If you are unwell and need a medical certificate for work, university, or Centrelink, you do not need to visit a clinic in person. Australian-registered GPs can issue medical certificates during a telehealth consultation, and in many cases the appointment is bulk billed under Medicare with no out-of-pocket cost.
Is an online medical certificate legitimate?
Yes. A medical certificate issued during a telehealth consultation by an AHPRA-registered GP is a legitimate medical document. It carries the same legal weight as a certificate issued during an in-person visit.
Under the Fair Work Act, employers must accept a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner. The certificate does not need to specify how the consultation was conducted. Whether the appointment was in person, by video, or by phone does not affect the validity of the document.
Universities, TAFEs, and Centrelink also accept telehealth-issued medical certificates.
When can a GP issue a medical certificate via telehealth?
A GP can issue a medical certificate via telehealth when they can reasonably assess your condition remotely. This covers most common illnesses and situations, including:
- Cold and flu symptoms: fever, sore throat, cough, congestion
- Gastro and food poisoning: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
- Migraines and headaches: where symptoms prevent you from working
- Back pain and muscle injuries: where you are unable to perform duties
- Mental health: anxiety, depression, stress, burnout
- Post-surgical or post-procedure recovery: where your treating specialist has advised rest
- Carer's leave: when you need time off to care for a sick family member
- COVID-19 or respiratory illness: where isolation or rest is needed
If your condition requires a physical examination (for example, a workplace injury that needs documentation for WorkCover), your GP may advise you to attend an in-person appointment instead.
How does the process work?
Getting a medical certificate through NewDoc takes three steps:
-
Book a consultation: Complete a short health questionnaire and select an available time. Same-day appointments are available seven days a week, including weekends and public holidays.
-
See your GP: Connect with an AHPRA-registered GP via video or phone. Describe your symptoms, how long you have been unwell, and how many days you need off.
-
Receive your certificate: Your medical certificate is emailed to you after the consultation, usually within minutes. You can forward it to your employer or university directly.
What information is on the certificate?
A medical certificate from a telehealth consultation includes:
- The doctor's name, provider number, and practice details
- Your name and date of birth
- The date of the consultation
- The dates you are unfit for work or study
- The doctor's signature
The certificate does not include your diagnosis. Under Australian privacy law, your employer is not entitled to know your specific medical condition. The certificate simply states that you were assessed and found to be unfit for your usual duties for a specified period.
Is it bulk billed?
At NewDoc, telehealth consultations are bulk billed for eligible Medicare cardholders with no out-of-pocket cost. The medical certificate is included in the consultation. There is no extra charge.
Some telehealth providers charge a separate fee for medical certificates on top of the consultation fee. At NewDoc, certificates, prescriptions, and referrals are all included as part of the bulk billed appointment. There are no add-on charges.
If you are not eligible for bulk billing, a private consultation fee of up to $64.50 applies.
Can I get a backdated medical certificate?
GPs can issue a medical certificate for dates prior to the consultation if, in their clinical judgement, it is appropriate to do so. For example, if you were unwell over the weekend and could not see a doctor until Monday, the GP may backdate the certificate to cover the days you were already sick.
However, the further back the requested dates, the harder it is for the GP to make an accurate clinical assessment. Most GPs are comfortable backdating by one or two days for straightforward illnesses.
How to get started
Visit NewDoc to book a bulk billed telehealth consultation. The booking process 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.