Yes. Metta Medical Centre offers telehealth GP appointments at our Karrinyup clinic — by phone or video. Telehealth is a great option when you don’t need to be physically examined, such as for prescription reviews, mental health follow-ups, results discussions, or simple acute issues like cold-and-flu symptoms.
This guide explains who can use telehealth, when it’s a good fit, the costs and Medicare rebates, and how to book.
What is a telehealth appointment?
A telehealth consultation is a GP appointment delivered remotely — by phone or video — instead of in person. The medical content is the same: your GP can take a history, give clinical advice, issue prescriptions, request pathology, and write referrals.
Telehealth was expanded across Australia during COVID-19 and remains a permanent part of the Medicare Benefits Schedule for patients who have an existing relationship with their GP practice.
Who can use telehealth at Metta Medical?
To claim a Medicare rebate for a telehealth appointment, you must have seen one of our GPs face-to-face within the past 12 months at Metta Medical Centre. This is a federal Medicare rule, not a Metta rule.
If you haven’t seen us within the past 12 months, you can still have a telehealth consult — but it will be privately billed without a Medicare rebate.
When is telehealth a good fit?
✅ Telehealth works well for:
- Prescription renewals (when your GP is happy to issue without re-examining you)
- Pathology and imaging results discussions
- Mental health follow-up appointments
- Cold, flu, sinus and minor respiratory illnesses
- Family planning advice and contraception follow-up
- Care plan reviews
- Brief check-ins for chronic disease management
❌ In-person is better for:
- New chronic disease assessments
- Skin checks and skin cancer surgery follow-up
- Iron infusions (procedure must be done in person)
- Cervical screening, breast checks, and other clinical examinations
- Children under 5 (in-person is preferred for young paediatric care)
- Acute injuries needing a physical exam
- New patients who haven’t been seen at Metta before
If you’re unsure, our reception team will help you choose the right option when you book.
How long is a telehealth appointment?
- Short telehealth — typically 5-10 minutes, suitable for one straightforward issue (e.g. a script renewal).
- Standard telehealth — typically 10-20 minutes, suitable for one or two issues that need more discussion.
Telehealth costs and Medicare rebates
| Appointment type | Fee | Medicare rebate (if eligible) |
|---|---|---|
| Short telehealth | $65 | Item 91890 — rebate amount published on Medicare’s MBS Online |
| Standard telehealth | $115 | Item 91891 — rebate amount published on Medicare’s MBS Online |
We bill privately at the time of the consult, then process the Medicare rebate to your nominated bank account if you are eligible.
Children under 16 and concession card holders may qualify for our reduced fee schedule. Confirm with reception when booking.
How to book a telehealth appointment
- Open the HotDoc page for Metta Medical Centre.
- Choose your GP.
- Choose Telehealth from the appointment type list.
- Pick a time and confirm.
Your GP will phone you (or send a secure video link) at your appointment time. Make sure you’re in a quiet, private space with your phone charged and ID ready.
What if I miss my telehealth call?
If your GP can’t reach you within 5 minutes of your appointment time, the appointment will be marked as missed. Standard cancellation/missed-appointment fees apply.
To minimise missed appointments:
- Make sure your phone number on file is current.
- Don’t put your phone on silent or Do-Not-Disturb mode.
- Be ready 5 minutes before your scheduled time.
Frequently asked questions
Does Metta Medical do telehealth?
Yes. Metta Medical Centre offers telehealth GP appointments by phone or video. Telehealth is suitable for prescription reviews, mental health follow-ups, results discussions and minor illness. Bookings can be made via HotDoc.
How much does a telehealth GP appointment cost at Metta Medical?
Short telehealth is $65 and standard telehealth is $115. A Medicare rebate is available if you’ve seen one of our GPs face-to-face within the last 12 months.
Can I get a prescription via telehealth?
Yes. Your GP can issue an electronic prescription that is sent to your phone or email and can be dispensed at any Australian pharmacy.
Can a new patient book a telehealth appointment at Metta Medical?
New patients are welcome to book a telehealth consult, but Medicare rebates only apply when you have seen one of our GPs face-to-face within the past 12 months. New patients without that prior face-to-face are billed privately.
Is video telehealth or phone telehealth better?
For most issues phone is fine. Video can be helpful for visible symptoms (e.g. a rash or a swollen joint) — your GP will let you know if they prefer video.