More than five million Australians report having used telehealth to seek medical advice since the outbreak of COVID in 2020. Experts say the growing number of telehealth services now available is contributing to better outcomes for both patients and doctors alike.

The popularity of telehealth services in Australia has significantly increased as more than 4.86 million Australians have turned to these services in recent years. This shift in healthcare access was largely prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which introduced many individuals to telehealth as a viable means of seeking medical advice. Experts suggest that this growing trend has improved outcomes for both patients and doctors due to the convenience and accessibility it offers.

Laura Auditore, who suffers from a chronic pain condition known as fibromyalgia, has experienced the benefits of telehealth firsthand. Previously, she had to travel long distances to consult with medical professionals, but now she can access healthcare from the comfort of her home. This change has positively impacted her quality of life, allowing her to participate in activities she enjoys.

Healthcare professionals like Christina Anthony acknowledge that telehealth helps create a relaxed and comfortable environment for patients, which can enhance the effectiveness of medical consultations. Additionally, the increased access to health and wellness information online has led many individuals to adopt a more holistic approach to their healthcare. Surveys show that one in five Australian patients has explored services that promote overall wellness.

Vlad Fernandez, general manager of Alternally, which services over 150,000 Australians, supports the notion that telehealth provides critical access to qualified healthcare professionals. He believes that the pandemic catalyzed a shift towards a more holistic view of health, facilitating greater adoption of telehealth services. 

For patients like Laura Auditore, telehealth means having more time for personal interests, such as attending concerts and spending time with family. The continued growth of telehealth services is contributing to better healthcare access and experiences for Australians across the country.



Boom in telehealth services offering flexibility for patients & doctors

Laura Auditore is one of an estimated one million Australians who live with a chronic pain condition, fibromyalgia. Like when people touch me, it hurts. I feel constantly bruised. Since she was first diagnosed in 2013, Laura has seen dozens of doctors and specialists, at times travelling hours from her home in regional New South Wales to Sydney for appointments. But for the last year, Laura has turned to telehealth services as her primary means of medical help. It's been life changing. I don't want to get emotional, but it has been life changing. In 2023 alone, more than 4.86 million Australians use telehealth services. Clinicians like Christina Anthony say the convenience is not only contributing to better outcomes for patients, but also doctors. A space of relaxation, of a clean, relaxed, homely, comfortable environment. And when you're able to emanate that in your interactions with your patients, that reflects. Also contributing to the rising popularity of telehealth services, experts believe, is greater access to health and wellness information online. I think predominantly because there's a collective shift in consciousness towards things which are more natural or inwards. From red light therapy and vitamin drips to infrared saunas and hydrotherapy, a recent survey found one in five Australian patients has tried services or treatments to support their immune system. It's not a cheat code. It's not a hack. It's your body doing what it normally does. And you're just, for the first time, facilitating or allowing it to run its natural course and optimise your body the way only it knows how. Vlad Fernandez is general manager of Alternally, which provides online healthcare services to more than 150,000 Australians. We strive for the perfect digital experience for patients. He says while COVID saw many people turn to telehealth for the first time, it also served as a catalyst for some to think about their health more holistically. Since then, we've only seen that grow. It's about access. It's about, regardless of where you are in Australia, that you are able to log into an appointment online and get access to highly qualified nurses, doctors. For patients with chronic conditions like Laura Auditore, being able to access telehealth services from the comfort of home has given her more time to do the things she loves. I've been able to go to concerts. I can play with my granddaughter. I can run around with my granddaughter. There's help available. There's help available.

Officials in the U.S. state of Texas say at least 13 people have died in overnight flash floods after torrential rains triggered an overflow of the Guadalupe River. Nearly 20 children attending a summer camp in the south-central area are missing.

Kerr County

Deadly Texas floods: Search efforts underway for missing children

Türkiye has been battling wildfires for more than a week, with its western province of Izmir among the hardest hit. Thousands have been forced to flee as flames threaten homes and villages.

Ödemiş

Turkiye wildfires: At least two dead as fires burn for eighth day

It was not clear if Hamas’ statement meant it had accepted the proposal from US President Donald Trump for a 60-day ceasefire.

Jerusalem

Hamas says it is  'positive' about latest ceasefire proposal

President Trump brought pomp and circumstance to his signing of the "big, beautiful bill" on Friday, with an Independence Day ceremony at the White House that included a B-2 bomber flyover.

Washington

Global Tariffs

Trump signs "big, beautiful bill" as tariff deadline looms

Heavy rainfall in central Texas caused the Guadalupe River to overflow and unleash a torrent of water. The bodies of at least 13 children and adults have been recovered and more than 20 girls are missing from a sleepaway camp.

Floods kill at least 13 in Texas, over 20 missing from summer camp

The talk comes a day after President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed Ukraine, Iran and other issues in a call the Kremlin described as "frank and constructive."

Kyiv

Ukraine Invasion

Zelenskyy, Trump agree on joint defense efforts in phone call

Russia pummeled Kyiv with the largest drone attack of the war, injuring at least 23 people and damaging buildings across the capital only hours after U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Russia's Vladimir Putin, officials said.

Russia hits Kyiv with largest drone attack after Trump-Putin call

U.S. President Donald Trump marked the passage of the new spending bill, which includes changes to food assistance, student loan programs, and clean energy credits. Robert Costa joins "CBS Mornings" to break down what's in the legislation.

Trump set to sign "big, beautiful bill"

More than 80 Palestinians were killed in Gaza on Thursday (July 3), according to health officials, as Israel intensified its strikes, hitting a school-turned-displacement facility. CNN’s Paula Hancocks looks at the damage and humanitarian toll.

More than 80 people killed in Gaza in one day

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv will do "anything" to advance EU accession talks. Zelenskyy spoke alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, President of the European Council António Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

Ukraine will do 'anything' to advance EU accession talks: Zelenskyy

President Donald Trump said Washington will start sending letters to countries on Friday specifying what tariff rates they will face on imports to the United States, a clear shift from earlier pledges to strike scores of individual deals.

Trump: Letters telling countries their tariff rate going out Friday

Indonesian rescuers on Thursday (July 3) temporarily halted a search for 30 people still missing after a ferry carrying 65 people sank near the island of Bali with the loss of six lives, the national search and rescue agency said.

Gilimanuk

Indonesia suspends search for 30 missing after ferry sinks near Bali

After marathon debate sessions in the Senate and House, President Donald Trump’s budget bill passed in the House. Republicans secured the biggest win of Trump’s presidency.

Trump’s landmark ‘big, beautiful bill’ narrowly passes U.S. House

Florida says the first group of migrant detainees have arrived at the new immigration detention center known as "Alligator Alcatraz." CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul has more.

Ochopee

First group of detainees arrive at "Alligator Alcatraz," Florida says

U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday (July 3) that he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and that he plans to hold a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. CBS News White House reporter Willie James Inman has more.

Trump speaks with Putin, plans call with Zelenskyy

CNN’s Priscilla Alvarez reports on a lawsuit from lawyers for Kilmar Abrego Garcia alleging he suffered “torture and mistreatment” after he was wrongfully deported and held in El Salvador’s notorious mega prison.

Tecoluca

Kilmar Abrego Garcia claims he was tortured in El Salvadoran prison

The Kremlin welcomed the development, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov claiming it proves Western arsenals are being depleted and predicting that less aid will hasten the end of the conflict.

U.S. pauses military aid to Ukraine over depleted weapons stockpile

Two contractors employed by UG Solutions spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity as they were revealing their employers’ internal operations.

U.S. contractors say live ammo used at Gaza aid distribution site

Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke for hours on the House floor about potential impacts of President Trump's "big, beautiful bill" that Republicans are looking to pass before July 4. Following debate, the House is set for a final vote on the massive budget bill.

House debates Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' ahead of final vote

CBS News political contributor Caroline Polisi joins "CBS Mornings" to break down the jury's verdict in Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal trial and the judge's decision to deny bail for the music mogul ahead of his sentencing.

Manhattan

Sean "Diddy" Combs denied bail after split verdict

Liverpool soccer player Diogo Jota has died aged 28, just weeks after marrying his childhood sweetheart. The footballer passed away in a car crash in northern Spain.

Madrid

Liverpool soccer player dies in car crash 10 days after wedding

The Pentagon said that U.S. strikes 10 days ago had degraded Iran's nuclear program by up to two years, suggesting the U.S. military operation likely achieved its goals despite a far more cautious initial assessment that leaked to the public.

Tehran

Iran Strikes

Iran nuclear program degraded by up to two years: Pentagon

Days before his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama announced the Gaden Phodrang Trust, a non-profit he founded, will have the sole authority to recognize his future reincarnation, but China insists it will choose the successor of the Tibetan spiritual leader.

Lhasa

China rejects Dalai Lama’s succession plan

The U.S. Congress inched towards approving President Donald Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill, despite attempts by Democrats to stop it. The bill is Trump’s signature legislation which includes massive spending increases on the military and immigration enforcement while slashing social programs.

Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill nears approval

Sean (Diddy) Combs was found guilty on prostitution-related charges, but was acquitted on more serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking giving him a maximum sentence of 20 years. But the courtroom victory was subdued following a judge’s ruling to deny him bail.

New York

Diddy denied bail, avoids life in prison

President Trump says Israel has agreed to a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, but it remains unclear if Hamas will accept the terms. CBS News senior foreign correspondent Debora Patta has more.

Trump says Israel has agreed to Gaza ceasefire conditions

Bryan Kohberger changed his plea to guilty Wednesday for the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students. CBS News national correspondent Carter Evans has more on the case.

Boise

New details revealed as Kohberger pleads guilty for 2022 Idaho murders

The Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down a state abortion law that was adopted in 1849 in a 4-3 landmark decision. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.

Madison

Wisconsin Supreme Court strikes down 176-year-old state abortion ban

Macron and Putin held regular discussions around the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with Macron visiting Putin in Russia in February 2022, but dialogue eventually stalled.

Paris

Macron held 'substantial' phone call with Putin

President Trump toured “Alligator Alcatraz,” a migrant detention center he teamed up with Ron DeSantis to build in the Everglades.