Should I go to the emergency department or use telehealth?

If you have chest pain, serious difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, sudden weakness or slurred speech, or any symptom that feels life-threatening, call 000 or go to the emergency department now. Telehealth is the right choice for everyday illness and health questions that do not need hospital equipment, and an Abby Health clinician will tell you clearly if you need in-person care.

Call 000 or go to the emergency department if

• You have chest pain or pressure, or serious trouble breathing
• You have signs of stroke: sudden weakness, facial droop, slurred speech, sudden severe headache
• You have heavy bleeding that will not stop, a serious injury, or a suspected broken bone
• Someone has collapsed, had a seizure, or is difficult to wake
• You or someone else is in immediate danger of harm

Emergency departments exist for exactly these situations, and no waiting time should put you off attending. Our serious symptoms guide lists the red flags in more detail. Healthdirect also runs a free 24-hour advice line on 1800 022 222 if you are unsure.

When telehealth is the right front door

Most everyday care does not need a hospital: colds and flu, gastro, urinary symptoms, rashes, medical certificates, prescriptions and repeats, referrals, mental health support, and questions you would normally take to a GP. For these, an Abby Health telehealth appointment is usually faster than an emergency department wait, and it is bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. Most patients in the First Available queue speak with a clinician within about ten minutes.

What an online clinician will actually do

An Abby Health clinician takes a history informed by your record, assesses your symptoms, and treats what is safe to treat online. Telehealth has honest limits, and we keep a plain list of what telehealth cannot do. If your situation needs an examination, imaging or the emergency department, the clinician will say so directly and point you to the right place.

If you are still not sure

Uncertainty itself is a reason to seek care. If your gut says emergency, call 000. If it is not an emergency but you are worried, speak to a clinician today rather than waiting for symptoms to declare themselves.

Uncompromising Care. Abby Health. Knowing someone cares.