Holistica Health

Glossary of Telehealth Terms

Plain English definitions of 119 medical and telehealth terms used in Australian healthcare, reviewed by our medical team.

A

AcneAcne is a common skin condition where follicles block with oil and dead skin cells, causing pimples. Prescription treatment is available via telehealth in Australia.ADHDADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting attention, impulse control and activity levels, diagnosed in Australia against DSM-5 criteria.ADHD AssessmentAn ADHD assessment is a structured clinical evaluation measuring symptoms against DSM-5 criteria, available in Australia through telehealth.After Hours GPAn after hours GP provides care outside standard clinic hours. Telehealth extends after hours access to evenings and weekends Australia wide.AHPRAAHPRA, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, is the national body that registers and regulates health practitioners in Australia.AHPRA RegisterThe AHPRA register is the public database where anyone can verify the registration of an Australian health practitioner.Alopecia AreataAlopecia areata is an autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss. Assessment and referral pathways are available through telehealth in Australia.Androgenetic AlopeciaAndrogenetic alopecia is hereditary pattern hair loss affecting both men and women, driven by genetics and hormone sensitivity.Anti Aging SkincareAnti aging skincare centres on sunscreen and retinoids, the two interventions with the strongest evidence for slowing visible skin aging.AnxietyAnxiety becomes a disorder when persistent worry or fear disrupts daily life. Effective psychological and medical treatments are available in Australia.ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting communication, social interaction and sensory processing, assessed in Australia against DSM-5 criteria.AtomoxetineAtomoxetine is a non stimulant prescription medicine for ADHD in Australia, an option when stimulants are unsuitable.

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

K

L

M

Male Pattern BaldnessMale pattern baldness is androgenetic alopecia in men, typically starting at the hairline and crown. Prescription treatments are available in Australia.Medical CertificateA medical certificate is a legal document from a registered practitioner confirming a health related absence, available same day via telehealth.MedicareMedicare is the public health insurance scheme in Australia, subsidising GP visits, specialist care and some telehealth services.MelasmaMelasma causes symmetrical brown facial patches driven by hormones and sun exposure, managed with sun protection and prescription treatments.Mental Health Care PlanA mental health care plan is a GP prepared plan giving Medicare rebated psychology sessions to eligible Australians.Metabolic SyndromeMetabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar and abdominal fat that raises long term health risks.MethylphenidateMethylphenidate is a Schedule 8 prescription stimulant used in ADHD treatment in Australia, available in short and long acting forms.MigraineMigraine is a neurological condition causing severe recurrent headaches with nausea and light sensitivity, with effective modern treatments available.MinoxidilMinoxidil is a topical and oral medicine used for pattern hair loss. Oral forms are prescription only in Australia.MounjaroMounjaro is the Australian brand name for tirzepatide, a GLP-1 and GIP receptor medicine prescribed for weight management after clinical assessment.My Health RecordMy Health Record is the national digital health summary holding prescriptions, results and hospital summaries, controlled by the patient.

N

O

P

R

S

Salicylic AcidSalicylic acid is an oil soluble exfoliating acid that clears blocked pores, used for acne, blackheads and rough skin texture.SatietySatiety is the feeling of fullness that ends eating and delays hunger returning, a central target of modern weight management.Schedule 4 MedicineSchedule 4 medicines are standard prescription only medicines in Australia, dispensed by a pharmacist against a valid prescription.Schedule 8 MedicineSchedule 8 medicines are controlled drugs such as ADHD stimulants and strong opioids, with strict state prescribing rules in Australia.SemaglutideSemaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist sold in Australia as Ozempic and Wegovy, available only on prescription after doctor assessment.Skin BarrierThe skin barrier is the outer layer that locks in moisture and keeps irritants out. A damaged barrier drives sensitivity and flares.Sleep HygieneSleep hygiene is the set of habits and conditions that support good sleep: consistent timing, light management and a wind down routine.Smoking Cessation PlanA smoking cessation plan combines a quit date, medicines and behavioural strategies tailored to the individual smoker.Specialist ReferralA specialist referral is a letter from a GP that unlocks specialist care and Medicare rebates, and can be arranged through telehealth.STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection)An STI is an infection passed on through sexual contact, with confidential testing and treatment available through telehealth.Stimulant MedicationStimulant medications such as methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine are Schedule 8 prescription medicines used in ADHD management in Australia.Sunscreen (SPF)Sunscreen with SPF protects against UV damage, skin cancer and pigmentation. Daily broad spectrum SPF 50 is recommended in Australia.

T

U

V

W