For many Australians, finding time to visit a GP can be difficult. Work commitments, family responsibilities, travel and busy schedules can make a routine appointment feel like a major inconvenience, particularly when you simply need to discuss an ongoing medication.
For suitable medications and circumstances, telehealth GP consultations can provide a convenient way to discuss repeat prescriptions online, without having to travel to a medical practice or sit in a waiting room.
At PrivateMedical.com.au, ourAustralian telehealth doctors can assess your individual circumstances anddetermine whether a repeat prescription is appropriate.
What is a repeat prescription?
A repeat prescription allows youto continue taking a medication that has previously been prescribed for you, usually as part of an ongoing treatment plan.
However, obtaining a repeat prescription isn't always as simple as requesting the same medication again. A GP may need to consider:
- Your current health and symptoms
- How well the medication is working
- Your medical history
- Other medications you may be taking
- Possible side effects or interactions
- How long you have been taking the medication
- Whether you need monitoring, tests or amedication review
- Whether an alternative treatment may now be moreappropriate
This is why a GP consultation maystill be required, even when you have been taking the medication for some time.
Why manage repeat prescriptions through telehealth?
One of the biggest advantages of telehealth is convenience.
Instead of travelling to a medical practice, parking your car and waiting for an appointment, you can speak with an Australian GP online from a suitable private location, whenever suits you.
1. Save time
A telehealth appointment can eliminate the need to travel to and from a medical clinic and wait in a reception area.
For people with busy work schedules or family commitments, this can make accessing routine healthcare considerably easier.
2. Access a GP from home
PrivateMedical telehealth consultations are available from any Australia-widelocation.
You can have your consultation from home, work or another suitable private location using your smartphone, tablet or computer.
This can be particularly usefulif getting to a medical practice is difficult.
3. Convenient for ongoing medications
If you take regular medication for an ongoing condition, a telehealth consultation may provide a convenient opportunity to discuss your treatment and whether another prescription is appropriate.
4. Avoid unnecessarydisruption to your day
Sometimes, a traditional appointment can take considerably longer than the consultation itself once traveling and waiting time are included.
Telehealth can help streamlinethe process for suitable consultations.
Can a telehealth GP prescribe my usual medication?
Possibly, depending on your individual circumstances and the medication involved.
A GP must make an independent clinical assessment before issuing a prescription. Some medications may require a physical examination, pathology testing, regular monitoring or an in-person consultation.
Certain medicines also have specific prescribing restrictions, and a telehealth doctor may determine that an online consultation is not appropriate.
The safest approach is to discuss your medication requirements with a qualified GP, who can assess whether a prescription can be provided and whether any further review is needed.
Don't wait until you run out
If you take medication regularly, it's a good idea to check your supply before you reach the last dose.
Leaving a repeat prescription until the last minute can create unnecessary stress, particularly if you are travelling, working away from home or unable to attend your usual medical practice.
Consider arranging your GP consultation early enough to allow time for any required assessment, prescription processing or pharmacy arrangements.
What should you have ready for your telehealth appointment?
To make your consultation asuseful as possible, have relevant information available, including:
- The name and strength of your medication
- How often you take it
- Your current supply
- Your previous prescription or medication list,if available
- Information about any other medications orsupplements you take
- Any recent changes in your health
- Any side effects or concerns
- Relevant test or specialist information, ifapplicable
Your doctor may ask additional questions depending on the medication and your circumstances.
A prescription isn't alwaysthe answer
A repeat prescription consultation is also an opportunity to check whether your current treatment is still appropriate.
If you have developed new symptoms, are experiencing side effects, have changed medications or feel that your treatment isn't working as well as it used to, tell your doctor.
Your GP may recommend a medication review, further investigation, pathology testing, an in-person assessment or another treatment option.
When telehealth may not besuitable
Telehealth is convenient, but itisn't appropriate for every medical situation.
You may need to attend a medicalpractice or other healthcare facility if your doctor believes you require:
- A physical examination
- Blood pressure or other observations
- Pathology or other testing
- Medication monitoring
- An injection or procedure
- Urgent medical assessment
- A face-to-face consultation for a particularmedication or condition
If you have severe or rapidlyworsening symptoms, seek appropriate urgent medical care rather than relying ona routine telehealth appointment.
Convenient healthcare for busy Australians
Managing your health shouldn'talways mean rearranging your entire day.
For suitable patients, online GP consultations can make routine healthcare more convenient, including discussing ongoing medications and repeat prescriptions.
PrivateMedical.com.au provides access to Australian telehealth GPs, allowing you to speak with a doctor online without needing to visit a traditional waiting room.
Need to discuss a repeat prescription? Book a telehealth GP consultation online or over the phone on 135 001 with PrivateMedical.com.au today.
Prescription decisions aremade by a qualified GP following an individual clinical assessment. Not allmedications are suitable for prescribing via telehealth, and a doctor mayrecommend an alternative form of care where appropriate. This article is generalhealth information and does not replace personalised medical advice.
