In the last few years, telehealth has moved from being a niche service to a routine part of healthcare. For women, telehealth can be an incredible tool — offering convenience, flexibility, and access to specialist care without the need to travel.
But like with any healthcare innovation, there’s an important question to ask: are we sacrificing quality for convenience?
Why Telehealth Can Be a Game-Changer for Women
We’re all usually juggling multiple roles — working, parenting, caring for relatives, and managing our own health needs. Telehealth can help remove some of the barriers such as:
- Travel time & cost – No need to arrange transport, take hours off work, or find childcare.
- Access to specialists – Particularly for women in rural and regional areas, telehealth can connect patients with gynaecologists, midwives, physiotherapists, and mental health professionals who may not be available locally.
- Comfort & privacy – For some, discussing sensitive topics from the comfort of home can reduce anxiety.
- Continuity of care – Follow-up appointments and medication reviews can often be done quickly and efficiently online.
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) contributed to the Medical Board of Australia’s telehealth guideline consultation process in 2023, underscoring the importance of telehealth as a regulated and complementary tool in women’s health care. Practice frameworks emphasise that telehealth should enhance, but not replace, face-to-face care.
When Telehealth Might Not Be Enough
While telehealth is a powerful tool, it’s not a replacement for in-person assessment in all cases. Some women’s health concerns require physical examination, diagnostic imaging, or procedures that can’t be done over video.
Examples include:
- Pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding that needs an internal examination.
- Breast lumps requiring physical assessment.
- Pregnancy where fetal heartbeat or growth needs to be monitored.
- Procedures such as cervical screening, IUD insertion, or pessary fitting.
Several Australian-based analyses highlight that while telehealth enhances access, satisfaction, and convenience—particularly for sexual and reproductive health—it works best as a complement to in-person care. Telehealth improves access in rural areas, but direct-to-consumer models raise valid concerns about continuity and equity.
Barriers & Equity Concerns
It’s also worth noting that not everyone has equal access to telehealth.
- Digital literacy – Some patients struggle with technology or internet connections.
- Language & cultural considerations – Interpreter services are available, but may not be as seamless online.
- Privacy at home – For women experiencing family violence or living in shared spaces, telehealth may feel unsafe.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare stresses that telehealth should enhance, not replace, equitable care.
Finding the Right Balance
The ideal approach? A flexible, patient-centred model.
- Use telehealth for follow-ups, results discussions, medication reviews, and education sessions. First visits are best conducted face to face.
- Prioritise in-person appointments when physical examination or procedures are necessary.
- Encourage open conversations about what’s best for each patient — there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
Remember, determining the suitability of telehealth should always be in discussion with your doctor or treating health professional.
The Bottom Line
Telehealth has transformed women’s health care in Australia — especially for those in rural areas or with complex schedules. But quality must remain the priority. A combination of telehealth and face-to-face care ensures women get the best of both worlds: convenience without compromise.
References
- RANZCOG. Telehealth Position Statement, 2023.
- Khanal, S., Nattabi, B., & Dawson, A. (2024). The rise of direct-to-consumer telemedicine services in Australia. Medical Journal of Australia, 221(5), 285.
- Mazza, D. (2021). Increasing access to women’s sexual and reproductive health services: Telehealth is only the start. Medical Journal of Australia, 215(8), 352–353.
- Taylor, E., Wakerman, J., Sabesan, S., Jones, D., & Barbour, L. (2024). Beyond the planned and expected: The unintended consequences of telehealth in rural and remote Australia through a complexity lens. Medical Journal of Australia, 220(10), 496–500.