Australia’s telecommunications giant Telstra is launching ReadyCare, a video- and phone-based service that connects patients with general practitioners at a moment’s notice.

What’s interesting about this is that instead of emphasizing convenience, Telstra is pointing out that talking to a doctor by phone or online might actually be safer than seeing a doctor in person.

“Services like this will decrease the risk of infection because if somebody has got the flu and they’re sitting there waiting in the GP’s waiting room they’re coughing and spreading it; the same goes for hospital emergency departments,” Telstra ReadyCare chief medical officer Amandeep Hansra told Australia’s Financial Review.

The service is launching with more than 20 doctors, and is a product of Telstra’s co-operation with Switzerland-based Medgate.

ReadyCare is charging roughly $76 per consultation.Those opting to talk to a doctor over phone or online will first be screened by an assistant to determine if such a visit is appropriate, and then booked for a return call by a GP. Patients will be able to upload images, if that’s appropriate, to help GPs diagnose their condition; GPs can also issue prescriptions.

ReadyCare is charging roughly $76 per consultation, and at the moment it isn’t covered under the country’s Medicare program.

The service already has a client – travel insurance provider Cover-More Group, which will allow Australians travelling abroad to connect with an Australian GP no matter where they are.

[Via: mHealthNews]