Australians will have expanded access to free, round-the-clock health advice following the launch from 1 January of 1800MEDICARE, a move which fulfils an election commitment of the Albanese Government.
The service, formerly known as Healthdirect, provides 24/7 access to registered nurses who can offer health advice, reassurance and referrals to appropriate care, including a person’s regular GP, local hospital or a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. For urgent GP needs that cannot wait until a regular doctor is available, triage nurses can connect callers to a free GP telehealth consultation by phone or video.
Consultations are available weeknights between 6pm and 8am and throughout weekends.
Through the service, patients can receive care from home, including emergency prescriptions for regular medications or treatment for illnesses and injuries.
The government expects the initiative to continue reducing pressure on hospital emergency departments, with an estimated 250,000 Australians avoiding unnecessary ED visits each year. This is expected to include up to 130,000 free urgent GP telehealth services annually by the end of the decade.
Australians can access the service by calling 1800MEDICARE (1800 633 422), visiting medicare.gov.au/1800 or downloading the 1800MEDICARE app.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said early use of the service demonstrated its impact.
“We’ve already seen tens of thousands of Australians use 1800MEDICARE in the relatively few days that it’s been up and running,” Butler said.
“We know that of those who indicated they were considering going to a hospital emergency department, two thirds of them don’t end up going to a hospital ED because of the advice that they get from this free 24/7 service.
“There’s also the ability to have a GP telehealth appointment after hours and many, many hundreds of Australians have been able to avail themselves of that opportunity over the phone, over the video, completely free of charge. And of those Australians who are thinking otherwise of going to their local hospital, three quarters have ended up not going as well.
“This is not only providing terrific quality care to people at their home when they need it, including after hours or on the weekend, it’s also relieving pressure on our crowded emergency departments.”
Minister Butler added the launch formed part of a broader package of health measures being delivered at the start of the year.
“The Albanese Government is starting the new year delivering Australians cheaper medicines, and more health care with 1800MEDICARE and Medicare Mental Health Check in.
“With 1800MEDICARE, the Albanese Government is making it easier for Australians to access health care when and where they need it.”
IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.
Proudly Australian owned and operated