Telehealth is on the rise, but is it good for us?
Medipeople • May 8, 2017
Telehealth is on the Rise, but is It Good for Us
In today’s digital age, the rise of telehealth modes is on the increase … and inevitable. Think Telstra’s ‘Telehealth’ or this recent article in New York Times – Modern Doctors’ House Calls: Skype Chat and Fast Diagnosis.
Virtual Medicine
Essentially both concepts are referring to ‘virtual medicine’ where a patient can connect with a doctor virtually without having to go into a clinic for a checkup and being able to receive a diagnosis and in most cases a prescription online.
Telemedicine as it’s known can be most useful for simple things (for example repeat scripts) and basic care when it is inconvenient to visit a doctor in person, out of standard clinic hours or in a remote or rural community with limited doctor services available.
Issues with Telehealth
There are several key issues with Telemedicine.
- The world is moving towards an integrated health model as best practice. Telemedicine is almost the opposite approach which will provide a fragmented and uncoordinated approach to healthcare.
- Staff turnover could potentially be huge. A patient may never speak to the same doctor twice. As mentioned in the New York Times article the patient chose a doctor simply because of “a trustworthy face”. Many GPs will be reluctant to use this.
- There are questions regarding software integration with other health practitioners’ notes and the patient’s medical history.
- Older patients and those in rural areas may not have adequate IT skills to do this.
- There is a massive danger of symptoms being missed due to a lack of physical examination – by feel, by smell, by empathy and the over-subscribing of antibiotics as a ‘quick fix’.
In cases of follow up care, long term care and where a doctor already knows a patient there are can definitely be merits in Telehealth and if managed correctly can actually enhance health care.
However at this point in time it is recommended that pro-telemedicine doctors and patients proceed with caution and should only try to conduct virtual health care within an established doctor/patient relationship where possible.
Locum Doctors: An Expensive Problem - or a Measurably Better Value?
Every so often, a placement stands out, not because it was the easiest, but because it marked a turning point in how we support GPs moving to Australia. Dr Idle’s journey from Scotland to Brisbane is one of those stories. When I first connected with him, the AHPRA Expedited Specialist Pathway was in the works but hadn’t officially started. He had initially submitted his RACGP Specialist Assessment, and then, the new pathway was announced, promising a much faster, cleaner route for UK GPs with CCT + MRCGP. We moved quickly, transferring his RACGP application and switching him over to the ESP to speed up his application. He became one of the very first GPs to go through this new process. And while the pathway itself was designed to be “expedited,” the reality of being first through the door was… interesting. There were delays, long pauses, and moments where we clearly saw AHPRA navigating a new internal process while dealing with a high influx of applications. Nothing moved clean or in a way we had expected. Because we corresponded directly with AHPRA daily, we were able to follow up, clarifying requirements, escalating where appropriate, and making sure nothing slipped through the cracks while the system caught up with itself. Eventually, after what felt like a marathon for everyone involved, Dr Idle was officially registered, visa approved, and on a plane to Australia. Today, he’s thriving in an exceptional practice, fully settled, and building exactly the future he hoped for when he first reached out from Scotland. It’s been almost two years now, and we’re still in touch, not just for professional updates but to support him as needed. Our support continues long after a doctor starts their new role. Relocating your entire life to the other side of the world is a huge step, and whether it’s career progression, financial, schooling, community, or simply a friendly chat, we’re here for it. And personally, even after twenty years in GP recruitment, it still gives me genuine joy when I finally meet a doctor in person after months of online correspondence and guiding them through the maze of registration, visas, logistics, and relocation. Seeing them happy, settled, and thriving is why I still love what I do. Since then, we’ve guided many more doctors through the Expedited Specialist Pathway. It has become smoother and more predictable than when it first launched. With the right guidance and careful preparation, most of the early delays can now be avoided. Dr Idle’s journey from Scotland to Brisbane wasn’t perfect or straightforward, but it was meaningful. It marked the beginning of a new chapter for how international GPs come to Australia, and I’m proud we helped him navigate it before the pathway had even found its rhythm. If you're a UK GP considering the move, I’m always happy to talk through the process and help you understand whether it’s the right next step for you. With the right guidance, the transition truly can be life-changing, just as it was for Dr Idle.
Across Australia, general practice is changing fast and so are the pressures on GPs. From increasing patient complexity to stagnant funding, many doctors are questioning whether their current practice truly supports the kind of medicine they want to provide. The Realities GPs Are Facing in 2026 Rising complexity, less time to care Recent RACGP data shows that over two-thirds of GPs are managing more complex, multi-condition cases than ever before. Many are spending longer with patients but without adequate remuneration or support. Funding that hasn’t kept pace Despite government incentives, Medicare rebates and practice funding haven’t matched the true cost of quality care. Practices are being forced to choose between bulk billing and financial sustainability, and GPs are feeling the strain. Administrative overload and burnout The non-clinical workload has ballooned. From compliance and care plans to IT and communication gaps, it’s no surprise that one in three GPs say they may leave practice within five years. Searching for better balance Most GPs still love what they do but want better systems, better support, and more time for patients. They’re looking for practices that align with their values: professionalism, autonomy, and patient-centred care. What a Better Opportunity Really Means If you’re a GP currently feeling these pressures, the solution might not be “more or less of the same” it might be finding a practice managed differently. Clinics that focus on quality over quantity, with: Busy, well-established clinics Special interest patient flow Strong nursing and management support Billing models that support growth Flexible work options Professional autonomy “Sometimes a fresh start can be life-changing for the better” Medipeople has been helping GPs find fulfilling roles across Australia for over 20 years, matching doctors with practices that fit their values, lifestyle, and professional goals. click here to learn more
