental Health Treatment Plan? You can book an assessment online. Rebates apply for Medicare card holders.

A rebated Mental Health Treatment Plan can only be issued to patients with a valid Medicare card at the discretion of the treating Doctor. If you are not issued a plan, the Doctor will give you their reasons for not doing so and suggest alternatives for your care. 

If you believe this is not the best outcome for your care, ensure you have a conversation with your doctor about why you believe a rebated Mental Health Treatment Plan would meet your needs. 

If you don’t have a valid Medicare card, the Doctor can still consult with you about a plan for your mental health, that doesn’t include rebated sessions. You can see the pricing for our private services on our mental health page and, as a guide for private psychology fees, you can also check out the pricing table from our online psychology partner, Recharge Wellness.* 

If ongoing costs are an issue, your Doctor may be able to guide you on low-cost or free mental health services provided by community organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), or public mental health clinics. 

If you’re in crisis or feeling unsafe, please call 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

*Doctors on Demand has partnered with online psychology providers and may receive sponsorship fees. 

If necessary, your Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) plan can include referrals to mental health specialists or allied health professionals, ensuring you receive comprehensive care. This may include access to psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or occupational therapists.

For more info on some of these specialties, check out our article ‘Psychologist, Psychiatrist or Counsellor – What’s the difference?’.

You can book an assessment for a Mental Health Treatment Plan online. Rebates apply for Medicare card holders.

A mental health treatment plan lets you claim up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions with a mental health professional each calendar year.

To start with, your doctor will refer you for up to 6 sessions at a time. If you need more, they can refer you for further sessions at your follow up appointment.

Health professionals set their own fees, so Medicare may only cover some of the cost. When you make your appointment, remember to ask how much you’ll pay and how much of the cost Medicare will cover.

If you have private health insurance, you may be able to make a claim for the cost of your appointment. Check with your insurer.

You can book an assessment for a Mental Health Treatment Plan online. Rebates apply for Medicare card holders.

Patients with a valid Medicare card can access our Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) assessment for a $120 upfront fee, with rebates of up to $100.20 (which means you’ll pay from $19.80 out of pocket after your rebates have been applied).

We will lodge the claim for your consult immediately after your video consultation, however your actual out-of-pocket costs may depend on the outcome of your appointment, and your eligibility as assessed by Medicare. Medicare rebates on this service range from $100.20 rebate ($19.80 out of pocket) where a MHTP is provided and $78.95 rebate ($41.05 out of pocket) where a MHTP is not provided, or where you are consulting with a Doctor to review an existing MHTP.

If you don’t have a Medicare card, you can book a private fee appointment and speak with one of our mental health trained Doctors about your mental health concerns at any time. See the pricing table on our mental health page here.

There may be additional costs for things associated with your appointment, like medication, or treatments with any specialists or mental health professionals to which you are referred.

Patients with a valid Medicare card can access our Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) assessment and review consultations with out of pocket expenses from $19.80. See our pricing table for more information.

If you do not have a Medicare card and are paying a fee for your mental health appointment on our service, please check with your insurer if you can claim this back.

If you go on to access other mental health services as part of your plan, the mental health professional will set their own fees. Ask your provider how much Medicare will cover and check with your insurer about claiming back out-of-pocket expenses.

If your doctor believes medication should form part of your treatment plan, they may prescribe medication. Alternatively, they may provide a referral to a psychiatrist, and the psychiatrist may prescribe medication.

Your doctor/s may suggest multiple options for your treatment; however, medication does not always form part of a mental health treatment plan.

You can book an assessment for a Mental Health Treatment Plan online. Rebates apply for Medicare card holders.

You may be able to participate in 2 sessions per calendar year as part of the Mental Health Treatment Plan of the person you care for. Visit the Services Australia website for the most up to date information.  

A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) covers a range of mental health services and treatments for individuals with diagnosed mental health conditions. This could include things like psychology, psychiatry, counselling, group therapy or individual therapy, support groups, self-help strategies, lifestyle changes or medication.

See our separate FAQ on ‘How long does a Mental Health Treatment Plan last?’.

You can book an assessment for a Mental Health Treatment Plan online. Rebates apply for Medicare card holders.

A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is a written document outlining a person’s mental health treatment and care needs, helping achieve goals set between the patient and the doctor to improve their mental health condition. It includes the patient’s personal information, diagnosis, goals, and treatment approach. It should also show how many sessions you are covered for, any provider information in the case of referrals, and the date for your next review. You will be provided with a copy of your own records, and copies will be sent to any healthcare professionals involved in your care. 

You can book an assessment for a Mental Health Treatment Plan online. Rebates apply for Medicare card holders.

A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) starts with an initial GP assessment. In this assessment, you have the time to discuss your symptoms, concerns, and goals for treatment with your doctor. 

Your doctor will be central to coordinating your treatment plan based on your diagnosis, treatment options and goals. The plan may involve a combination of treatments and support networks. 

If necessary, they may refer you to a mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or counsellor. They may also prescribe medication, suggest lifestyle changes, and talk through appropriate self-help strategies. 

If you have a valid Medicare card, you may be eligible for Medicare benefits which can help cover some costs associated with seeing a psychologist or other mental health professional. Consult with your providers and check with Medicare for the most up-to-date information. 

Care plans are reviewed and adjusted regularly, to check your progress and modify treatment as needed. 

You can book an assessment for a Mental Health Treatment Plan online. Rebates apply for Medicare card holders.

One of the primary reasons for obtaining a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is to access Medicare benefits for psychology sessions. With a valid plan, you can receive Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions with eligible mental health professionals, reducing the cost of treatment. You will need a valid Medicare card to be assessed for a MHTP, and to receive a MHTP that is eligible for Medicare rebates.

A MHTP isn’t just a piece of paper – it’s an actual plan for your mental health treatment, helping you work toward improved wellbeing and recovery. If you are seeing multiple healthcare providers for your mental health, the plan helps coordinate care among them. This ensures that all professionals involved are working together to provide you with the most effective support.

You can book an assessment for a Mental Health Treatment Plan online. Rebates apply for Medicare card holders.

There are a few parts to this:

The plan itself

Many patients will not require a new GP Mental Health Treatment Plan after their initial plan has been prepared.

You may receive a new plan if your doctor believes it is clinically required.

Your allowance of Medicare rebated mental health sessions

Separately, the sessions that you receive under your Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) are valid until the referred number of sessions have been completed, rather than a specified time period.

Eligible people can receive up to 10 sessions in a calendar year (1 January to 31 December).

During your treatment, your healthcare provider will conduct regular reviews to assess your progress and adjust your treatment plan if needed. These reviews help ensure that you are receiving the most appropriate care.

Your MHTP is initially for a maximum of six sessions. Your referring doctor will assess your progress after the first six sessions and determine whether further sessions are needed, then potentially refer you for a further four sessions to complete your allowance of ten sessions.

After reaching the maximum of 10 allowable sessions for the calendar year, you will not be eligible for further Medicare rebates for treatment until the new calendar year. However, any unused sessions can be used in the next calendar year.

For example:

You had a bulk-bill consult with a GP for your mental health, were issued a MHTP, and have been referred to a mental health professional.

You completed your first 6 sessions with that mental health professional and received a Medicare rebate for these sessions.

After going back to your GP for a bulk-bill review, they believed it was in your best interest to refer you for another 4 sessions with your mental health professional. You’ve completed 3 of those appointments and received Medicare rebates.

At this point, you’ve used 9 out of 10 sessions on your plan by 31 Dec, which leaves you with 1 session left to be rebated for the year.

The number of sessions allowed resets on 1 Jan,

So, you can still use the last session on your referral on 1 Jan. If your doctor considers that further psychology sessions are needed, the number of available Medicare rebated sessions is now 9 (for a total 10 for the calendar year).

You can book an assessment for a Mental Health Treatment Plan online. Rebates apply for Medicare card holders.

Book an appointment with one of our mental health trained Doctors by clicking ‘Get Started’ (and select ‘Mental Health’ from the list if necessary) or find a local clinic near you to discuss your concerns in person. During your consultation, the Doctor will assess your mental health by discussing your symptoms, medical history, and any challenges you are facing. If the Doctor believes that a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) would assist you, they will work with you to create a MHTP for your treatment needs. It will outline your diagnosis, treatment goals, recommended interventions, and the number of sessions you are eligible for under Medicare.

A qualified healthcare provider, such as a GP, must assess your eligibility for a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). This assessment includes evaluating your mental health condition, treatment needs, and goals. You will need a valid Medicare card to be assessed for a MHTP, and to receive a MHTP that is eligible for rebates. 

If you don’t have a Medicare card, you will not be eligible for a rebated assessment or a Medicare subsidised MHTP.  

If you are eligible for Medicare but do not have a Medicare card, you can apply for one through the Department of Human Services. Eligibility criteria for Medicare include being an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen living in Australia. Once you have a Medicare card, you can proceed with requesting a MHTP. 

While a Medicare card is typically the primary means of accessing government-funded mental health services in Australia, it’s important to consider other avenues to receive the support and care you may need. 

You can book a private fee appointment and speak with one of our mental health trained Doctors about your mental health concerns at any time. They can still consult with you about a general plan for your safety and wellbeing, that doesn’t include rebated sessions. 

If ongoing costs are an issue, they may be able to guide you on low-cost or free mental health services provided by community organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), or public mental health clinics. 

If you’re in crisis or feeling unsafe, please call 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

There is no specific limit on the number of Mental Health Care Plans you can receive, but your initial plan should continue over some time. If your doctor believes it is clinically required, like when a significant change occurs, they can work with you on a new plan. 

However, this is different to how often you can get Medicare rebated sessions under your Mental Health Treatment Plan; that number resets every calendar year, allowing you to claim for up to 10 sessions with eligible mental health professionals within each calendar year (1 January to 31 December). 

See our separate FAQ on ‘How long does a mental health treatment plan last?.’  

You can book an assessment for a Mental Health Treatment Plan online. Rebates apply for Medicare card holders.

In Australia, a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is a structured plan that outlines the treatment and support a person with mental health issues can receive. Your mental health treatment plan will be developed and agreed to by you in collaboration with your doctor and will include the goals, treatment options and support services available. The MHTP is part of the Australian government’s mental health initiative, which aims to provide accessible and effective mental health care to individuals. Individuals with a valid Medicare card, who receive a MHTP from their Doctor, can claim up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions per year with a qualified mental health professional, like a psychologist. Initially your doctor will refer you for up to 6 sessions at a time. If you need more, they can refer you for further sessions. You can book an assessment for a Mental Health Treatment Plan online. Rebates apply for Medicare card holders.

Please contact us at info@doctorsondemand.com.au and we will follow up directly for you.

A signature is required on delivery of your medications, so we cannot deliver to a PO Box or Parcel Locker at this stage.

Postage of your medications to your home is available via our QuickScript and Quit Smoking services. It costs $12.95.

We don’t offer a same day delivery option at this stage, however our next day delivery service means you should still receive your medications quickly. Orders received before 2.30pm will be delivered to metro areas (including interstate) by the next day. If you’re in a regional area, it will normally take 1-2 days, and 2-3 days for rural areas.

Yes. Updates will be sent via email as soon as your package is scanned for shipping, and you will received regular updates as it progresses.

You can speak to one of our doctors about smoking cessation if you are over 18 years of age, and a regular smoker. Book online.

If you are under 18 and seeking advice about quitting smoking, you can make a standard appointment to speak with a doctor; read our related FAQ: ‘I am under 18, can I get a prescription for smoking cessation products?’.

For people who want to quit smoking, treatment includes:

• Combination of behavioural support and TGA-approved pharmacotherapy – first-line therapy (options are medicines that have been shown to be effective and safe and are licensed for smoking cessation. In Australia, these medicines include Nicotine Replacement Therapy, varenicline and sustained-release preparations of bupropion hydrochloride.)*
• For people who have failed to achieve smoking cessation with first-line therapy, your doctor may recommend nicotine vaping products in conjunction with behavioural support.

To ensure you receive the right treatments and help on your smoking cessation journey, speak to a doctor.

^{*Reference: The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Supporting smoking cessation: A guide for health professionals. 2nd edn.
East Melbourne, Vic: RACGP, 2019.}

Your doctor may recommend a variety of treatment options including Nicotine Replacement Therapy such as a nicotine e-cigarette. From 1 October 2021, consumers require a prescription for all purchases of nicotine vaping products, such as nicotine e-cigarettes, nicotine pods and liquid nicotine. Please discuss with your doctor the best product for your circumstances. The provision of a prescription is always within the consulting doctor’s discretion and Doctors on Demand does not influence the professional discretion of our consulting doctors. To ensure you receive the right treatments and help on your smoking cessation journey, speak to a doctor.

Smoking cessation, commonly known as quitting or stopping smoking, refers to the act of ending tobacco smoking.

Want to quit smoking? Get started here.

The best thing to do is to quit smoking entirely. The next best thing is to go through approved treatments, such as patches and gums – first-line treatment. For people who have failed to achieve smoking cessation with first-line therapy, your doctor may recommend alternative treatments in conjunction with behavioural support.

No – each person will need to speak to a doctor and receive advice specific to their condition.

It’s a simple 5-step process:

1. Request a doctor on-demand or by appointment: Choose the ‘quit smoking’ option to book a 15-minute video consult with a practitioner.
2. Sign up or login: Enter or confirm your personal details so we know who you are, and the doctor knows your current medical history.
3. Online doctor consult: You can tell your doctor about your experience with quitting smoking to date and what level of support you would like throughout your journey.
4. Access your medications: If prescribed, you can opt to get an eScript for pickup at your preferred pharmacy, or get your medications delivered to your door. Your doctor may also recommend over the counter pharmacy products for first line treatment.
5. Long-Term Planning: To help you reach your goals, we offer regular follow-up appointments, typically every 2 weeks to a month, to monitor your progress.

Want to quit smoking? Get started here.

You can speak to one of our doctors who can discuss your options to quit smoking. The provision of a prescription is within the professional discretion of the consulting doctor.

To ensure you receive the right treatments and help on your smoking cessation journey, speak to a doctor.

After your consultation, if a prescription is provided, you can choose to be directed to our Partner Pharmacy for online product purchase for home delivery. You can also take your prescription (e-script) to your preferred pharmacy if they have equivalent stock.

You can request to have your prescribed products delivered from our partner pharmacy to anywhere in Australia. A signature will be required for receipt to ensure you are the patient named on the prescription and over 18 years of age.

You may be able to claim your consult cost or medication on your private health insurance cover. Please make inquiries directly with your insurer. Please contact us if you require a detailed invoice for your insurance claim.

Quitting smoking is the best choice for your health.

The next best thing is to go through approved treatments like patches and gum, which can ease cravings. For people who have failed to achieve smoking cessation with first-line therapy, Talk to your doctor. They may recommend nicotine vaping products in conjunction with behavioural support.

E-cigarettes contain nicotine and other chemicals, and they are not without risk. The long-term health effects of e-cigarettes are not known. Smoking cessation products are not as safe as quitting completely. They are meant to help you transition off cigarettes, not replace them. You should speak to one of our doctors today about your options on how to quit smoking.

No – nicotine vaping products are a smoking cessation therapy for individuals seeking to quit smoking or continue to stay off cigarettes.

Consultations via our Quit Smoking program, and related prescriptions, will not be provided for persons under 18 years of age. If you are 17 years of age or less, and seeking doctor advice about smoking or vaping, you can still book a standard consult.

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