Australians will be able to see a doctor within 15 minutes, 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the launch of the telehealth service Hola Health.
Patients will no longer need to wait for an in-person general consultation, specialist referral, new or repeat prescription or a medical certificate with the Perth-based startup providing Australia’s first 24/7 telehealth service with Australian-qualified health practitioners.
Hola Health promises doctors will provide video consults via mobile phones, tablets or computers within 15 minutes of making an appointment, making it easier than ever for Western Australians to access health advice and care. Users are sent a secure link connecting them to a video call with a practitioner.
Hola Health co-founder and Chief Medical Officer, Dr Vishnu Gopalan, said the service was launching its 24/7 feature just in time for the busy festive season when people often struggle to get medical appointments.
“Any time of the day or night, our doctors will be available to provide expert medical advice to patients from the comfort of their own homes,” Dr Gopalan said.
Telehealth consultations cost $35 and requests for medical certificates, just $9.90. The consults are not covered by Medicare.
Dr Gopalan said Hola Health aimed to provide innovative and affordable healthcare services, which were accessible to everyone.
“Hola Health has also partnered with Doordash and other pharmacy partners, to have prescription medicines delivered to your door.
“Connecting patients, practitioners, and pharmacies to provide more timely and convenient access to care is our primary purpose.”
Hola Health Customer Ivan Qua, who used the service from Currambine in WA, said the service was a great way to get medical care in such a busy environment.
“It can be quite difficult to get into a GP at the moment, with several days wait and time spent in the waiting room. The service meant I could get the care I needed within 10 minutes, completely avoiding the wait time,” Mr Qua said.
“It’s a fantastic concept because it runs to your schedule rather than having to work around a GPs. It definitely won’t be the last time I use it.”
Dr Richard Marston, a consulting GP at Hola Health, said the pandemic had prompted people to reassess how they received healthcare.
“There will always be a place and a need for face-to-face medical consultations, however, there are many, many conditions and situations that can be assessed and assisted very easily through telehealth services,” Dr Marston said.
“For example, a patient may have realised they have run out of their medication, which they need urgently; many common ailments can be treated quickly by talking through symptoms, such as urinary tract infections; and referrals for radiology and other specialists can be discussed via telehealth.”
Hola Health is accessible 24/7, with customers only needing stable internet access and a front-facing camera from their mobile device, tablet or laptop.
For more information, visit: hola.health.
Text by: Hola Health.
