Telehealth consultation apps and virtual services

Telehealth consultation apps and virtual health services

Consultation apps and virtual health services enable you to have an appointment with a New Zealand registered healthcare provider without seeing them in person.
These consultations take place remotely, via your phone or computer.
Find out more about telehealth consultation apps and virtual health services.

Telehealth consultation apps are online tools enabling you to consult with a doctor, nurse, psychologist or other healthcare provider virtually (not in person), through your phone or computer. It’s sometimes called an e-consultation. Read more about telehealth.

It’s best to contact your enrolled primary care provider first, if you have one, for your medical care.
Telehealth consultation apps are suitable for people who don't need to be examined in person and ideally can use video on a smartphone or computer.
It's important to remember that not all medical problems are suited to phone or video consultations. Learn more about what conditions are best suited for telehealth consultations.
To help you decide if email, phone or video is the right telehealth option for you, read more about how to decide which type of telehealth option to use.

How to prepare for your appointment

To get the most out of your telehealth appointment, it's good to prepare ahead of time by writing down the questions you want to ask your health provider.
Also write down a list of all your medicines, supplements or vitamins or have them with you for the consult.
If you think you'll need a prescription, work out which pharmacy would suit you to pick up your medicine.
Read more about what should I do before any telehealth appointment?

Use a telehealth provider based in Aotearoa New Zealand

Overseas healthcare providers can't write prescriptions, provide medical certificates or ACC forms which are valid in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Medical and Nursing Councils of New Zealand and the Health and Disability Commission make sure healthcare is provided to a high standard here in Aotearoa New Zealand, but can't check the safety of overseas healthcare providers.

Health NZ has launched an online telemedicine service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from selected providers through your phone or computer. The service aims to improve access to primary medical care for people who are not enrolled with a primary care provider, are unable to get a timely appointment, or require support outside of regular hours.

The approved online providers funded through this programme are:

It’s important to note that not all of these organisations provide telehealth services 24/7.

Follow up after your telemedicine consultation

Following your telemedicine consultation, the provider will share the notes with your usual GP so they are aware.
If the telemedicine provider orders lab tests or other diagnostic services, they will follow up with you about the results.

Cost and fees for your telemedicine consultation

The cost of telemedicine consultations through one of the eight approved online providers will be subsidised for children younger than 14 years, young people 14 to 17 years and people who hold a Community Services Card (CSC).

Get the care you need, when you need it – 24/7 [PDF, 164 KB]
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

Pros (✔)

Convenient – offers access to care outside of standard clinic hours; some of them are available in the evenings and on weekends.
Provides increased accessibility especially if you live in remote or rural areas and cannot access medical care or if you are not enrolled with a primary care provider or can't get a timely appointment.
Offers prompt medical advice or reassurance for minor concerns, potentially reducing the need for unnecessary clinic or emergency department visits.
Decreased risk of infection, which is particularly important during outbreaks of contagious illnesses.

Cons (✘)

Care may be disjointed. Doctors might not have all of a patient’s health information, which can make it harder to make the best decisions. This can cause problems if they don’t connect with the patient’s regular doctor to keep care updated.
Telemedicine consultations are not suited for all conditions. Learn more about what conditions telehealth consultations are not recommended for.
Needs a reliable internet connection and basic skills to use digital devices, which can leave out certain groups like the elderly, low-income individuals, or people living in rural areas.
Services may cost more to encourage use of regular GPs first, making it less affordable for some.

Clinician's guide – how to choose a health app
Consumer guide – how to choose a health app
New Zealand-based apps
Telehealth

More information

NZ Telehealth(external link)
Telehealth(external link) Medical Council of New Zealand

Disclaimer: The NZ Health App Library is a free consumer service to help you decide whether a health app would be suitable for you. Our review process is independent. We have no relationship with the app developers or companies and no responsibility for the service they provide. This means that if you have an issue with one of the apps we have reviewed, you will need to contact the app developer or company directly.