How long do you wait for a doctor on a telehealth appointment?

Summary: The wait time for a telehealth appointment is generally much shorter than that for in-person visits, typically taking anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. Some platforms provide on-demand doctor consultations, while others require prior scheduling. Services like Hola Health can connect you with a doctor in less than 15 minutes, making telehealth a fast and convenient choice.

Introduction

Telehealth in Australia has skyrocketed in popularity, especially since the pandemic made virtual doctor visits the new standard. No more waiting in packed waiting rooms, just you, your device, and a healthcare professional ready to help. In fact, between 13 March 2020 and 31 July 2022, an astounding 118.2 million telehealth services were delivered to 18 million patients, with over 95,000 practitioners offering remote care. While it’s easier than ever to connect with a doctor from your home, one question remains: how long do you actually have to wait for your virtual consultation to start? Let’s find out!

How long is too long to wait for an appointment?

The ideal wait time for an appointment can vary based on the type of care you need. For routine or non-urgent consultations, a wait of 15 to 30 minutes is usually acceptable, though anything beyond that could be considered excessive. For urgent cases, waiting over 30 minutes can be frustrating and too long. Discussing wait times with your healthcare provider and establishing reasonable expectations is crucial to minimise frustration.

In a Reddit discussion on the etiquette of waiting for telehealth appointments, users shared their individual experiences and views on how long it’s appropriate to wait before it becomes unreasonable.

One user starts by explaining that their wife’s doctor is often late for appointments, sometimes by 30 to 60 minutes, without offering an apology or notifying them about the delay. This sparked a variety of responses discussing what is generally considered a reasonable waiting time.

Some users contend that the time one should wait depends on several factors, including personal commitments or whether rescheduling would push back necessary treatment. They recommend staying flexible but also acknowledging when the delay becomes excessive.

The overall sentiment in the thread agrees that delays are a normal part of healthcare, but doctors or their staff must communicate about the delay. It’s also emphasised that while patients should respect the provider’s time, they should not feel disrespected when waiting excessively without notice.

So, how long is too long to wait for a telehealth appointment is subjective, with opinions ranging from being accepting of short delays to expressing frustration over extended waiting times.

How does telehealth work in Australia?

Telehealth in Australia allows patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely through technology like video calls, phone calls, or secure messaging. The Australian government has endorsed telehealth through Medicare, offering reimbursement to eligible patients for consultations with doctors, specialists, and allied health professionals. It is accessible to rural and urban residents and has gained popularity for routine medical care, mental health counselling, and follow-up treatments. Patients can access telehealth via private or public services, with eligibility and available services depending on individual circumstances.

How long is it normal to wait to see a doctor?

In a telehealth appointment, the normal wait time to see a doctor can differ, but generally, most telehealth services in Australia offer same day Doctor’s appointment, which is usually 1 hour. If the provider does not join after that, you may contact their office to enquire about the delay. However, the wait time can depend on several factors, including:

• Time of the day: During busy hours, such as evenings or weekends, when many are looking for medical advice, wait times may increase.
• Service demand: When there is a surge in the number of patients using the telehealth service (during flu season or a health emergency), wait times can be longer.
• Type of appointment: Some telehealth platforms provide both scheduled and on-demand consultations. On-demand services, where patients connect instantly with available doctors, may involve shorter wait times. Scheduled appointments might require waiting for the doctor to complete another appointment or wrap up administrative tasks.
• Technical Issue: While unusual, issues such as connection problems on either the doctor’s or patient’s part may cause delays.

In telehealth, wait times usually range from 60 minutes after your appointment. Factors such as peak hours, high demand, the type of appointment, and technical issues can affect wait times. But Hola Health’s wait time is 15 minutes or less, which simply adds to the convenience to see a Doctor online from home or anywhere.

Less than 15 minutes wait time with Hola Health

Hola Health is a telehealth service that offers quick and dependable access to online doctors, often with a wait time of under 15 minutes. Unlike conventional clinics, Hola Health provides 24/7 virtual consultations, eliminating long waiting times in waiting rooms. Their rapid response ensures you receive the medical advice you require without unnecessary hassle. Whether you need immediate treatment options or advice on any illness management, Hola Health links you to licensed healthcare professionals from the comfort of your home.

What should I do before an online doctor consultation?

Preparing for an online consultation with a doctor can enhance the productivity of your appointment.

1. Verify your internet connection and device: Ensure your phone, tablet, or computer is charged and has a reliable internet connection to prevent interruptions during the consultation.
2. Compile your medical history and symptoms: Have a summary of your current symptoms, past medical issues, allergies, and medications available. This helps the doctor evaluate your condition more precisely.
3. Write down your worries and inquiries: Create a list of specific questions regarding your condition, medications, or treatment options to maximise your time with the doctor.
4. Have necessary documentation ready: If you possess recent lab results, medical reports, or prescription information, keep them handy in case the doctor requires them.
5. Select a calm and private environment: Find a well-lit, quiet space for the consultation so you can concentrate and communicate clearly with the doctor.

Proper preparation helps you receive accurate diagnoses, effective treatment, and better health outcomes.

During your virtual doctor appointment

Making the most of your online medical appointment ensures you receive precise healthcare advice and an effective treatment strategy.

1. Be prepared: Click on the video link received. Have your medical history, symptoms, and questions organised.
2. Describe your symptoms clearly: Provide a detailed account of your symptoms, including when they began, how severe they are, and what alleviates or exacerbates them.
3. Discuss your medical background and current medications: Inform the doctor about any existing health conditions, allergies, and any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
4. Ask questions and seek clarification: If you have doubts regarding a diagnosis, medication, or treatment plan, feel free to ask for clarification. Being fully informed about your condition aids in better management.
5. Take notes on the doctor's advice: Jot down key information such as prescribed medications, dosage guidelines, lifestyle adjustments, and follow-up procedures.
6. Confirm the next steps: Before concluding the appointment, make sure you understand whether you need a follow-up visit, lab tests, or further treatments. If needed, inquire about how to obtain prescriptions or referrals.

A well-organised virtual consultation can result in a more effective diagnosis and treatment.

Getting your prescription or referrals

After your online doctor visit, you may require a prescription for medication or a referral to a specialist for a more in-depth evaluation.

• Receiving your prescription: Most telehealth providers send prescriptions directly to your chosen pharmacy. The doctor will confirm the medication, dosage, and necessary instructions before transmitting it electronically. If you need your prescription delivered, Hola provides home delivery options.
• Referrals to specialists: If your condition necessitates further evaluation, your online doctor might offer a referral to a specialist. They may also suggest lab tests or imaging for a more accurate assessment. Some telehealth platforms help with scheduling follow-ups or connecting you to in-person care.

Follow up with the pharmacy or specialist to finalise your treatment plan.

Do telehealth appointments call you?

It varies by telehealth provider and the nature of the appointment. Some telehealth services will contact you directly at the scheduled time, either by phone or video call through their app or website. Others require you to log into a portal and join the consultation yourself.

If you're utilising a service like Hola Health, they may notify you via text, email, or app alert before your appointment, letting you know when the doctor is available. For on-demand visits, you might receive a call as soon as a doctor is ready.

To prevent missing your appointment, ensure your phone or device is charged, notifications are active, and you’re in a quiet environment at the scheduled time.

Telehealth in Australia has created a new era of convenient healthcare, but just like any busy service, sometimes you may experience a longer wait to be connected. Whether it’s a few minutes or an hour, the key is to stay patient and prepared. With the increasing popularity of virtual doctor visits, the future seems optimistic—— hopefully with shorter wait times and more healing from the comfort of home!