Contraception online: speak to a doctor

Yes. You can talk to an AHPRA-registered Australian doctor about contraception through a real-time telehealth consultation. You complete a short online form and an AI preconsult call, then a doctor phones you, reviews your history and discusses your options. The doctor decides what is clinically appropriate. Completing a form or paying a fee does not mean a particular outcome.

No. A telehealth consultation suits both a review of contraception you already manage and a first conversation about new symptoms. If your doctor thinks you need an examination, a test or an in-person appointment before anything else, they will say so and point you to the right service.

Where clinically appropriate, yes. Your doctor decides after speaking with you and reviewing your history. Some medicines cannot be prescribed by telehealth, and some situations need an in-person examination or a test first. If your doctor prescribes, your eScript token arrives by SMS for use at a pharmacy. If they complete the consult without prescribing, the consultation fee still applies. Doccy refunds the fee only when we cannot deliver the consultation.

A prescription consultation costs $42.00 AUD. This is a one-off consultation fee. It is not the price of medicine and there is no subscription. If a doctor prescribes, you pay your pharmacy separately, with PBS pricing where you are eligible. Medicare details are required and the consultation is not bulk billed.

Contraception is not always suitable for telehealth. If your doctor thinks you need to be seen in person, they will explain why and recommend a next step, such as your usual GP, a pathology collection centre or an emergency department. Completing that consult without a prescription is still a completed consultation, and the fee applies. Doccy refunds the consultation fee only when we cannot deliver the consultation. In an emergency, call triple zero (000).

There are several groups. Hormonal methods use one or two hormones to prevent pregnancy. Long-acting methods last months or years and are fitted or given by a trained doctor or nurse. Barrier methods such as condoms stop sperm reaching an egg and also protect against sexually transmitted infections. Permanent methods and fertility awareness methods are also options. healthdirect publishes a comparison of how effective each is. Your doctor can help you weigh them up against your health and your plans.

Often, yes. If you already use a hormonal method and it has suited you, a telehealth doctor can review your history and continue it where clinically appropriate. Have a recent blood pressure reading ready, because your doctor will ask for one before continuing combined hormonal methods. If your method needs to be fitted or given in person, your doctor can refer you. Book before you run out where you can, so there is no gap in protection.

Combined hormonal methods can raise blood pressure, and they are not recommended for people whose blood pressure is already high, because of the added risk of blood clots and stroke. The RACGP advises that you should have a recent reading before these methods are started or renewed. For a telehealth consultation, a reading from a pharmacy machine or a home monitor is fine. Note the date and the two numbers, and have them ready for your call.

No, and it should not wait for a telehealth appointment. Emergency contraception is time critical and works best the sooner it is used. It is available from pharmacies across Australia without a prescription, so go to your nearest pharmacy as soon as you can. Some long-acting methods can also be used as emergency contraception within five days, but they must be fitted in person. Once the urgent step is done, a Doccy doctor can help you plan ongoing contraception.

Yes. Your consultation is a private phone call between you and an AHPRA-registered doctor, and you choose where you take it. Your health information is handled under Australian privacy law and stored securely. Nothing about the reason for your consultation is shared with anyone outside your care without your consent, except where the law requires it. If you have questions about how your information is used, ask your doctor during the call.