GP advice service improves access and care across Queensland

GP advice service improves access and care across Queensland

20 Apr 2026

The Mater Queensland eConsult service allows general practitioners to connect with non-GP specialists for clinical advice within days, supporting better decision-making and patient care.

Funded by the Queensland Government, the statewide program has been running since October last year and is free for both patients and GPs. It uses a secure messaging system called Consultmed to link GPs with 16 medical sub-specialties, including cardiology, dermatology, neurology, endocrinology, and more.

When GPs request advice, specialists provide guidance on diagnosis, treatment, and patient monitoring. This helps many patients avoid outpatient appointments altogether, with data showing 82% of cases can be managed by the GP without needing a face-to-face specialist visit.

The model, based on a similar program in Canada, was adapted for Australia by Claire Jackson and the University of Queensland team. It aims to reduce waiting times and improve access, especially for patients in rural and remote areas.

Since its expansion, the service has received more than 1700 requests for advice and continues to grow, adding new specialties each month.

Advice is typically returned within three business days, with an average response time of 1.7 days.

Health experts involved in the program say it is improving access to care for both rural patients and vulnerable people in cities, helping reduce travel, cost, and long delays for treatment.

https://www1.racgp.org.au/

Source: newsGP / Queensland Health program reporting

 
 

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