What You Need to Know
The rules for Medicare-funded telehealth appointments changed in November 2025.
You can have a telehealth appointment with your regular GP clinic if:
- You are registered with MyMedicare, and
- You have had at least 2 face-to-face visits at that clinic in the last 24 months (or 1 visit if the clinic is in a remote area).
This means you do not need to have seen your GP in person in the last 12 months to use telehealth.
If you get care through an Aboriginal Health Service, the 12-month rule does not apply, and you do not need to register with MyMedicare.
Some GP clinics may not know about this change.
What to do
Step 1: Ask your GP clinic if they are registered with MyMedicare
If they are registered:
Step 2: Register with MyMedicare
You can:
- Sign up online through your myGov account using Medicare Online, or
- Fill out a paper form at your GP clinic.
Step 3: Contact your GP clinic
Tell them that:
- You are registered with MyMedicare.
- You have been told by Emerge Australia that the 12-month face-to-face rule changed in November 2025.
- A GP can usually bill telehealth appointments under Medicare item numbers such as 91900 and 91910 without you needing an in-person visit in the last 12 months, as long as you have attended the clinic within the last 24 months.
- More information for GP clinics is available in the attached Medicare telehealth guide.
If your clinic is not registered with MyMedicare
Unfortunately, the old rule still applies. You must have had an in-person visit at the clinic within the last 12 months to access Medicare-funded telehealth appointments.
About MyMedicare
MyMedicare is a program that lets you choose and register with your regular GP clinic.
Important things to know
Signing up is optional
- Patients, GP clinics, and doctors do not have to join MyMedicare.
Who can sign up?
- You need a Medicare card or DVA Veteran Card.
- You must have visited your chosen GP clinic:
- twice in the last 24 months, or
- once in the last 24 months if you live in a remote area.
Benefits of registering
- You may be able to access longer telehealth appointments with your regular clinic.
- You may receive extra Medicare benefits, rebates, or bulk-billing options.
MyMedicare is not the same as My Health Record
- MyMedicare links you to your regular GP clinic.
- It does not store your medical history or health records.
- My Health Record is the system that stores your health information and medical records.
How to register online for MyMedicare
- Sign in to your myGov account and select Medicare.
- Choose the View MyMedicare quick link and select Start.
- Search for and select your regular practice and preferred GP.
- Fill in your details and select Submit registration.
- For full step-by-step instructions, visit Services Australia MyMedicare Registration
