All your questions answered

• General

  • Why should I use Anywhere Healthcare?

    Anywhere Healthcare is a flexible option for people living in regional or remote areas who cannot easily visit a specialist. You can access an Anywhere Healthcare specialist from the convenience of your doctor’s clinic with the support of your doctor or practice nurse. This means busy people or those who find it difficult to travel can reduce the cost, travel and waiting time associated with seeing a specialist.

  • Is an Anywhere Healthcare specialist visit covered by Medicare?

    If you live in a rural or remote area of Australia your online consultation with a specialist may be eligible for a rebate under Medicare. In some situations, Anywhere Healthcare will bulk bill patients who are eligible for a Medicare rebate. In other situations, an out-of-pocket charge will apply. Your doctor will be able to advise you if your consultation is eligible for a rebate and if other charges apply for the visit.

  • Can I bring someone with me to visit an Anywhere Healthcare specialist?

    Yes, of course. Because the consultation takes place from your doctor’s clinic, you can easily bring a friend, partner or family member along for support or to help you understand the specialist’s advice.

  • What specialists are available?

    Anywhere Healthcare specialists are expertly trained and equipped to deliver online care. In October 2012, Anywhere Healthcare will have Dermatologists, Paediatricians, General Physicians, and Psychiatrists available for consultations. We will be adding more specialties to our panel in the coming months so check our website regularly for updates.

  • Can I see a specialist online from home?

    In most cases your Anywhere Healthcare consultation will take place from your doctor’s clinic. You can speak to your doctor to find out if a consultation is suitable to have from home.

  • What if the specialist needs to examine me?

    In most cases, your doctor or practice nurse will be able to assist the specialist by sending through photos or carrying out any simple checks – such as taking your blood pressure – and reporting the readings. If a more searching examination is required, online consulting may not be appropriate.

  • Will the consultation be private?

    Absolutely. You can talk to the specialist in a private room at your doctor’s clinic just as you would if you were travelling to his or her consulting rooms. Or you can invite a family member or your carer to join in the conversation for support. If required, your doctor or a practice nurse may also join in the consultation.

  • Will Anywhere Healthcare replace a face-to-face consultation with a specialist?

    Sometimes there is no substitute for seeing a doctor in person. However, for those times when an 'in person' visit is not required, or not possible, an Anywhere Healthcare specialist may be a convenient alternative.

  • How much will I have to pay to see an Anywhere Healthcare specialist?

    If you’re in a rural or remote area of Australia, an online specialist consultation may be eligible for a rebate under Medicare. In some situations, you may be bulk billed by Anywhere Healthcare for your specialist consultation where a Medicare rebate is available. In other situations, an out-of-pocket charge may apply. Your doctor will be able to advise you if your consultation is eligible for a rebate and if other charges apply for the visit.

  • How do I make an appointment?

    If you would like to see an Anywhere Healthcare specialist, ask your doctor if a referral is appropriate. If appropriate, your doctor or clinic staff can make an appointment with a specialist for you.

  • Is Anywhere Healthcare covered by my Medibank Health insurance?

    No. If you live in a rural or remote area of Australia, an online consultation with a specialist on Anywhere Healthcare may be eligible for a rebate under Medicare. Your doctor will be able to advise if any out-of-pocket charges apply for your visit.

  • How long is a consultation?

    The time required for an online consultation will vary from patient to patient and will depend on the type of medical consultation. A typical online specialist conversation varies from 5 minutes to one hour and is similar to face to face appointments.

  • Can I keep seeing my Anywhere Healthcare specialist?

    Yes, as long as online consultations continue to be appropriate, your doctor or clinic staff will be able to make follow-up appointments with the same specialist as many times as you need them.

  • Do I have to be a Medibank Health insurance member to see an Anywhere Healthcare specialist?

    No. Anyone living in regional Australia can use Anywhere Healthcare. Although the service is provided by Medibank Health Solutions, you don’t have to have private health insurance through Medibank or any other provider to use the service.

  • When will I be able to see an Anywhere Healthcare specialist at my doctor’s clinic?

    Anywhere Healthcare will be available from October 2012 in the following regions:

    Gladstone, Qld

    Hervey Bay, Qld

    Maryborough, Qld

    Ask your doctor if they provide consultations with Anywhere Healthcare specialists. From March 2013, patients in other rural or remote areas will be able to access Anywhere Healthcare specialists (provided your doctor offers the service).