How telehealth consultations work
You answer a few health questions, then talk it through live with your practitioner. Here's each step, from booking to your follow-up reviews.
The 5 steps from assessment to review
At each stage you'll know what comes next and who you're talking to.
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Step 1: Short health assessment
Answer 8 questions about your health, your history and what you'd like to work on. You can do it on your phone.
Your answers help your practitioner prepare.
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Step 2: Book a live consultation
Choose a time that suits you. You'll speak with an Australian-registered practitioner, so you can ask questions as you go.
Pick a time that fits around work.
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Step 3: Talk through your list
Your practitioner asks about your history, the medicines and supplements you take, and your goals. Bring everything you'd like to ask about, even if it covers more than one area.
Treatment is only discussed after this conversation.
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Step 4: Your options, explained
Your practitioner tells you what they think would help. That might be advice, blood tests, a referral or no treatment. If deemed medically appropriate, treatment may be one option.
You decide whether to go ahead.
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Step 5: Follow-up reviews
If you start a plan, your practitioner meets with you again to see how it's going. Each review is a chance to ask questions, adjust the plan or stop.
You and your practitioner agree how often you meet.
Blood tests, if they would help
Some questions need more information. If your practitioner thinks blood tests would help, they'll tell you why and what each test looks at.
- Ordered only when your practitioner sees a reason
- Explained to you in plain English
- Talked through before any decision is made
What does a consultation cost?
Fees are private. Here's when you'll see each one.
Your consultation
You'll see the consultation fee before you book.
Blood tests
If your practitioner suggests tests, ask about any pathology costs before you go ahead.
Treatment, if appropriate
If treatment is clinically appropriate, you'll hear what it costs before you agree to anything. You can still say no.
What do you need for a telehealth consultation?
- A phone or computer with a steady connection
- A quiet, private spot for your consultation
- A list of the medicines and supplements you take
- Any recent test results, if you have them
Telehealth suits many health conversations, though not all. The Medical Board of Australia's 2023 telehealth guidelines say it "should not be considered as a routine substitute for in-person consultations". If you need to be seen in person, your practitioner will tell you. Read the Medical Board's telehealth guidance (opens in a new tab)
Frequently asked questions
Short answers here. The full FAQ page has more, and your practitioner can go through anything else.
How does a telehealth consultation work?
You answer a short health assessment online, then book a time. At that time, you talk live with an Australian-registered practitioner about your health and goals. They explain your options, which may include advice, tests, a referral or no treatment. If you start a plan, follow-up reviews check how it's going.
Can I use my phone for the consultation?
Yes. A phone works, and so does a tablet or computer, as long as the connection is steady. Find a quiet place where you can talk freely. If your practitioner needs to see you on camera, they'll let you know before you start.
What happens to my assessment answers?
They go to your practitioner before your consultation, so you can spend the time on what matters to you. We store them under Australian privacy law. Answering the questions on its own never leads to treatment.
Will I definitely get a prescription?
No. Your practitioner decides what's clinically appropriate after your live consultation. The outcome might be advice, more tests, a referral to your GP or another doctor, or no treatment at all.
What happens after the consultation?
Your practitioner sums up what you talked about and your options. If you start a plan, you'll book follow-up reviews. If treatment isn't right for you, they'll explain why and point you to other care, such as your GP.
How much does a consultation cost?
Fees are private, and you'll see the consultation fee before you book. If your practitioner suggests tests or treatment, you'll hear what they cost before you agree to anything.
Start with the health assessment
Answer 8 questions, then pick a time that suits you. Bio Chain is veteran owned and run, from Tingalpa in Brisbane's east.
