Online GP Care launched

NEWS - eHealthNews.nz editor Rebecca McBeth 

The health minister has officially launched the 24/7 digital health service and revealed the eight telehealth companies delivering it across the country.

eHealthNews reported in May that eight providers had been selected for the soft launch of the telehealth service before its go-live in July. Since then, nearly 4,500 New Zealanders have accessed the digital service, which is now fully available to the public. 

The eight providers of what is now called ‘Online GP Care’ are; Bettr Online, CareHQ, Emergency Consult, The Doctors Online, MedOnline, Pocket Lab, Tend, and Practice Plus.

Bettr, Emergency Consult and Tend are all providing services 24/7 and eHealthNews understands more providers will be added in future phases.

Announcing the go-live, health minister Simeon Brown said the service, “means people can have virtual consultations with New Zealand-registered doctors and nurses, anytime, anywhere”.

“This is about making sure Kiwis can get the medical help they need when they need it, especially when they can not get a timely appointment with their regular general practitioner (GP), or outside normal clinic hours.”  

Brown says the digital service will also help to ease pressure on emergency departments by treating non-urgent issues earlier and in the right setting. 

“This digital service is giving people greater access to the care they need, but does not replace the critical role of GPs, who are responsible for their patients’ continuity of care,” he says

“That is why providers will be required to send clinical notes back to a patient’s GP after an appointment. This ensures safe, consistent treatment and strengthens follow-up care, and is about delivering connected care New Zealanders can trust. 

The 24/7 online GP service is now live at info.health.nz/onlinegp, with full details on pricing and how to access care through approved providers, including their operating hours. 

Emergency Consult says its inclusion in the national service means it will offer online appointments with its emergency medicine specialists at much-reduced fees to eligible New Zealanders, including children, youth, and Community Services Card holders. 

“It is hugely comforting to be able to video chat with an emergency doctor, who’s used to treating priority cases in a hospital emergency department,” says chief executive Johnny Louie. 

“This initiative allows us to extend that expertise to all New Zealanders, at a fraction of the usual cost.”

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