Yes. An AHPRA-registered GP can write a prescription during a telehealth consultation in Australia. The prescription is issued as an electronic prescription (eScript) and sent directly to your phone via SMS. You can present it at any pharmacy in Australia.
Telehealth prescribing follows the same clinical and legal standards as in-person prescribing. Your GP will assess whether the medication is appropriate for you based on your medical history, current symptoms, and any relevant test results.
What can a telehealth GP prescribe?
A telehealth GP can prescribe most medications that a GP would prescribe in a standard clinic appointment. This includes medications for:
- High blood pressure and cardiovascular conditions
- Cholesterol management
- Diabetes
- Asthma and respiratory conditions
- Contraception (the pill, mini-pill)
- Antibiotics for infections such as urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and skin infections
- Mental health conditions (your GP will assess and may discuss treatment options)
- Skin conditions such as acne and eczema
- Hay fever and allergies
- Acid reflux and gastrointestinal conditions
Your GP will review your history and determine the most appropriate treatment. They may also order blood tests or other investigations before prescribing.
What cannot be prescribed via telehealth?
There are certain medications that cannot be prescribed during a telehealth consultation. These include:
- Schedule 8 controlled substances: opioids (such as oxycodone and morphine), stimulants (such as dexamphetamine and methylphenidate), and other controlled drugs. These require an in-person consultation and, in most cases, authority from the relevant state or territory health department.
- Schedule 4D restricted substances: benzodiazepines (such as diazepam and temazepam) and pregabalin. These also require an in-person assessment due to their potential for dependence.
If you need a prescription for a controlled or restricted substance, your GP will advise you to see a doctor in person.
How do eScripts work?
When your GP issues a prescription during a telehealth consultation, it is sent as an electronic prescription (eScript) to your mobile phone via SMS. The message contains a unique token that represents your prescription.
To fill your eScript:
- In person: show the SMS token to the pharmacist at any pharmacy in Australia
- Online: some pharmacies accept eScript tokens for home delivery
eScripts work exactly like paper prescriptions. If your doctor has issued repeats, the pharmacy will manage them in the same way as they would with a paper script.
What about pharmacist prescribing?
Trained pharmacists in all Australian states and territories can now supply antibiotics for uncomplicated UTIs in non-pregnant women aged 18 to 65, under state-based protocols. This applies in NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT, and NT without requiring a GP consultation.
This is a convenient option if you have straightforward UTI symptoms and want treatment immediately. However, if your symptoms are recurrent, complicated, or you have other health concerns, a GP consultation is recommended. You can book a telehealth appointment to discuss your symptoms and get a prescription or referral if needed.
For more information, see our page on UTI treatment via telehealth.
How does the prescribing process work at NewDoc?
Getting a prescription through NewDoc takes three steps:
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Book a consultation: Complete a short health questionnaire and select an available appointment time. Same-day appointments are available seven days a week.
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See your GP: Connect with an AHPRA-registered GP who holds FRACGP via video or phone call. Discuss your symptoms, medication history, and any concerns.
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Receive your eScript: If your GP determines a prescription is appropriate, your eScript is sent to your phone via SMS within minutes of the consultation.
For eligible Medicare cardholders, the consultation is bulk billed with no out-of-pocket cost. Eligibility depends on your Medicare status and location. The prescription is included in the consultation fee. There is no extra charge for scripts.
How to get started
Visit NewDoc to book a bulk billed telehealth consultation. Whether you need a new prescription or a repeat script, the booking takes under two minutes and same-day appointments are available.
Written by
Dr. Jason Yu FRACGP
Chief Medical Officer, NewDoc
A practising GP with over a decade of clinical experience, specialising in allergies, metabolic health, and natural medicines.