Thousands of Medibank customers are turning to virtual GP appointments, highlighting the growing role telehealth is playing in improving access to primary care across Australia.
New data shows significant growth in the use of Medibank's GP telehealth service, delivered by Amplar Health Online Doctor, with August appointments up 34% on July, reflecting increasing demand from customers seeking convenient, timely access to healthcare.
Currently running as a pilot, the service gives eligible Medibank customers access to three fully covered virtual GP appointments each year at no additional cost, helping Australians access quality primary care when and where they need it most.
The increase comes as Australians continue to face challenges accessing primary care, particularly in regional and rural communities and amid ongoing GP workforce pressures.
Medibank Group Medical Director and GP Dr Shona Sundaraj said the strong growth demonstrates how virtual healthcare is helping address some of the biggest barriers Australians face when seeking medical care.
"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.
"Importantly, virtual care can also make it easier for family members to be part of a consultation when needed. As our population ages, being able to have an adult child, carer or other support person join an appointment can make a real difference to a patient's understanding of their healthcare and treatment options.
"This is about equity of access. Quality healthcare shouldn't depend on your postcode, your work schedule, your caring responsibilities or your ability to travel. Virtual care is playing an increasingly important role in ensuring more Australians can access the healthcare they need."
Medibank is continuing to invest in digital health services such as a mental health line, nurse line and virtual psychology, all as part of its broader commitment to helping customers stay healthy and access care earlier, with virtual GP appointments complementing traditional face-to-face care.
The service enables eligible customers to securely connect with an Australian-registered specialist GP from home, work or while travelling within Australia, providing convenient support for a range of everyday health concerns.
The surge in demand reflects broader changes in how Australians want to access healthcare, with more people seeking flexible healthcare options that fit around increasingly busy lives.
Dr Sundaraj said virtual GP services are not intended to replace a patient's regular doctor, but to complement existing care and are becoming an important part of the healthcare ecosystem.
"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.
By combining virtual health services with traditional healthcare pathways, we can help more people get the right care at the right time. Whether it's a parent managing competing priorities, someone in a regional town or a customer who simply needs medical advice quickly, virtual GP services are helping remove barriers and making healthcare more accessible.
Contact details:
Alice Ross
External Affairs Manager
[email protected]
0421 741 737
