Telehealth is a way of accessing healthcare services remotely using technology such as video calls or phone consultations. Instead of visiting a clinic in person, you connect with a registered Australian doctor online.

During the consultation, the doctor can assess your symptoms, provide medical advice and, where clinically appropriate, issue prescriptions, medical certificates or referrals, all delivered to you electronically.

Appointment availability varies depending on demand, but telehealth consultations are typically available within 15 minutes. Our telehealth partner, Hola ensures enough doctors are available to support this.

Blooms The Chemist telehealth offers appointments seven days a week, including evenings and public holidays, giving you access to a GP outside standard business hours. You can view available times when you book online and choose a slot that works for you.

Yes. Blooms The Chemist telehealth consultations are conducted through a secure, encrypted platform that meets Australian privacy standards. All personal and health information is handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles.

The doctors you speak with are fully registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and hold current medical registration, just as they would in a traditional clinic setting.

Telehealth is suitable for many non-urgent health concerns, including:

• Prescriptions or repeats
• Medical certificates
• Referrals
• After-hours urgent care
• Weight loss consultations

What’s appropriate will depend on your individual situation.

Some telehealth consultations may be eligible for Medicare rebates or bulk billing, depending on the type of consultation, the provider and your individual circumstances. Eligibility criteria for bulk billing can vary, and a gap fee may apply in some cases.

Pricing and any applicable out-of-pocket costs will be outlined before you confirm your booking, so you’ll know what to expect upfront.

Yes, a doctor can issue a prescription during a telehealth consultation if they determine it is clinically appropriate. Prescriptions are not guaranteed and are always subject to the consulting doctor’s professional assessment.

If a prescription is issued, it will be sent to you as an electronic prescription (eScript), which you can have filled at any pharmacy, including your local Blooms The Chemist.

Any scripts or medical documents are sent to you straight after your consult via SMS or email.

Yes, if the consulting doctor assesses that a medical certificate is warranted based on your symptoms and the information discussed during your telehealth appointment, they can issue one digitally.

The certificate will be sent to you electronically, typically via email, and is suitable for most employers and educational institutions.

Yes. All GPs and healthcare practitioners provided by our telehealth partner, Hola Health, are Australian-based and AHPRA-registered.

Telehealth is a convenient option for many health concerns, but it is not a replacement for emergency care or situations that require a physical examination.

You should attend an emergency department or call 000 immediately if you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of a stroke, severe allergic reactions, serious injuries or any other symptoms that may be life-threatening.

A telehealth consultation may also not be appropriate if the doctor needs to physically examine you, perform a procedure or take measurements such as blood pressure. In these cases, the consulting GP may recommend that you visit a clinic, hospital or your regular doctor for a face-to-face assessment.

Some conditions or requests that are not suitable for a Telehealth appointment include:

• S8 medications
• Backdated medical certificates
• Centrelink or bail-related certificates
• Patients under 6 months old
• Chest or abdominal pain (you’ll be referred to a GP in person)
• Ongoing issues lasting longer than 2 weeks
• Workers compensation or travel insurance claims
• Certain types of medical certificates (e.g. “fit for” or return-to-work)
• Travel clearance
• Same-day medical certificates for patients under 16

If your condition isn’t suitable, you’ll be guided to the right care.

You can contact our telehealth partner, Hola Health, directly anytime via email at support@hola.health

If you haven’t received your SMS or email, contact our telehealth partner, Hola Health, at support@hola.health

They monitor this inbox 24/7 and will assist you promptly.

No. You can book and attend your consultation directly through your web browser.