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Mon-Fri: 6:00AM-11:00PM     After hours, weekend and urgent appointments      reception@acneexpress.com.au    

FAQs

Do I need a GP referral?

No, you are not required to obtain a referral from your general practitioner (GP) to make an online booking and utilise our teledermatology service.

However, if you wish to qualify for a Medicare rebate, it is necessary to have a valid GP referral. If you require follow-up appointments for your acne issue, you can also schedule a review appointment if your GP referral is still valid.

How does a GP referral affect the cost of treatment under Medicare?

If you have a GP referral, you are eligible for Medicare rebates. Over the course of your treatment (3 to 5 appointments), the total Medicare rebate you can expect to receive will range from $160 to $240, depending on the number of visits required.

This rebate helps offset the cost of your consultations, making the treatment more affordable.

How does it all work?

Step 1: Obtain a referral from your GP (optional) to be eligible for a Medicare rebate. Then, schedule an appointment using the ‘book an appointment’ button on the website.

Step 2: Using your smartphone, tablet, or computer, open the video appointment link provided in your email to begin the video consultation.

Approach your video appointment just as you would any other visit to a specialist. Discuss your acne condition, present your problem to your dermatologist through the video, and they will create a personalised treatment plan for you which may include skincare recommendations, dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and prescribed acne medications.

Your doctor will send you an eScript (a digital version of a paper script) by text or email. Take your smartphone (or tablet – whichever contains the message) to your local pharmacist and show them the QR code. Your pharmacist will scan the QR code to retrieve the details of your script and dispense the medicines as normal. Investigation forms and handouts are emailed to you on the same day as your appointment so there are no delays in implementing your management plan. If further assessment is needed, you can schedule a review appointment.

Am I eligible for a Medicare rebate?

Medicare rebates are applicable to all patients who have a current GP referral. To schedule an appointment, simply choose the type of appointment you need and ensure that you have an active GP referral. You can upload the referral during the booking process, or if your GP has already faxed or emailed it to us, that works too. Just follow the prompts. We take care of all the Medicare claims for you, eliminating the need for manual reimbursement procedures.

How do I pay for the consultation?

When you schedule an appointment online, the full fee will be billed to your credit card in advance. To cancel your appointment before the virtual consultation, a cancellation fee of $50 will be deducted, and the remaining amount will be refunded to your credit card. If you fail to attend the appointment without cancelling, the full fee will be charged.

If you qualify for a Medicare rebate, we will handle the entire Medicare claims process on your behalf.

Can anyone use this service?

Absolutely. Regardless of whether you reside in a city or a rural area, anyone can make a booking and utilise this service no matter which region of Australia you belong to.  However, if you are under 16 years old, we kindly request that you have a parent or guardian accompany you during the appointment.

Can I book an acne treatment appointment if I'm overseas?

Yes, you can book an appointment with Acne Express while overseas. However, you must be physically in Australia at the time of your consultation, as our online acne treatment service is available only to patients within Australia.

Do you see children on this service?

Absolutely, our dermatologists are Fellows of the Australasian College of Dermatologists who possessed the necessary training to evaluate and address skin conditions affecting children. During the booking process and video consultation, we kindly request that a parent or guardian be present for individuals under the age of 16.

Why does this service exist?

We firmly believe that every individual in Australia deserves exceptional care for their skin. Your team of dedicated dermatologists at Acne Express understands the challenges faced by those residing in rural and regional areas. They have witnessed the significant distances people must travel to access dermatological care, which can disrupt their jobs, family life, and incur substantial costs. This is where Acne Express steps in. Through virtual appointments, you can now get connected directly with your chosen dermatologist, bringing the consultation right to your living room. Rest assured, these services are not limited to specific regions. Every one of you can enjoy our services, regardless of your location in Australia. With confidence and resolve, we are here to ensure that expert-level care for your skin is accessible and convenient, no matter where you are.

Is it possible to make a claim for my acne treatment costs through private health insurance?

According to Australian regulations, private health insurance does not typically provide coverage for medical services conducted outside of a hospital setting. These services are typically covered by Medicare. However, international insurance for non-Australian residents often includes coverage for such services, offering the same rebate as Medicare. It is advisable to consult with your insurance provider to confirm the specific coverage details.

Can you prescribe isotretinoin?

Yes, if your dermatologists deem it appropriate and safe based on your specific condition, they can prescribe medication for your acne treatment. Our team of experienced dermatologists will carefully evaluate your skin condition during your consultation and take into consideration factors such as the severity of your acne, medical history, and any potential contraindications. Prescribing medication is done on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that it aligns with your individual needs and overall health. Our priority is to provide you with the most effective and suitable treatment options to help you achieve clear and healthy skin.

Is online acne treatment effective?

Yes, online acne treatment can be highly effective. By consulting with dermatologists virtually, you can receive personalised advice and guidance tailored to your specific needs. With regular communication and adjustments, online treatment plans have shown positive outcomes in managing and improving acne.

How many appointments will I need during a course of isotretinoin treatment?

During a typical course of isotretinoin treatment, patients are usually seen 3 to 5 times. These appointments are spaced throughout the treatment to monitor progress, manage any side effects, and adjust dosages as necessary.

Can online acne treatment replace in-person visits to a dermatologist?

Online acne treatment can be a convenient alternative to in-person visits for many individuals. However, it’s important to note that severe or persistent cases of acne may require a physical examination by a dermatologist. In such instances, it is recommended to consult with a dermatologist in person.

Is online acne treatment suitable for all skin types?

Yes, online acne treatment can be suitable for various skin types. Dermatologists can provide customised treatment plans that address the specific needs of different skin types, including sensitive, oily, dry, or combination skin.

I am a GP, can I refer my patient to Acne Express for acne treatment?

Yes, you can easily refer your patient to Acne Express, through Dermo Direct, the sister platform of Acne Express. Here’s the process:

  1. Provide the referral to the patient: Hand your patient a referral addressed to one of the dermatologists at Acne Express. The address is 8/5 Tiwi Gardens, Tiwi NT 0810. The patient will upload the referral during their online booking process.
  2. Send the referral directly: You can fax the referral to 08 8432 1682 or email it to refer@dermodirect.com.au.

I’ve previously seen a doctor from Acne Express in person. Do I still need to pay the initial appointment fee for an online/phone consultation?

If you’ve seen one of the doctors in person at Acne Express within the last 12 months, you may qualify for the review appointment rate when booking online, rather than paying the initial appointment fee. To receive this rebate, a valid GP referral dated within the past 12 months is also required. If it has been more than 12 months since your in-clinic visit or GP referral, you will need to book an initial online appointment at the standard rate.