Online Doctor NZ

Online consultations have made doctors appointments increasingly accessible and convenient

With new service and technology improvements in Telehealth and online health support, It’s now possible to see a doctor virtually from the comfort and safety of your own home – or wherever else you might be – on your terms.

Through our service, Bettr Online Doctors NZ, you can do just that. With only an internet connection and a phone, tablet or computer, Bettr allows you to confidently get access to the care you need, when you need.

Please note: if you are injured and you believe your injury is covered by ACC, you will be required to see us in person for your first injury consult.

With our online doctor service you’ll get access to:

• Experienced, registered Kiwi doctors
• 7 days a week appointment availability from 8am to 8pm
• Affordable appointments – $45 for a registered patient and free for registered patients under 14yrs;
• New Zealand’s lowest-priced online appointments
• Fast online booking – book in just minutes
• No clinic waiting times or queuing
• Peace of mind knowing your online consultations are private and secure
• You can even order prescriptions online, too – perfect if you have a repeat.

This service is available to both our registered and non-registered patients, book an appointment now or learn more below.

Everything you need to know about seeing a doctor online

If you want to learn more about how we provide healthcare virtually, what to expect from the online doctor’s consultations process, pricing or how to book an appointment online, we explore everything you need to know about our Bettr service and virtual doctor appointments below

How telehealth works

Seeing an online doctor is hassle-free and allows you to access the same high-quality medical attention you would receive in one of our physical clinics.

Combined with your patient history, our doctors are trained to ensure they can fully understand and accurately support you even without seeing or examining you physically in a majority of non-urgent cases.

So far, we’ve had thousands of patients successfully use our online consultations from the comfort of their couch. We see this as a great success, and our patients do too. Some have even been kind enough to put their experience into words – you can see what they thought on the Bettr website under ‘Testimonials’.

How to book an online doctor’s appointment

Booking an online doctor’s appointment is made easy with our online care system Bettr.. With Bettr you can book an appointment online in just minutes from anywhere, 7 days a week from 8 am.

Fast. Simple. Secure. Affordable. 4 easy steps to getting started with Bettr:

1. Answer some quick screening questions
2. Select a doctor of your choice, date and time that best suits you
3. Enter your details, and;
4. Make one easy low payment.

Once completed, your online doctor’s consultation will be booked. We’ll send you confirmation of your booking and a link via email and/or SMS (depending on what options you select when booking) to invite you to your online consultation. When the time comes, and with your camera-enabled device at hand, simply open the link, and your online appointment will commence.

Pricing: Bettr offers low cost online doctor consultations.

• $45 if you are registered with our network (which includes White Cross and Local Doctors as well as Bettr online doctors).
• FREE for all patients under 14
• $79 for non-registered patients.
• $50 for non-registered patients under 14

Payment options include credit card, debit card or bank transfer and the costs are the same any time of the day, week and weekends. 

How to attend an online doctors appointment

Before your virtual appointment, make sure you have access to a good internet connection and a camera enabled smartphone, tablet or laptop at the ready. Telehealth works best when we can clearly see you face-to-face via the screen as well as hearing your voice. Next, find somewhere quiet to sit where you won’t be interrupted. Note: If you do not have access to video enabled device, a phone consultation can still be arranged for many conditions.

When your consultation time arrives, just tap the link in the email or SMS we send you to enter the virtual waiting room.

When your booked time comes, your doctor will admit you into your session. During your session, your doctor will use a combination of conversation, video observation, and patient history to provide you with an accurate diagnosis based on your stated health concern.

Virtual appointments are up to 10 minutes in length, enough time to typically deal with one issue.

After your consultation

At the end of your consultation, your doctor will discuss and confirm what happens next, Next steps may include acquiring a test (e.g. blood test), receiving a prescription to be filled, a follow-up appointment in person or online, a referral or the provision of additional information and advice you need to follow.

If you are not a Tamaki Health registered patient (for Bettr, White Cross or Local Doctors), then you will be asked for your usual GP or clinic details and for permission to send the records from your online consultation to this contact. You may accept or decline this.

When to use virtual consultations

Virtual doctor consultations are a fast and safe way to make sure you can get the medical attention you need, fast, efficiently and from, anywhere. Online appointments are particularly helpful when travel or transport is difficult, when you are out of reach of your usual clinic, are busy with work or kids, or if you just prefer the privacy, comfort and safety of your home.

In most cases, an online doctor can even see you the same day you book and often within 20 minutes with no need to queue or wait. 

What health needs are online doctor’s appointments suitable for?

Virtual consultations are a great tool for efficiently addressing many non-urgent and non-critical medical concerns. These include, but are not exclusive too:

• Allergies, skin conditions and rashes
• Respiratory problems
• Prescriptions
• Coughs, cold and flu
• Mental health and wellness
• Oral health
• Infectious diseases and infections
• Digestive and abdominal health
• Minor injuries
• Medical certificates, referrals and lab tests
• Travel medicine and prescriptions.

Please note: If you have a health emergency or are in severe distress, please call 111 for immediate attention.

If you think your health concern is likely to need physical examination then seeing a doctor in person will be best.

Online prescriptions

When the Doctor prescribes you medication online you can choose to have them delivered to you for a flat $5 fee or pick them up from your local pharmacy.

At the end of your consult the Doctor will send you an SMS with a link. Simply click the link and choose between home delivery or browse to find your nearest pharmacy for pick-up. Pick a time you’d like to pick up your prescription, now, later or as soon its ready. The Pharmacy will send a text confirming your order and will arrange the rest.

Scripts are available to enrolled and new patients but please note that if you’re a new patient getting a new prescription for the first time the doctor may request you to see a GP in person depending on the medication. Standard medication charges apply

Want to know more?

If you would like to know more about telehealth and online doctor consultations check out the Bettr Online Doctors website for in-depth answers to our most asked questions concerning appointments, available doctors and how it all works.