An online telehealth service suspected to be a scam is linked to failed national GP chain Tristar Medical Group, which collapsed earlier this year owing millions of dollars to doctors and the government.
Key points:
- A potential telehealth scam has been linked to collapsed national GP chain Tristar
- Patients say they paid $80 to Dr ASAP and never received an appointment
- Dr ASAP is owned by Kure Medical Group
Concerns have been raised to the ABC over a website called Dr ASAP, which advertises private telehealth services for an out-of-pocket cost of $80.
The site requests patients’ personal details along with their Medicare number before booking.
The website states it is a fully private service: “There is no Medicare or other government subsidy rebate”.
But some patients across Victoria, including in Ballarat, Horsham, and Eaglehawk, reported that they never received a consultation and their money was lost.
One person posted on Facebook to say she was so concerned about identity theft after paying $80 that she changed her bank card.
“There is nowhere and nobody to contact about my money, they have my personal details and Medicare,” she said.
“I couldn’t cancel the appointment.
“I’ve been stressed out of my mind, contacting the bank and the police … all because this website lacks the bare minimum of customer service communication.”
The website is owned…
