UPDATED 14 APRIL 2020

__The Australian Government has expanded the bulk-billed Telehealth services to all Australians who hold a Medicare card.  __

We see you by video call or speak to you on the phone.

A wide range of medical issues can be assessed via Telehealth for example we can prescribe medication and send it to your local pharmacy for collection or deliver it to your home.  We can also do blood testing, imaging requests (for lung CT/chest x-rays) and medical certificates for work.  And we will call you with your results.

Appointments are also available for mental health concerns and counselling.

There are appointments available now.  Book an apppointment (select Coronavirus Telehealth Appointment under the Doctor Consultation tab).

Further information:

Read the latest health alert from the Australian Government.

What is Coronavirus and what can I do to try and prevent contracting it?

What is the COVID-19 virus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, of which COVID-19 is a new strain.  It was first identified in Wuhan, China in late 2019 and is now infecting people in a number of countries.  This particular strain had previously not been seen in humans, and is closely related to a bat coronavirus.  Because it is a new strain, very little is known about the potential impacts to humans.

Should I get tested for COVID-19?

The latest Australian Government health advice is as follows:

Generally you will be tested if you develop fever or respiratory symptoms and meet at least one of the following:

• You have returned from overseas in the past 14 days
• You have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 14 days
• You have travelled on a cruise ship in the 14 days before developing symptoms
• You are a health care, aged care or residential care worker
• You have lived in an area where there is a higher risk of community transmission.

In addition you should be tested if:

• You are in hospital
• You have fever and severe respiratory symptoms
• There is no other clear cause of the symptoms

For a full list of the latest criteria see the Australian Government Department of Health website.

Note that criteria may differ depending on which State or Termitory you reside in.

How does the testing process work?

 There are a few steps to follow to complete a test for COVID-19. 

1. Click to book an appointment to book Coronavirus Telehealth Consultation with a SwiftDoc GP. This is a video consultation where we call you on your device at your chosen time.  No need to travel to a clinic or leave home if you are unwell.
2. We will provide a referral to you for a swab test for COVID-19.
3. This referral can then be taken to your local pathology provider (contact your preferred provider to find out which centres near you are conducting these test. You MUST call them before you present, and be sure to ask your preferred pathology provider for further information about their charges for testing.
4. Complete the test, then we’ll contact you as soon as we have the results.

While you are waiting for your test results, you should self-isolate.

Where can I find further information?

The Department of Health has set up a Coronavirus health information hotline (1800 020 080) in addition to the healthdirect hotline (1800 022 222).  Both are open 24/7 for support and advice.

You can also find up-to-date advice on the Department of Health website.

This website does not provide medical advice.  It is intended for informational purposes only.  It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment.  If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately dial Triple 0 (000).