How do I use the AI-powered intake form?

How do I use the AI-powered intake form?

Before each Abby Health appointment, you will be asked to complete an intake form. Abby AI, our medical decision-support tool, organises your responses alongside your medical history and surfaces key information for your clinician before the consultation begins. This means your clinician arrives prepared — so you spend less time repeating yourself and more time on your care.

What does the intake form actually ask?

The form is short and adapts to what you are seeing the clinician about. You will usually be asked:

• The main reason for the appointment
• How long the symptoms have been going on, and how they have changed
• Anything that makes it better or worse
• What you have already tried
• Any relevant medical history, allergies, or current medications
• Whether you would like a specific outcome — for example, a script, a certificate, or a referral

Take your time. The more accurately you describe what is going on, the more useful the consult will be. Abby AI then summarises your responses for your clinician — but the clinician reviews everything before deciding anything clinical. For more on Abby AI's role, see What Abby AI is — decision support explained.

Why ask the same questions every appointment?

The form changes each time. We do not re-ask things we already know. What is asked again is the part that changes — your symptoms today, what is bothering you now, anything new you have noticed. Standing information like allergies and chronic conditions is pulled from your record. The RACGP recommends a focused symptom check at every consult, and that is what the intake delivers.

If you have been seen at Abby before, you will see your stored history laid out. You can update or correct anything before the consult begins. See How does Abby remember my medical history?.

What does Abby AI actually do with my answers?

Abby AI groups your answers into a clinician-facing summary, flags anything that looks high-risk for the clinician's attention (for example, red-flag symptoms that need urgent assessment), and pulls relevant items from your past file — recent prescriptions, results, conditions. It is a preparation tool. It does not diagnose, prescribe, or replace clinical judgement. Every clinical decision is made by your clinician.

To understand the boundaries we hold ourselves to with AI, see What Abby will never ask you to do.

Is what I share private?

Yes. The intake form is part of your medical record and is governed by Australian privacy law. Only Abby clinicians directly involved in your care can see it. You can read your privacy rights on the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner site. You can also see exactly what is in your record any time — see How do I access my past appointments and records?.

Can I upload photos or documents?

Yes. The intake form lets you attach images (for example, a rash, a wound, or a medication packaging label) and documents (specialist letters, hospital discharge summaries, past test results). The clinician will see them before your consult. If you have any visual symptom, an image often communicates more than words.

What if I'm not sure how to answer something?

Skip it and tell the clinician during the call. The intake is a starting point, not a test. If you are unsure, write "not sure" or "to discuss". The clinician will pick up from there. For an overview of how Abby AI helps you frame your concerns, see How do I ask Abby a medical question? and How does the symptom checker work?.

How long does the intake form take?

Most patients complete the intake in 2 to 5 minutes. The form is short and adapts as you go — if you describe a chest symptom, it will not waste your time asking unrelated questions about a sprained ankle. If you are not feeling well enough to fill it in, write a few words about your main concern and complete the rest with your clinician. The form is a tool to help you, not a hurdle. The clinician will adjust as you go.

What if my situation is urgent?

The intake form is not for emergencies. If your symptoms are severe or worsening, call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department. If you are in crisis right now, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 000.

How Abby can help

The intake form is the front door to a faster, calmer consult — your clinician arrives prepared, so you can talk about what matters. Abby appointments are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. Book at abbyhealth.app/services/general-practice and the intake will appear before your consult.