Telehealth Risks: Convenience vs. Your Health

Telehealth has become a vital healthcare option, particularly for Australians in remote areas, offering much-needed access to medical professionals. However, doctors emphasize that the convenience of virtual appointments comes with inherent risks, as crucial non-verbal cues and physical assessments are challenging to conduct remotely.

While video and phone consultations have benefits, they can lead to missed diagnostic clues, especially for unfamiliar patients. The rise of online clinics offering quick prescriptions and certificates, while convenient, can fragment care and incur unnecessary costs. Doctors stress that these services often act as intermediaries, with direct GP consultation being more cost-effective and safer.

Building a therapeutic relationship with a regular General Practitioner is highlighted as essential for comprehensive health management. This continuity allows for a deeper understanding of a patient's history, earlier detection of subtle health changes, and more accurate diagnoses, ultimately contributing to better long-term health outcomes compared to fragmented virtual care.