Talking HealthTech 577 - Hybrid and Digital Care: Balancing Technology, Regulation, and Human Touch in General Practice
In this audio-only episode of Talking HealthTech, Dr Max Mollenkopf, a Newcastle GP and practice owner, speaks with Tim Doyle, founder and CEO of Eucalyptus, about the evolution and future of primary care in Australia.
The discussion explores Eucalyptus’s digital health model, how it is changing patient experiences, supporting clinicians, and connecting with traditional general practice.
The conversation covers key challenges facing healthcare today, including continuity of care, regulatory considerations, clinician engagement, and the shifting expectations of patients in a digital era.
They share candid insights on scaling digital clinics, balancing technology with human connection, and the opportunities and limitations of hybrid care models.
This episode offers practical perspectives on how digital and traditional care can work together, the evolving role of the GP, and what the next generation of Australian healthcare may look like.
Key Takeaways
🩺 The rise of digital-first clinics is changing how patients interact with primary care, focusing on convenience and continuity through technology.
👩⚕️ Clinician independence and quality assurance, including pre-screening and audit systems, are central to responsible digital healthcare delivery.
💡 Patient engagement is evolving, with increased demand for more data, self-ownership of health, and a desire for ongoing support beyond traditional appointments.
💬 The lines between wellness, primary care, and marketplace health products are blurring, raising questions around clinician roles, value, and regulation.
🔗 Integrating digital and in-person (hybrid) care paths is viewed as essential for the future, with attention to necessary safeguards, incentives, and patient consent.
Timestamps
00:00 — Introduction
00:36 —Dr. Max Mollenkopf on panel experiences and challenging ideas
02:02 —Tim Doyle explains Eucalyptus’s origins and vision
06:11 — Addressing continuity, fragmentation, and care platforms
13:29 — Access to health information and regulatory challenges
17:33 — Business models, clinician obligations, and monetisation
24:45 — Regulation, industrial standards, and cannabis clinics
26:58 — Quality audits and the role of technology in large-scale care
32:23 — Value in care, rebates, and consulting models
37:00 — The intersection of wellness, screening, and preventative health
42:38 — A hybrid model for future healthcare
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