Is Telehealth Right for You? The Pros and Cons of Virtual Consultations

Telehealth has become a prominent feature in healthcare over the past few years, particularly since the dreaded virus who shall not be named, fast-tracked the adoption of virtual services. While many Australians have embraced the convenience of online health consultations, some are unsure. Is telehealth just a stop-gap, or could it be a permanent part of your health journey?

If you're weighing up whether to book an online consultation or face to face, here are some key advantages and drawbacks to help you make an informed decision.

The Positives of Telehealth Consultations

1. Convenience and Accessibility

One of the most significant benefits of telehealth is convenience. Whether you live in a remote area, have mobility challenges, or simply struggle to find time for appointments, virtual consults bring healthcare into your home or office. There’s no need to battle traffic, find parking, or take time off work (well, no longer than the consult time).

For those in rural or regional Australia, telehealth may offer access to specialists and allied health practitioners that would otherwise be hours away. This can be particularly beneficial in areas with shortages of GPs, psychologists, naturopaths (like me!) or dietitians.

2. Time and Cost Savings

With telehealth, you often save on travel time and costs, including petrol, public transport fares, and childcare. Some online consultations can also be shorter and more focused, especially when there’s no need for physical examination.

Many practitioners offer similar fee structures for telehealth and in-person consults, and some services may even bulk bill eligible patients. Over time, this can represent a notable saving, particularly if you require frequent check-ins or follow-up appointments.

3. Privacy and Comfort

Some people find it easier to open up when they’re in their own space. For patients discussing sensitive topics—such as mental health, reproductive health, or personal habits—being at home may reduce anxiety and improve communication.

Telehealth can also feel more discreet. You don’t have to sit in a waiting room or worry about bumping into someone you know. For neurodivergent folks, being in a familiar environment can allow them to feel more calm and open.

4. Continuity of Care

During times when in-person consults are not possible—such as during illness, work travel, lockdowns, or extreme weather—telehealth ensures you can still stay on top of your health needs. It allows for continuity of care without interruptions, and some practitioners even offer after-hours appointments to accommodate different schedules (I'm more of an early-morning practitioner, which can be really helpful for busy people).

The Negatives of Telehealth Consultations

1. Not Suitable for All Conditions

While telehealth is great for health discussions, general advice, check-ins, mental health sessions, and some types of therapy or coaching, it’s not good for everything. If your condition requires a physical examination, diagnostic testing, or hands-on assessment (e.g. for musculoskeletal issues, certain skin checks, or infections), an in-person visit will be more appropriate.

In some cases, a practitioner might begin with a face to face session, and thenbut then allow follow-ups online to allow for flexibility.

2. Technology Barriers

Not everyone has reliable internet access, up-to-date devices, or the confidence to navigate online platforms. Poor connections, audio dropouts, or system glitches can disrupt the flow of a consultation and cause frustration. It happens more often than you think.

Older adults or people with hearing impairments may also find video calls challenging, especially if instructions aren’t clear or the platform isn’t user-friendly.

3. Lack of Personal Connection

Some people miss the human connection of face-to-face consults. Non-verbal communication, physical presence, and the experience of being “in the room” can play a role in building rapport, particularly in therapies or long-term health relationships.

Telehealth can sometimes feel a bit transactional or distant—especially if you’re meeting a new practitioner for the first time.

4. Privacy and Distractions

While home can be comfortable, it can also be full of distractions—kids, pets, deliveries, or background noise. I find it's cats. Always cats. Finding a private, quiet space for a confidential conversation can be tricky, particularly for those in share-houses or open-plan homes.

There's also a small risk around digital privacy. While most practitioners use secure, encrypted platforms, it’s important to feel confident that your health information is protected - remember, you are within your rights to ask about what platform your practitioner uses.

How to Decide if Telehealth is Right for You

Here are a few guiding questions to help you decide whether telehealth fits your current needs:

• Do I need a physical examination or diagnostic test? If yes, an in-person consult may be essential.

• Is my internet connection strong and reliable enough? If not, a phone consult might still be an option—or you may prefer to attend in person.

• Am I comfortable using video or phone for appointments? Your comfort level matters, especially when discussing personal or emotional topics.

• Is travel a barrier for me? If yes, telehealth might offer significant advantages.

• Do I already know this practitioner, or am I building a new relationship? Some people prefer to meet new practitioners in person at least once before continuing online.

Telehealth isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but it can be a valuable and flexible addition to your healthcare toolkit. It offers convenience, accessibility, and continuity—but it may not suit every situation or every person.

The good news? You don’t have to commit to one mode forever. Many patients choose a hybrid model—using telehealth for quick check-ins or follow-ups, and attending in person when a more detailed examination or face-to-face connection is needed.If you’re unsure, talk to your practitioner about what’s possible. They can help guide you based on your health needs, preferences, and available services.

Have you tried telehealth before? What worked—and what didn’t—for you?