How it works
See a doctor from your phone in four simple steps.
Tell us what's going on, get matched with an AHPRA-registered doctor, and consult by message, phone or video. Scripts, certificates and referrals go straight to your phone.
- 24/7, every day
- Under 15 min median wait
- Bulk-billed where eligible
- Message, phone or video
Median wait is a typical figure, not a guarantee. Some patients wait longer.
The four steps
From your first message to what comes next.
Step 1: Tell us what you need.
Describe what's going on in your own words, or choose a quick option like a repeat script or medical certificate. It takes about a minute.
Step 2: Get matched, or choose your doctor.
Answer a few quick questions and we'll match you with a doctor suited to your needs. Prefer to choose? Browse profiles by specialty, interests or language. If your own GP is on OpenCare, you can choose them.
Step 3: Consult your way.
Talk with your doctor by secure message, phone or video. They'll review your history, ask questions and give you advice, just as they would in the clinic. No appointment needed.
Step 4: Get what you need.
If your doctor recommends it, your script, certificate, referral or test request is sent straight to your phone. Have medication delivered with Chemist2U, and follow up with the same doctor when you need to.
What you can get with OpenCare
Everything you'd expect from a GP visit, from your phone.
Doctor advice, 24/7
Talk to a doctor about a new symptom, an ongoing condition or a question about your health, any time of day or night.
How consults workPrescriptions
New and repeat eScripts sent to your phone, ready for any pharmacy, or delivered to your door with Chemist2U.
Getting your scriptMedical certificates
Certificates for work, study or carer's leave, sent to your phone.
Getting your certificatePathology and imaging requests
Blood tests, swabs, X-rays and scans. Take the request to your local collection centre or imaging provider.
How requests are sentSpecialist referrals
Referrals to the specialist you need, including bulk-billed dermatologists and urologists on OpenCare.
Find a specialistResults and follow-ups
Your doctor explains your results and checks in on how you're going. You won't need to start again with someone new.
Seeing the same doctorCare for your family
Book a consult for your child or another family member from your own account.
Find a doctorA doctor who speaks your language
Choose a doctor who speaks Mandarin, Korean and more.
Find a doctor
Prescriptions, certificates, referrals and test requests are issued when your doctor decides they're clinically appropriate.
Costs and requirements
What it costs and what you need.
- Cost
- Consults are bulk-billed for eligible patients, so there's nothing to pay. If you're not eligible for bulk billing, check your eligibility and any fees before you proceed.
- You'll need
- A Medicare card, and to be in Australia at the time of your consult.
- Hours
- 24/7, including weekends and public holidays.
Good to know
When to see someone in person.
Emergencies
OpenCare isn't for emergencies. If it's an emergency, call 000.
Physical examinations
Some problems need a hands-on check. Your doctor will tell you, and can refer you or arrange tests.
Some medications
Some medications cannot be prescribed via telehealth. Your doctor will advise whether your medication can be prescribed online.
FAQs
Your questions, answered.
From starting a consult to costs, follow-ups and using OpenCare, find the answers here.
Still have a question? Contact usHow quickly will I hear from a doctor?
Our median wait is under 15 minutes, which means half of patients are connected faster and some wait longer. It's a typical figure, not a guarantee, and wait times can vary with demand.
Do I need an appointment?
No. You can start a consult at any time, 24/7, and we'll match you with an available doctor. If you'd prefer a particular doctor, you can choose them, subject to their availability.
Should I choose message, phone or video?
Choose whatever feels most comfortable. Messaging suits simple requests and questions, while phone or video can help when there's more to talk through. Your doctor may suggest switching if they need to see or hear more.
Can I choose my doctor, or see the same doctor again?
Yes. You can browse doctor profiles by specialty, interests or language, and choose your own GP if they're on OpenCare. For follow-ups, you can return to the doctor who already knows your history, subject to their availability.
How do I get my script or certificate?
If your doctor decides it's clinically appropriate, your eScript or certificate is sent straight to your phone. Take an eScript to any pharmacy, or have medication delivered with Chemist2U.
Is my information private?
Consultations use secure messaging, voice and video with account authorisation. For how your health information is used and shared, review the privacy notices on the patient platform and from your treating clinic. This marketing website's privacy policy covers website enquiries and optional measurement.
Can I book for my child?
Yes. You can book a consult for your child or another family member from your own account. The doctor will assess whether telehealth is suitable for them, and may recommend an in-person visit.
What if the doctor says I need to be seen in person?
Some problems need a hands-on check. Your doctor will explain why and can refer you or arrange tests where appropriate. If it's an emergency, call 000.
Is it really free?
Consultations are bulk-billed where eligible, with no out-of-pocket consultation cost when bulk-billing applies. Medication, tests or other services may have separate costs.
Can you treat my problem?
Doctors can help with concerns such as colds and flu, UTIs, skin conditions, contraception, mental health, sleep problems and ongoing conditions. Your doctor will assess whether telehealth is suitable and let you know if you need an in-person appointment or other care. See the What We Treat section on our homepage for more information.
Can I see a doctor who speaks my language?
Yes. Search the doctor directory by language or get matched with a doctor who speaks your language, subject to availability. Each profile lists the doctor's languages. OpenCare is also available in 中文, عربي, हिंदी, Español and 한국어.
What is OpenCare?
OpenCare is an Australian healthcare technology platform with two ways to access care: message your own GP if they're on OpenCare, or get matched with one now.
Can I use OpenCare if my GP isn't on it?
Yes. Message your own GP if they're on OpenCare, or get matched with one now. You don't need to have a GP on OpenCare to start a consult.
How do I find a GP?
Search the published directory by doctor, practice, location, language or area of interest, or select Start a Consult to get matched with a GP on the patient platform.
How do I start a consultation?
Select Start a Consult to continue to opencare.au. Patient accounts and consultations are handled on that platform, not through a marketing interest form.
Does this website collect patient registration details?
No. Start a Consult takes you to the patient platform. The remaining marketing enquiry forms are for GPs and practices. Please do not submit health, appointment or Medicare information through marketing forms.
How can a GP or practice get involved?
Australian GPs and practice teams can register interest through the dedicated For GPs page.
What if I need urgent help?
OpenCare is not an emergency service. If someone is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000). For other urgent health concerns, contact your GP or an appropriate health service.
Ready when you are.
Describe what's going on and get matched with a doctor in minutes. Bulk-billed where eligible, 24/7.