Miami vs Australia: Assessing Telehealth in Two Key Markets
- Mateo
- Sep 28
- 3 min read
Telehealth delivers quality healthcare directly to patients, making it easier for them to get the help they need without visiting a land-based medical facility.
The digital revolution has taken different forms around the world, but Miami in the United States and Australia stand out for their unique ways of approaching virtual care.
Telehealth has become a key part of the health sector in each region, but there is a striking difference in the way the services are structured and experienced.
Read on as we explore how telehealth is delivered in Miami compared to Australia, what patients can expect in each setting and why certain providers have thrived in a saturated field.
How Telehealth Thrives in Miami’s Chaotic Landscape
Miami is one of the most bustling cities in the US. The city thrives on energy but has long struggled with congestion, long commutes and busy schedules.
Telehealth has managed to fit right in, with providers such as South Florida Psychiatry (SFP) and JustDirect developing systems that align with the lifestyle of local residents.
SFP and JustDirect are easy to access and offer continuity of care. The former is renowned for offering services that cater to patients struggling with mental health.
The online platform offers features such as symptom evaluation, psychiatric counselling and medication management, but its biggest selling point is its reputation as a reliable provider.
Patients who patronise SFP can rest assured that they can access healthcare when they need to without losing the personal touch.
Despite consulting with a medical professional remotely, the quality of care and attention patients receive matches in-person appointments.
Not only are they on par, but many consider virtual care to be more effective, considering that patients are more likely to open up when they are in a safe space.
JustDirect offers slightly different telehealth services to SFP, focusing on those who need urgent care, general health check-ups or managing chronic conditions.
They take privacy very seriously, connecting patients and specialists through a reputable platform. They also follow up to keep patients in touch with their doctors while making sure their recovery is going according to plan.
Australia’s Expanding Market of Telehealth Providers
Miami may have taken up telehealth as a modern solution to urban life, but Australia has embraced it to make sure everyone has access to high-quality care.
The demand for telehealth services has created a booming industry, with dozens of providers now operating across the country.
Platforms such as Medicompare help Australians compare telehealth providers to ensure they are reputable. Qoctor is one of the top telehealth services.
Founded in 2016 by a team of general practitioners (GPs), Qoctor offers one of the most comprehensive online general practices in the Australian telehealth market.
It offers a wide range of services, including medical certificates, prescriptions, blood test referrals, radiology referrals, specialist referrals and comprehensive care for children.
Qoctor’s extensive portfolio makes it one of the most versatile platforms in Australia. It is also big on mental health. Most telehealth providers charge sizeable fees for mental health plans, but Qoctor bulk-bills the services.
How Miami and Australia Differ in Telehealth Provision
Telehealth providers in Miami are restricted by Florida’s state-specific licensing rules, which prevent doctors from treating patients outside the state without special approval.
Australia has a unified nationwide system. Once a GP is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), they can offer telehealth services to patients anywhere in the country.
There is also a huge difference in payment models. Medicare and Medicaid only cover part payment in Miami, so patients may need private insurance or pay out-of-pocket for some portion.
By contrast, Australia’s Medicare rebate system means many GP and mental health consultations are bulk-billed, so patients usually do not have to worry about the cost of accessing healthcare.
However, not all consultations are bulk-billed. Some doctors and clinics choose to charge above the Medicare rebate, which forces patients to pay the difference.
Miami’s telehealth system is more about convenience, considering the city isn’t lacking medical facilities, while Australia’s system focuses on bridging the gap for people in remote communities.