Yes. You can get antibiotics online in Australia through a telehealth consultation with a registered GP. If your doctor determines that antibiotics are clinically appropriate for your condition, they can issue a prescription as an eScript sent directly to your phone. You can then fill it at any pharmacy.
In some states and territories, pharmacists can also prescribe antibiotics for uncomplicated urinary tract infections without a GP consultation.
Can a telehealth GP prescribe antibiotics?
An AHPRA-registered GP can prescribe antibiotics during a telehealth consultation for a range of common bacterial infections. Your GP will assess your symptoms, medical history, and any relevant factors before deciding whether antibiotics are appropriate.
Conditions where a telehealth GP may prescribe antibiotics include:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs): one of the most common reasons for telehealth antibiotic prescriptions. Symptoms such as burning, frequency, and urgency can be assessed remotely
- Respiratory infections: including sinusitis, bronchitis, and bacterial throat infections where symptoms suggest a bacterial cause
- Skin infections: including cellulitis, infected wounds, and bacterial folliculitis where the infection can be described or shown on video
- Eye infections: such as bacterial conjunctivitis
- Ear infections: including otitis media and otitis externa in some cases
- Dental infections: a GP may prescribe antibiotics to manage a dental infection while you arrange to see a dentist
Your GP will only prescribe antibiotics when they are clinically indicated. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections such as the common cold or influenza, and responsible prescribing is an important part of reducing antibiotic resistance in Australia.
What about pharmacist prescribing for UTIs?
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 is available without a GP consultation in:
- New South Wales
- Victoria
- Queensland
- Western Australia
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Australian Capital Territory
- Northern Territory
This option is available for non-pregnant women aged 18 to 65 with symptoms of an uncomplicated UTI (burning, urgency, frequency) who do not have complicating factors such as fever or kidney pain. Eligibility criteria may vary slightly between states.
If you meet these criteria, you can visit a participating pharmacy and receive a short course of antibiotics on the spot without a prescription from a doctor.
However, pharmacist prescribing is limited to uncomplicated UTIs. If your symptoms are recurrent, you are pregnant, you have a fever or flank pain, or you fall outside the eligible age range, you should see a GP. A telehealth consultation is a convenient way to get assessed and treated without visiting a clinic.
When do you need to see a doctor in person?
While many bacterial infections can be assessed and treated via telehealth, there are situations where an in-person visit is necessary:
- Severe infections with high fever, spreading redness, or signs of systemic illness
- Wounds that need examination, such as deep cuts, animal bites, or post-surgical infections
- Infections requiring a physical examination, such as abscesses that may need drainage
- Recurrent or persistent infections that have not responded to initial treatment
- Sexually transmitted infections where a physical examination or swab collection is needed (though many STI tests can be ordered via telehealth — see sexual health)
If your GP determines during a telehealth consultation that you need to be seen in person, they will advise you on next steps, which may include visiting a local clinic or emergency department.
How to get antibiotics via NewDoc
If you think you may need antibiotics, you can book a telehealth consultation with a GP through NewDoc:
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Book a consultation: Complete a short health questionnaire describing your symptoms 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. Describe your symptoms, how long you have had them, and any relevant medical history.
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Receive your eScript: If your GP determines antibiotics are appropriate, an electronic prescription is sent to your phone via SMS. You can present it at any pharmacy or use a pharmacy delivery service.
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. There are no add-on fees.
You can also use the same consultation to get a pathology referral if your GP wants to confirm the diagnosis with a urine test, blood test, or swab before prescribing.
How to get started
Visit NewDoc to book a bulk billed telehealth consultation. Whether you need treatment for a UTI, respiratory infection, skin infection, or other bacterial infection, 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.