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Phone doctor
Phone doctor consults with an Australian GP
Prefer to talk on the phone? Book a GP phone consultation with bulkbill.doctor and you'll get a link to join, then speak with an Australian-registered doctor at your appointment time. You don't need a camera or a video app for a phone consult.
Medically reviewed by Dr Damien Ford
General Practitioner MBBS FRACGP
WHO IT'S FOR
People who'd rather talk to a GP by phone
What is a phone doctor consult
A phone doctor consult is a GP appointment held over a phone call instead of in a clinic or by video. At bulkbill.doctor, Standard, Long, Extended and Urgent After Hours appointments can all be done by phone, from anywhere in Australia.
Phone suits most everyday concerns. Mental health care plans and chronic condition management plans are by video only. If something is easier to assess on camera, your GP may ask to switch to video or suggest an in-person visit.
What happens in your consult
Your GP will:
 | talk with you about your symptoms and health history |
 | ask questions to understand what's going on |
 | give you advice and a plan for your next steps |
 | issue a certificate or script if it's clinically appropriate |
 | write a referral or request tests where it's appropriate |
 | suggest video or an in-person visit if it's needed |
Keep your phone charged and nearby at your appointment time. Book Standard for a single issue, or Long or Extended if you have more to discuss.
Bulk billed phone consults
Medicare eligibility rules apply. If your consult meets Medicare's rules, it can be bulk billed, and your eligibility is checked when you book. If you're not eligible, a private fee applies.
Medicare covers both phone and video telehealth for many GP services, with some exceptions. Any certificate, script or referral is issued as part of your consult.
How to book
 | Book online and choose the appointment type that suits you |
 | Talk with an Australian registered GP by phone |
 | Get any certificate, script or referral sent after your consult |
What you need
| Your Medicare card details, so your eligibility can be checked |
| A private, quiet space and a charged phone with good signal |
| A list of any medicines you take |
| A pen and paper for any advice or next steps |
FAQ
Can I see a doctor over the phone?
Yes. bulkbill.doctor GPs consult by phone with patients anywhere in Australia. Standard, Long, Extended and Urgent After Hours appointments can all be by phone.
Is a phone consult as good as video?
Phone suits many everyday concerns. Some things are easier to assess on video or in person, so your GP may suggest switching if it's better for your care.
What can't be done by phone?
Mental health care plans and chronic condition management plans are by video only. Anything needing an examination may need an in-person visit.
Can I get a certificate or script from a phone doctor?
Yes, where clinically appropriate. Certificates are emailed to you, and eScripts are sent by email or SMS, whichever you prefer.
Can I call a doctor after hours?
Yes. Urgent After Hours runs 12am to 7am your local time, by phone or video, booked on the day. It's not an emergency service, so call 000 in an emergency.
Is a phone doctor consult bulk billed?
Anyone can book. Medicare bulk billed if eligible. Medicare eligibility rules apply to phone consults, and your eligibility is checked when you book. If you're not eligible, a private fee applies.
Can I choose my own doctor?
Yes. When you book, you can choose the doctor you'd like to see.
How long is a phone doctor appointment?
A Standard appointment is a 10-minute phone consult. Long is 20 minutes, Extended is 40 minutes, and Urgent After Hours is 15 minutes.
Want to know more about telehealth billing? See our bulk billed telehealth page.
APPOINTMENT
Standard
10 minutes, or 20 or 40 for more time
CONSULT
Phone or Video
Phone for most appointment types
Need help now?
This is not an emergency service.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
Call 000
Lifeline - 24/7 crisis support
MEDICARE
Medicare bulk billed if eligible
Eligibility checked when you book
Related services
More ways an Australian GP can help
Standard
Chronic Condition Plan
Standard