Vorarlberg health hotline 1450 launches video consultations

The health hotline 1450 in Vorarlberg, Austria, has launched a pilot program to introduce medical video consultations. This service complements the existing 24-hour telephone advisory service by allowing doctors to visually assess patients during evening and night hours.

Technically, the system is designed for ease of use; if a visual assessment is required during a call, a physician sends a one-time link via SMS or email. Patients can then join the consultation directly through a web browser on a computer or mobile device without needing to install a specific app. The initiative aims to improve triage accuracy for symptoms like rashes or other visible conditions, thereby relieving pressure on regional acute care services.

The hotline, which has been part of Gesundheit Vorarlberg GmbH since February 2026, has also moved to new premises at the GesundheitsCampus Bludenz. In September 2026, the service handled 4,131 calls, providing 3,016 specific health consultations. The service is currently staffed by 24 people, providing around-the-clock support for various medical inquiries.