The GPs working from North Brighton Medical offer Phone Consultations and Video Consultations for the convenience of our existing patients.

However, note that we generally prefer patients to attend for Face-to-Face Consults where possible, unless we have advised otherwise (for example in the Recall message we send you about following up results). This ensures the doctor can examine you properly to make a proper diagnosis, and we can perform basic tests like a blood pressure checks. You’ll avoid wasting your time and money if you book a Phone Consult but then need to come to the clinic for a subsequent Face-to-Face Consult anyway.

eligibility for phone and video consults

Under Medicare rules, we cannot conduct Phone Consults and Video Consults for:

  • new patients; or

  • a patient who is not in Australia at the time of the consult; or

  • any patient who has not been to our clinic for a Face to Face consult in the past 12 months, unless they are registered with our clinic under MyMedicare.

For a Phone Consult or Video Consult, the actual patient must be present for the consult - for example:

  • if the patient is a child they must be present for the call even if their parent takes the call

  • if the person taking the caller has a medical power of attorney for the patient, the patient must still be present for the call.

However, if an existing patient (or their parent or medical power of attorney) would like a consult despite not meeting the above requirements, they can book a Phone or Video Consult provided that they understand that the normal consult fees will apply and that they will not get ANY Medicare rebate.

video consultS

Some appointments cannot be done by Phone Consult, so a Video Consult must be booked. This includes GP Chronic Condition Management Plans and new Mental Health Care Plans.

In addition, the maximum Medicare rebate for a Phone Consult is usually $43.90, so you will have a larger Gap if your consult lasts more than 20 minutes (including the time taken by the doctor to complete notes and referrals and other paperwork).

We recommend you always attend for a Face-to-Face Consult to ensure you receive the maximum Medicare rebate, or book a Video Consult if you cannot attend for Face-to-Face Consult.

Alternatively, if you register with our clinic under MyMedicare, you can access rebates for longer Phone Consults.

eSCRIPTS and referrals

If you have a phone consult and need a script, we can send your prescriptions to you electronically via SMS or email - click here to learn more about eScripts. Alternatively, you can drop into the clinic after your appointment to collect your script.

If you need a pathology or radiology referral, we usually can send it electonically via SMS, or you can collect it from the clinic.

If you need a specialist referral, we can email it to you and/or send it directly to the specialist. We can also email you other documents, such as medical certificates or copies of results.

Click here to read about our Email Policy regarding the security issues associated with email.

IF YOU HAVE ANY COLD OR FLU SYMPTOMS

You MUST NOT come into the clinic if you have any cold or flu symptoms.

See our Contagious Diseases page for appointment options.

payment for phone and phone consultations

Our fees for Phone Consults are the same as our standard fees for the equivalent Face-to-Face consult.

We will send you an SMS with a payment link after your telehealth consult, or you can call us to pay.

A $10 Late Payment Fee will be payable if you fail to pay for a consultation within 7 days of the consult. You will not be able to book any further appointments until outstanding fees are paid.

We will submit the Medicare rebate request for you following the Phone Consult and once payment has been made in full.

If you need a receipt, you will need to call or email us to request one.

bookings

You can book a Phone Consult online or by phone.

BOOK A PHONE CONSULT

BRIEF QUERIES - 6-Minute phone consult

If you have a brief query for a GP, you now have the option of booking a 6-Minute Phone Consult.

This must be booked with your usual GP, and only if:

  • You've been advised by the clinic to book this appointment type; or

  • For a repeat script of a regular medication you are currently taking, but NOT INCLUDING blood pressure meds (which needs a Face-to-Face Consultation for a BP check), painkillers, sleeping tablets, anti-depressant/anxiety medications (which need a Standard Phone Consult); or

  • For a repeat referral to a specialist you've already seen, but NOT INCLUDING a referral for mental health (which always need a LONG Consultation) or to allied health for Medicare funded sessions under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (which requires a Care Plan Review, but which can normally be bulk billed if you are eligible for the GPCCM); or

  • For quick queries relating to a recent consult, for example if you forgot to ask for a medical certificate.

A discounted fee of $57.85 applies (ie. a $12 gap, if you are entitled to a Medicare rebate - you must have attended the clinic for a Face-to-Face Consult in the past 12 months).

FROM 1 NOVEMBER 2025, a 6-Minute Phone Consult that has been booked in accordance with the above rules will usually be bulk billed.

Normal fees will apply if none of the above apply, if additional issues are discussed, or for any complex issues, and on weekends.

PLEASE BOOK A LONGER CONSULT FOR MULTIPLE/COMPLEX ISSUES, OR YOU MAY NEED TO RE-BOOK.