Telstra Offers Dial-A-Doc Service


	Telstra said the service will make accessing a doctor easier, especially at times when people may not be able to visit their regular GP such as after hours, on weekends or while travelling. It can be accessed by calling 1800 READYCARE (1800 732392) or through the ReadyCare app. The service has already signed up a number of registered Australian doctors who will operate the service 24 hours a day. It operates from a purpose-built telemedicine centre in the Sydney industrial suburb of Alexandria. Patients who ring will be connected to an assistant to determine whether their case is suitable for telemedicine consultation, before booking them in for an appointment. A GP will then call the patient back, hopefully at the arranged time. Callers will pay $69 plus GST and presumably get the usual Medicare rebate of a bit under half.