Medibank has reported a 34 per cent month-on-month increase in appointments through its virtual GP service, which is currently being offered as a pilot to eligible customers.
Appointments through the service, delivered by Amplar Health Online Doctor, increased 34 per cent in August compared with July.
Eligible Medibank customers can access three virtual GP appointments each year at no additional cost under the pilot.
The consultations connect patients with Australian-registered specialist GPs and can be accessed from home, work or while travelling within Australia.
Medibank Group medical director and GP Dr Shona Sundaraj said virtual consultations could help address access barriers, particularly for people in regional and rural areas.
“Australians are increasingly embracing virtual healthcare because it offers something many people are struggling to find, timely, convenient access to a GP,” Dr Sundaraj said.
“We know there are people living in regional and rural communities who can face long wait times or significant travel to see a doctor. We also know there are busy parents juggling work, school drop-offs and caring responsibilities who simply can’t afford to spend half a day getting to and from an appointment.
“Virtual GP consultations can help bridge those gaps by bringing healthcare to people wherever they are.”
Dr Sundaraj said virtual appointments could also allow family members, carers or other support people to join consultations more easily.
Medibank said the virtual GP service was designed to complement rather than replace patients’ regular GPs.
“Primary care remains the foundation of a strong health system, but Australians are telling us they want more ways to access that care,” Dr Sundaraj said.
Medibank also offers virtual health services including a mental health line, nurse line and virtual psychology.
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