Access to health care is a vital aspect of maintaining wellbeing, but many Australians are finding it increasingly difficult to secure timely appointments with their usual doctors. With the growing demand for health care services, the wait times for general practitioner (GP) appointments are becoming longer, leaving many patients frustrated and concerned about their health needs.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Patient Experiences report for the 2022-23 financial year, 36.3% of people could not get in to see their preferred GP on one or more occasions (up from 32.8% in 2021-22), 29.6% of people reported waiting longer than they felt acceptable for a GP appointment (up from 23.4% in 2021-22, and up from 16.6% in 2020-21), and 45.6%of people who saw a GP for urgent medical care waited for 24 hours or more (up from 39.1% in 2021-22).
In 2022-23, 82.5% of Australians aged 15 and over saw a GP at least once. Despite this high utilisation rate, 26.4% of patients reported waiting longer than they felt acceptable to get an appointment. This delay in accessing healthcare can have significant implications, particularly for those with ongoing health concerns or acute medical issues.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the development and adoption of telehealth services around Australia and around the world. Health practitioners and the public are becoming more familiar with telehealth technology and its convenience. The ABS report shows that 24.2% of Australians aged 15 and overused telehealth services in 2022-23. Telehealth usage was notably higher among residents of major cities (25.8%) compared to those in regional (22.0%) and remote areas (15.7%). This trend indicates a growing acceptance and reliance on telehealth.
In Australia, patient satisfaction with telehealth services is high, with 84.7% of users expressing satisfaction according to the ABS report. This positive feedback underscores the effectiveness of telehealth in meeting patient needs and delivering quality healthcare.
Private Medical’s ASAP online doctor appointments can help patients with general medical needs, referrals, prescriptions, medical certificates, chronic health management, mental health consultations, and medical advice for non-emergency urgent medical assistance.
Private Medical’s ASAP online doctor appointments offer patients:
1. Immediate Access to GP Care: Connect with an experienced Private Medical doctor quickly, the same day, to address urgent health concerns without delay. This is particularly beneficial for those experiencing acute symptoms or needing immediate medical advice.
2. Convenience and Flexibility: Attend your Private Medical ASAP online doctor appointment from the comfort of your home, or from any Australia-wide location with internet access, eliminating the need for travel and reducing exposure to illnesses in waiting room environments. This convenience is especially valuable for individuals with families, mobility or transportation issues or those living in rural, regional and remote areas.
3. Continuity of Care: While it may not always be possible to see one’s usual doctor, Private Medical ASAP online doctor appointments ensure continuity of care by providing access to experienced Private Medical online GPs who can review medical histories, offer guidance,and manage current and ongoing medical conditions.
Book your ASAP online doctor appointment with Private Medical
If you are having trouble securing an appointment with your usual doctor, an ASAP online consultation with Private Medical offers many advantages. We will be able to book you for the day that you need an appointment. Call 135 001 to schedule the next available ASAP appointment and enjoy the convenience and quality of Private Medical’s online doctor services.
