How long do you wait for a doctor on a telehealth appointment?
Written by the editorial staff writer at Hola.

Contents

Overview
In Australia, typical telehealth waits times range from 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the provider. No more waiting in crowded waiting rooms, just you, your device, and a healthcare professional ready to help. The demand for this kind of convenient care has increased, with 118.2 million telehealth services delivered to 18 million patients between 13 March 2020 and 31 July 2022, supported by more than 95,000 practitioners across the country.
How long is too long to wait for an appointment?
The ideal wait time for an appointment can vary based on the type of care you need. For routine or non-urgent consultations, a wait of 15 to 30 minutes is usually acceptable, though anything beyond that could be considered excessive. For urgent cases, waiting over 30 minutes can be frustrating and too long. Discussing wait times with your healthcare provider and establishing reasonable expectations is crucial to minimise frustration.
In a Reddit discussion on the etiquette of waiting for telehealth appointments, users shared their individual experiences and views on how long it’s appropriate to wait before it becomes unreasonable.
One user starts by explaining that their wife’s doctor is often late for appointments, sometimes by 30 to 60 minutes, without offering an apology or notifying them about the delay. This sparked a variety of responses discussing what is generally considered a reasonable waiting time.
Some users contend that the time one should wait depends on several factors, including personal commitments or whether rescheduling would push back necessary treatment. They recommend staying flexible but also acknowledging when the delay becomes excessive.
The overall sentiment in the thread agrees that delays are a normal part of healthcare, but doctors or their staff must communicate about the delay. It’s also emphasised that while patients should respect the provider’s time, they should not feel disrespected when waiting excessively without notice.
So, how long is too long to wait for a telehealth appointment is subjective, with opinions ranging from being accepting of short delays to expressing frustration over extended waiting times.
Average telehealth wait times in Australia
Recent reports highlight that Australians are waiting longer than ever to see a GP:
- In-person GP appointments: 3-6 days for a standard consult.
- Bulk-billed telehealth services: usually 20-60 minutes, especially during peak hours.
- Hola Health: under 15 minutes, 24/7. No long queues, no time wasted on hold, just fast, simple healthcare.
Feeling sick and unsure why? Speak with a GP online in 15 minutes.
Factors affecting telehealth wait times
Telehealth is usually faster than clinic visits, but delays can still occur. Here’s what can affect your wait:
- Timing: The demand is generally high during early hours and after work.
- Seasonal surges: Cold and flu season (May-August) brings a surge in bookings.
- Practitioner availability: Reduced staff capacity during after-hours or weekends.
- Billing type: Bulk-billed consults may have longer queues due to higher volume.
- Missed appointments and overruns: Appointments run longer than expected, causing delays.
Less than 15 minutes wait time with Hola Health
Hola Health is a telehealth service that offers quick and dependable access to online doctors, often with a wait time of under 15 minutes. Unlike conventional clinics, Hola Health provides 24/7 virtual consultations, eliminating long waiting times in waiting rooms. Their rapid response ensures you receive the medical advice you require without unnecessary hassle. Whether you need immediate treatment options or advice on any illness management, Hola Health links you to licensed healthcare professionals from the comfort of your home.
How does telehealth work in Australia?
Telehealth in Australia allows patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely through technology like video calls, phone calls, or secure messaging. The Australian government has endorsed telehealth through Medicare, offering reimbursement to eligible patients for consultations with doctors, specialists, and allied health professionals. It is accessible to rural and urban residents and has gained popularity for routine medical care, mental health counselling, and follow-up treatments. Patients can access telehealth via private or public services, with eligibility and available services depending on individual circumstances.
What should I do before an online doctor consultation?
Preparing for an online consultation with a doctor can enhance the productivity of your appointment.
1. Verify your internet connection and device: Ensure your phone, tablet, or computer is charged and has a reliable internet connection to prevent interruptions during the consultation.
2. Compile your medical history and symptoms: Have a summary of your current symptoms, past medical issues, allergies, and medications available. This helps the doctor evaluate your condition more precisely.
3. Write down your worries and inquiries: Create a list of specific questions regarding your condition, medications, or treatment options to maximise your time with the doctor.
4. Have necessary documentation ready: If you possess recent lab results, medical reports, or prescription information, keep them handy in case the doctor requires them.
5. Select a calm and private environment: Find a well-lit, quiet space for the consultation so you can concentrate and communicate clearly with the doctor.
Proper preparation helps you receive accurate diagnoses, effective treatment, and better health outcomes.
How Hola Health solves the wait time problem
Here’s why Hola Health is among Australia’s quickest telehealth providers:
- Less than 15 minutes to connect with a GP
- Fully online, no apps, no downloads needed
- Open 24/7, including weekends and holidays
- Australian-certified general practitioners
- Same-day documentation and treatment support.
Conclusion
Telehealth is now an essential part of Australia’s healthcare system, providing faster and easier access to GPs, often within minutes. By understanding what influences wait times and how to prepare, you can get the best possible experience from your online consult.
FAQs
How long do telehealth appointments take in Australia?
Most appointments last 10-15 minutes, but wait times may extend from 15 to 60 minutes depending on the provider.
Are bulk-billed telehealth services slower?
Usually, yes. Bulk-billed services often come with longer queues. Hola Health offers cost-effective, quicker alternatives with shorter waits and flexible hours.
Do telehealth appointments call you?
Yes, most providers contact you at your appointment time. With Hola Health, you’ll receive an SMS or email notification when your GP is ready.
Can I use Medicare for telehealth?
Yes, if the provider bulk bills and you’re eligible (such as an in-person visit to the same GP within the previous 12 months). Hola Health offers private-pay consults with shorter wait times.
What if my online doctor is running late?
If your doctor is running late, you’ll usually be notified by SMS or email. Delays may occur due to longer consultations or high demand. When waits are excessive, most providers let you rebook or organise a follow-up.
How fast can I see a doctor with Hola Health?
With Hola Health, you can see a doctor within 15 minutes, 24/7, including weekends and public holidays. No need to book in advance or wait in queues.
Need time off to recover? Get your medical certificate online within 15 minutes.
Reference
- Digital health - reference link
- Reddit - reference link
What we treat
- Cough
- Nausea & vomiting
- Fever
- Hayfever
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Acne
- Hair loss
- Gout
- Eczema
- Rosacea
- Sunburn
- UTI
- Erectile dysfunction
- Contraception
- Morning sickness
- Morning after pill
- Prostate health
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
- Grief & loss
- Antidepressants
- Premature ejaculation
- Asthma
- Blood pressure
- Blood thinners
- Diabetes
- Cholesterol
- Migraines & headaches
- Allergies
- Body ache
- Heartburn & reflux
- Sleep disorder
- Pain relief
- Gastro
Related Articles
Disclaimer
This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not indicate that Hola Health provides all treatments or preventive measures mentioned. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. For emergencies please immediately contact 000. Any medical topics discussed are intended to educate, not to imply availability through Hola Health.
Get affordable healthcare on your terms, with quick access to qualified, Australian-registered telehealth doctors & health practitioners, 24/7, 365 days a year. No more searching for ‘doctors near me‘ – Hola connects you instantly.
Address: 79 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
Hola Health App
Get affordable healthcare on your terms, with quick access to qualified, Australian-registered telehealth doctors & health practitioners, 24/7, 365 days a year. No more searching for ‘doctors near me‘ – Hola connects you instantly.
Call 000 for emergency or urgent medical help.
Address: 79 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
© Hola Health, a brand of Packapill Pvt Ltd