• long running

Free (Medicare Bulk-Billed) After-Hours Doctor Home Visits @ 13 SICK, [VIC] DoctorDoctor (Melbourne) (+HealthTap)

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Free (Medicare Bulk-Billed) After-Hours Doctor Home Visits @ 13 SICK, [VIC] DoctorDoctor (Melbourne) (+HealthTap)
Go to Deal
tonester on 28/04/2014 - 11:43 homedoctor.com.au (3521 clicks)
Last edited 17/10/2023 - 08:14

GP2home - 1800 GP2 HOME (1800 472 4663) now named DoctorDoctor

  • Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth

National Home Doctor Service - 13 SICK (13 7425)

  • Capitals: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra
  • Regional: Launceston, Geelong, Shepparton, Newcastle, NSW Central Coast, Townsville, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast

GP Home Visits:
Weeknights 6pm - 8am
Weekends from noon Saturday
All day Sunday & public holidays.

Call Centre Bookings:
Weekdays from 4pm
Saturday from 10am
All day Sunday & public holidays.

GP2home patients are telephoned by the treating doctor for triage and advice prior to attendance and may be provided with valuable self care management information prior to the doctor’s actual arrival.

After hours doctor visits are bulk-billed requiring no out-of-pocket payment if you are registered with Medicare or Veterans Affairs. Patients not registered with Medicare or Veterans Affairs are required to pay by cash, MasterCard or Visa at the conclusion of each consultation.

HealthTap - https://www.healthtap.com

In essence, its goal is to create a WebMD-like database of questions that are answered by vetted physicians. If a question is unanswered, a user can submit it, and then doctors from around the country will provide an answer within hours. These answers can then be reviewed by other doctors who frequently add their own second opinions.

http://pando.com/2013/10/30/healthtap-unveils-new-talktodoc-…
http://www.wired.com/2013/09/health-startups-target-the-mass…
http://www.forbes.com/sites/parmyolson/2013/04/17/medical-ad…

Health & Beauty Medical Consultation Medicare

Related Stores

National Home Doctor Service
National Home Doctor Service

Comments

    • tonester on 28/04/2014 - 12:15
      +1

      users/members are more likely to be trolling given that they're not vetted as doctors are - besides trolling being less lucrative than diagnosing

      These answers can then be reviewed by other doctors who frequently add their own second opinions.

    • bluedufflecoat on 28/04/2014 - 14:36
      +1

      As long as you're not part of the panel, I think it should be ok. :D

    • Mr Frodo on 16/10/2023 - 13:36
      +1

      good to see that you have been trolling for over 9 years!

    • nobro25 on 15/04/2024 - 12:33

      You can always consult your fellow ozbargain peeps for some medical advice. Although you might have to take it up for a grain of salt.

  • jimmej on 28/04/2014 - 12:00
    +1

    I got this in the mail last week too. Put it on the fridge for a rainy child screaming day

  • treeman on 28/04/2014 - 12:00
    +38

    This is a great deal no doubt but as long as it's not abused. Have used it a couple of times when vomiting with gastro and has been incredibly handy as they can give you the correct medication at your on own and it happens to be free.
    But if you are okay to attend the doctor please don't go the cheap way out by getting them after hours otherwise the system will be clogged up for those that really need it.

    Thanks.

    • tronrim on 16/10/2023 - 17:42
      +4

      I have worked for a similar crowd recently doing home visits. It's obviously a bit hard to say that people are "abusing" the service but there are definitely a lot of calls that we really feel could be self managed at home - eg it's about 80% colds.
      We are happy to help people out and reassure them but most of the time people are needing just that and rest.
      If this prevents an ED presentation (which is what the funding is there to do) then great but it does seem like an unnecessary expense for the taxpayer funding us to drive to people's homes and tell them they have a cold.

      People generally really love the service though so its a win-win! Glad you had a good experience

      • somesomebargin123 on 15/04/2024 - 13:13

        It's actually probably cheaper, because without this service, they'd most likely go to the hospitals instead.

  • pw2002au on 28/04/2014 - 12:10
    +2

    I know the consultation is bulk billed but if anyone has used the service and cares to offer an opinion I'd like the understand if there are any out of pocket expenses (eg: doctors travel costs - upfront costs not associated with appointment). The web site doesnt have too much info in this regard.

    • tonester on 28/04/2014 - 12:16
      +1

      After hours doctor visits are bulk-billed requiring no out-of-pocket payment if you are registered with Medicare or Veterans Affairs.

      http://tothotornot.com/2013/02/hot-medical-at-home-after-hou… might help :)

      (http://www.afterhoursgp.com.au and http://www.gp2home.com.au are both provided by http://www.alms.com.au)

    • [Deactivated] on 28/04/2014 - 12:50
      +1

      I haven't used these guys, but another one.
      No out of pocket expenses. You quote your medicare card over the phone
      The doc just swipe your medicare card after the consult.

      A proper GP comes out. The wait can be 30mins to several hours, depending on the queue/where the doctors are. As mentioned it's great for sick kids, you can let them play/sleep until the GP comes. Alas if they then send you to the A&E, then you have to join the queue there….

    • ahara on 16/10/2023 - 22:08

      Used them many times in past successfully. You never get the same doctor and it’s likely a replacement for emergencies where you cannot wait for a doctor next day.

      Most recently though I’ve had many occasions where I was not able to be seen by a doctor due to lack of staff or being overwhelmed.

      Thus my 2 cents is that you cannot rely on this service

  • su27km on 28/04/2014 - 12:15
    -8

    is this useful?? not quite understand, why not go to Emergency during the night?

    • tonester on 28/04/2014 - 12:17
      +7

      travelling and waiting :(

    • ZinDeeDee on 28/04/2014 - 12:21
      +1

      saves ambulance costs too I guess? not "having" to go to the emergency room if it can be helped? each ambulance bill is over $500 for us per time… (although our insurance covers it)

    • mobo on 28/04/2014 - 12:27
      +11

      So you don't clog up emergency with less urgent stuff. I think that's why medicare is paying more to allow doctors to bulk bill after hours.

      I've had them come over for my son when he starting vomiting at night. No extra expenses were incurred.

      • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 28/04/2014 - 12:48
        +3

        Guess everybody will be raiding the change jar for 6 bucks soon.

        • dknight on 28/04/2014 - 12:52
          +2

          Even if they're charging 20-30$/time, I'll still use them for my kids. Less chances having cross-infection from hospital bugs, and they don't have to go out in the cold when their immune system is already compromised.

          After hour GP charge around that much anyway near box hill

        • ca6leguy on 28/04/2014 - 13:23
          +1

          My local GP charges $110 out of pocket for a 10 min visit during working hours in the clinic.

    • dknight on 28/04/2014 - 12:50
      +1

      The reason why you don't use this in an emergency is the time delay. You don't know when the GP going to come, and they don't come as well equipped as the hospital. So if you're ok waiting for 2-3 hours, then use this service.

      Personally, I think this is a great service, having use both this and ER. In non-life threatening situation, you could wait for the doctor in the comfort at home, instead of going out at mid-night to the ER and was told to wait for unknown length of time before you're looked at by a doctor (and you could easily wait 2-4 hours). At the same time, this reduces the queue at ER for people who are already there.

      • tonester on 28/04/2014 - 15:38

        The reason why you don't use this in an emergency is the time delay. You don't know when the GP going to come

        eta is provided upon booking, unlike at hospitals

    • irajohn90 on 28/04/2014 - 13:23

      why clog the emergency ward for things like toothaches? I've used this several times for the family where a non-medical emergency is needed. We can comfortably wait at home instead of an emergency ward.

      • hoxygt on 28/04/2014 - 19:23

        Exactly or go back to bed! Beats sitting with your youngins in the ED waiting room with drunks covered with blood, calling everyone a bunch of f$%^&n cu$^& and people vomiting who knows what illness up!

    • dellbon on 29/04/2014 - 08:13

      you've obviously never been to an emergency department at a city hospital at night.

    • jaypeee on 16/10/2023 - 13:27

      You should, if indeed it is an emergency.

    • deme on 16/10/2023 - 16:06

      why not go to Emergency during the night?

      You don't call this service for an emergency.

    • cookie2 on 16/10/2023 - 16:40

      Maybe you're not that sick. Also if you have limitations to travelling and can't leave home.

  • mobo on 28/04/2014 - 12:28
    +2

    This is good info for people who don't know about it but how is it a bargain? Plenty of places will do bulk billed home visit after hours.

    • tonester on 28/04/2014 - 12:31
      +2

      not all places do :(

      any recommendations?

      • Tardvark on 28/04/2014 - 12:46
        +1

        Ask your GP. They will usually have an after hours service they pitch/recommend. I know mine is bulk billed.

        • ozbking on 16/10/2023 - 13:40

          Generally it’s linked to a similar service. The money you can make from an after hours work is much less than business hours GP. So most doctors prefer to not work after hours.

          You end up with either more junior doctors or international graduates (with the 10 year memorandum) for this work. Which is generally fine given if there are issues, you could always go see your GP in the morning.

          • meelek on 15/04/2024 - 14:53

            @ozbking: If you can wait to see your GP in the morning then this service is not the correct one to use - see your GP in the morning!

            • ozbking on 15/04/2024 - 21:02

              @meelek: That’s generally the case anyway - while I admit I’m biased as a GP, I just don’t see much benefit seeing a random doctor after hours if you can see your GP the next day.

              I accept that in many places booking an appointment with your usual GP is hard, and there is also anxiety about waiting but not wanting to attend the ED.

              But in many cases, especially outside the major cities, the only doctors taking such jobs are very junior or non specialised doctors. (GP itself still required specialist exams)

    • lyon on 29/04/2014 - 09:14

      I don't know about this so I really appreciate OP

      Besides, bargain or not, all you have to do is just ignore it if it doesn't interest you? :)

    • cookie2 on 16/10/2023 - 16:41

      Never had on that does this.

  • jimmej on 28/04/2014 - 12:56
    +4

    This is a deal because soon it will be $6 for this service!

    • inasero on 16/05/2014 - 18:17

      it'll be $6 everywhere

  • edrift on 28/04/2014 - 13:11
    +2

    fantastic idea!

    Hopefully more doctors sign up to delivering this service to the community.

    Just hope we dont get bludgers abusing this to get a medical certificate to take the next day off work.

  • colblair on 28/04/2014 - 13:24
    +1

    Good handy service, not arguing that at all… and I'm sure extremely useful to some people.
    But isn't this just advertising? Is this a discounted price? It appears it was always free.

    • tonester on 28/04/2014 - 15:39

      always free from these providers but not all others

  • esskitteh on 28/04/2014 - 13:24
    +8

    The phone number should have been 1800DOCTORB. Missed opportunity

  • [Deactivated] on 28/04/2014 - 13:41
    +2

    Any difference between GP2home and National Home Doctor Service? They are basically the same I reckon?

    • tonester on 28/04/2014 - 15:43

      different providers, similar service :)

  • Pungentia on 28/04/2014 - 13:45
    +2

    Used this service (National Home Doctor Service) yesterday in Melbourne.

    4 hour wait time from when I called at 5.30, which is apparently pretty standard on Sunday apparently. Received a call to say Dr was in the area and would attend soon around 9pm, and he arrived at 9.30pm.

    Nice friendly doctor, easy service, bulk billed. Would use them again - better than the clinic next to our local hospital emergency when you have to see a doctor but it isn't an actual emergency.

  • peterpeterpumpkin on 28/04/2014 - 14:07

    My grandmother was in fact referred to an after-hours doctor after discussing her symptoms to 000 emergency services.

    While I was there when the doctor arrived my memory of the visit is a little hazy but I believe there was some discussion related to seeing your "usual" GP for pre-existing or chronic conditions and the like. However, as those affected are probably already aware, there are more personal doctors that specialise in home visits for the chronically infirmed.

    I know of at least one senior doctor who pockets a lot more money visiting 10 or so former patients in one large nursing home than he does bulk-billing from his office. For an idea you can check out:
    http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/doctors-are-pocket…

  • redraoh on 28/04/2014 - 14:08
    +1

    For people in Adelaide, there is also this which has been around for years:

    http://www.gpsolutions.com.au/

  • Thaal Sinestro on 28/04/2014 - 14:10
    +3

    Yeah, more free stuff from the State. Go Socialism! From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs…

    I hope people do realize that programs like this could cost the government a fortune. Doctors aren't cheap, and pepple overuse anything that is free. For people without cars (most of whom are poor and/or chronically ill), this service has a legitimate role, but I am sure lots of car owning households will waste tax payers money on this service. There should at least be a small co-payment required, say $5-10.

    • thangcuoi on 28/04/2014 - 14:22
      +6

      Co-payment might result in the poor and/or chronically ill people unable to afford the service.

    • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 28/04/2014 - 14:33
      +1

      The issue is not the small co-payment, the issue is everything else this government does after the co-payment. $6 becomes $10 becomes $20 becomes means-tested, etc. Children should be excluded from the co-payment, and that is self-explanatory.

    • tonester on 28/04/2014 - 16:13
      +1

      I hope people do realize that programs like this could cost the government a fortune.

      medicare does - not could - cost the government a fortune :(

      Doctors aren't cheap

      but good value?

      pepple overuse anything that is free

      such as?

      I am sure lots of car owning households will waste tax payers money on this service

      owning a car makes no difference if there's no after hours medical clinic open :)

    • hoxygt on 28/04/2014 - 19:18
      +1

      I agree Sinestro - go socialism!

      Next on the wish list is subsidised dental care….

      • neil aus on 29/04/2014 - 01:57
        +1

        Hey, calm down, this ain't the UK you know!

  • [Deactivated] on 28/04/2014 - 14:30

    Is this good for people without Medicare at all?

    • ramshyam1982 on 28/04/2014 - 14:34
      +1

      costs around 190$

      • fredblogs on 29/04/2014 - 11:37
        +1

        I wonder if that's how much the government (ie the taxpayer) pays

  • figarow on 28/04/2014 - 14:34
    +3

    … or just google your red spots

  • tassieeagle on 28/04/2014 - 17:49

    Sounds like an awesome service, wish we had something like this in tassie..

  • Benoffie on 28/04/2014 - 18:03

    I'm honestly not sure how this is a bargain? All my local locums (in Adelaide) are bulk billed and have been since forever. Perhaps people just aren't aware of the services?

    Edit - Yes, I am aware some surgeries charge for home visits and in years gone by (and I mean 30+ years ago) they charged a premium. But in recent years (at least the last 15 or so), our locums here have been bulk billing.

    • treeman on 28/04/2014 - 19:59

      That is quite unusual Willowtea, what are you in? I'm down South and there are 3 around here that bulk bill however my parents that live in Westbourne Park none of them are bulk bill.

    • lyon on 29/04/2014 - 09:15
      +1

      There isn't any bulk billed GP in melbourne CBD (at least, not as far as I know of). So this is quite handy because you don't need to take a leave just because you want to see a doctor that is about half an hour away from the office

    • p1 ama on 15/04/2024 - 13:35

      All my local locums (in Adelaide) are bulk billed and have been since forever.

      Adelaide is a completely different market to the major cities.

  • bsk on 28/04/2014 - 19:10

    There is also healthdirect 1800022222 you can call and get advice anytime of the day, but in the end they often say go to doctor as they can not actually see you or treat you on the phone, but at least you can get advice and I think it is Australia wide.

  • hoxygt on 28/04/2014 - 19:16

    This is a great service, especially for sick kids in the middle of the night, had it for years in Perth. I guess by the positive votes not many people knew about it!

  • chickentaste on 28/04/2014 - 20:09
    +1

    Dial a Doctor Cairns: free bulk-billed after hours home visits.

  • skinny on 28/04/2014 - 20:13

    What's in it for me? I am gonna wait until they can pay me some cash as part of the visit!

  • eatwell365 on 29/04/2014 - 07:10

    Great service from the Government on your behalf. Accordingly, one company provided $30 million Medicare covered free home visits last year. Doctors are happy - ?$130 per visit. Business people recruiting doctors to provide this service are happy. Patients are happy. Emergency departments are happy. Everyone is a Winner. Any loser for this? Your thought.

    • hoxygt on 29/04/2014 - 14:37

      In my experience the doc's always seem to have drivers so that plus vehicle running costs might reduce how much they are pocketing.

      I think your right it really is a great program.

      Just hope no doc's get mugged for their script books, or trip on the front door and break their necks, then it will be a cra$ program mismanaged by the government of the time and should be immediately scrapped!

      • eatwell365 on 01/05/2014 - 03:48

        Normally a company "employs"/"contracts" the doctors, ie hire a limo for pickup and dropoff for OH&S reason.

    • Joda on 16/10/2023 - 14:29

      Any loser for this?

      The home service is great, we use it occasionally.

      But I do wonder if this impacts the business/viability of the local GP Practice. Also, as the home visits would have less equipment - will GP Practices have an increasing proportion of high care patients (sometimes those simple 2 minute sick certificates or scripts help subsidise the longer care consultations that the GP Practice might lose money on).

      As a result, will more GP practices need to go to co-payment?
      Could this further accelerate the end of GP Practice bulk-billing?
      Could it even result in the decline of local community GP Practices?

    • meelek on 15/04/2024 - 15:00

      The taxpayer is the loser.

      Service is supposed to be for urgent but not life-threatening issues that can't wait for the GP the next day. Practically (see above comments) the service gets used to avoid waiting for a GP, to avoid leaving the house, for prescription refills and for common ailments that people wouldn't even bother to go see their GP for.

      Practically the Govenment has contributed to this problem - medicare rebate freeze on GP appointments has squeezed out much of the bulk-billing services in normal hours and the lack of oversight and regulation on the after hours providers means they're happy to provide the service even when the indication (urgent care) isn't met since medicare will pay anyway.

      • Clear on 15/04/2024 - 16:53

        Responding to a 10 year old comment. Someone's going to get a wtf moment when they get the notification 😜

  • Candour on 29/04/2014 - 10:16

    health tap has no unsubscribe link
    their feedback link copied gave this link
    moc.pathtlaeh@kcabdeef

    when i tried to write to them i got;-

    We cannot find a match for this email address:

    moc.pathtlaeh@kcabdeef

    Please use an email address that looks like [email protected] or a nickname or a distribution list name from your Yahoo7 contacts.

    not sure how good they are as they are US site.

    forbes link says;-
    Besides the hype, there’s another problem with HealthTap: with questions and answers so truncated, many doctors’ answers are a vague list of possible diagnoses, often ending with a quote like: “[You] need to see a doc for a proper exam to narrow down the causes.” HealthTap even states on it site that it does not offer full diagnoses or treatment, effectively admitting that it doles out generic advice in a bid to avoid malpractice liability.

  • akyeeeahdude on 07/05/2014 - 22:24

    We used GP2Home last night for the four year old.
    I booked it online as soon as 4pm ticked over (bookings only accepted from 4pm onwards) which told me someone would be in touch to confirm and provide a rough time. 6 15pm came, still nothing. Called them and was told quite bluntly some doctors start at 6pm and they didn't know when I would be seen even roughly. At about 7pm, received a call from the doctor's assistant/driver saying they were 1 hour away since they had a long way to travel. At about 8pm the little one started to nod off but then finally the doctor turned up so it was great timing.
    Great doctor, friendly and knew what he was talking about.

    Overall good service, just be prepared to wait without little warning about when they will actually turn up. Not too bad if you are an adult but good luck waking a tired, cranky, feverish, four year old who wants to sleep and doesn't want to see a doctor.

    The doctor actually lived around 50km away from me but explained they work the regions of Brisbane on a rotational basis which probably explained some of the delay (outer northern region).

    The doctor didn't sight the medicare card for those who were wondering - just the number was provided on the online booking.

  • cooni on 16/10/2023 - 13:11

    I know it's probably not in the spirit of the service but will they do simpler things like a script repeat? Any problems prescribing (where justified) benzos / etc?

  • Kaberio on 16/10/2023 - 13:18

    I tried once before Covid when I was too sick to drive. Then I realised I still need to drive to a 24H pharmacy or wait for delivery days later.
    so I've been using tele doctor if after hours, just the same but faster.

    • bobvegas on 16/10/2023 - 13:38

      how do prescriptions work with tele conference dr's?
      Do you nominate your local pharmacy and they get sent there?

      • Kaberio on 16/10/2023 - 19:40

        yes, or ask them to send to your email or sms u if they can. Lots of local gp now provide this since Covid.

  • citybargainhunter on 16/10/2023 - 13:25

    Thanks

  • SomeBooy on 16/10/2023 - 13:26

    Tried this kinda service before and couldn't even connect through. Was left on hold for hours before just driving to the ER.

    • ahara on 16/10/2023 - 22:09

      Same here recently. Seems that this service is now also overwhelmed and many are unable to book an appointment or see a doctor.

  • Heaps for Cheaps on 16/10/2023 - 13:28
    -3

    I wish this type of service was available from a qualified archaeologist beacause I have a large bone that needs examining.

  • Yaren24 on 16/10/2023 - 14:14
    -1

    Hi OP, is it worth to become a GP for a mature age person?

  • Birdseye on 16/10/2023 - 14:20

    This is useful for home visits, though waits can be long and it is only available in the after hours period. If you are looking for bulk billing during the day, checking out Priority Primary Care Clinic's and/or Medicare Urgent Care Centres. I used the one in Sunshine Vic the other, was able to book a same day appointment online, didn't have to wait, the doc was good and it was free.

    • Stopback on 15/04/2024 - 12:08

      can you use those for just normal ailments, don't they need to be a bit more serious than a cough?

  • ShinK0 on 16/10/2023 - 16:09

    Never knew about this, thanks for the repost… we should still be allowed to upvote this.

  • capslock janitor on 16/10/2023 - 17:02

    [REPOST]

  • Haribo on 16/10/2023 - 22:22

    Don't understand how this can be no gap and normal in person gp appointments usually have a gap fee.

    • G Wok on 16/10/2023 - 23:40

      Same, how can this service be sustainable? The travel alone is a significant cost…ubers are expensive these days

      • chleo1 on 17/10/2023 - 11:02

        Same with bricks and mortar. A medical centre has to pay rent, cleaning, electricity, reception, heating and cooling etc etc. Payroll is the biggest outgoing.
        Include consumables like paper, tongue depressors and a lower medicare rebate for day hours then yes, GPs will have to charge a gap.

    • meelek on 15/04/2024 - 15:08

      A couple of reasons;
      1) Because frequently it's not a GP you see. Last I looked (as someone interested in working for them) it was 3rd year medical graduate and above. I personally didn't back my own skills in seeing the potential mix of patients at that point and my MDO won't cover me if I get myself out of my depth and scope of practice. You may well get a 'real' GP on occasion, but many have chosen GP for the lifestyle and pay is likely better in practice hours, so why would they work AH?

      2) Because successive governments in their collective wisdom, have frozen the medicare rebate for GPs at unsustainable low levels while looking the other way at the misuse of 'urgent' care after hours services by the practices and patients. Rebate for urgent care services is much higher than the 15min consultation rebate, and their call centres are pretty adept at bouncing back anything that's more complex to EDs anyway.

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