Getting a repeat prescription online in Australia is straightforward, safe, and in many cases bulk billed under Medicare. Here is how the process works and what you need to know before booking.
What is an online repeat prescription?
An online repeat prescription is a script issued by a GP during a telehealth consultation, rather than an in-person visit. The consultation happens via video or phone call, and if your doctor approves the prescription, it is sent to your phone as an electronic prescription (eScript).
eScripts work exactly like paper prescriptions. You can present them at any pharmacy in Australia, either in person or through a pharmacy delivery service.
Who can get a repeat prescription online?
You can request a repeat prescription via telehealth if you are already taking a medication and need it renewed. This includes common medications for:
- Blood pressure (e.g. perindopril, amlodipine)
- Cholesterol (e.g. atorvastatin, rosuvastatin)
- Diabetes (e.g. metformin)
- Asthma (e.g. salbutamol, fluticasone)
- Contraception (e.g. the pill, mini-pill)
- Skin conditions (e.g. tretinoin, topical steroids)
- Mental health (e.g. sertraline, escitalopram)
- Allergies (e.g. cetirizine, fexofenadine)
There are some medications that cannot be prescribed via telehealth. Schedule 8 controlled substances (such as oxycodone, morphine, and dexamphetamine) and Schedule 4D restricted substances (such as benzodiazepines and pregabalin) require an in-person consultation.
How does the process work?
Getting a repeat script through NewDoc takes three steps:
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Book a consultation: Complete a brief health questionnaire online 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 General Practitioner via video or phone call. Discuss your medication needs and any changes to your health.
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Receive your eScript: If your doctor approves, your electronic prescription is sent directly to your phone via SMS within minutes.
Is it bulk billed?
For eligible Medicare cardholders, NewDoc bulk billed telehealth consultations have no out-of-pocket cost. The prescription itself is included in the consultation. There is no extra fee for scripts.
If you are not eligible for bulk billing, a private consultation fee of up to $64.50 applies for a 10-minute appointment.
What do I need for my appointment?
Before your consultation, have the following ready:
- Your Medicare card (for bulk billing eligibility)
- A list of your current medications (names and dosages)
- Any recent test results relevant to your medication
- Access to My Health Record is helpful but not required
How long does it take?
Most consultations take 5 to 10 minutes. Your eScript is typically sent within minutes of the consultation ending. You can present it at a pharmacy immediately.
Is it safe?
All NewDoc consultations are conducted by AHPRA-registered GPs who hold Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP). They follow the same prescribing standards as your regular in-person GP, including checking your My Health Record where appropriate.
Your doctor will assess whether the medication is still appropriate for you and may ask about side effects, dosage changes, or recent blood tests. If they have any concerns, they will advise you on next steps.
How to get started
Visit NewDoc to book a bulk billed telehealth consultation for your repeat prescription. The booking process takes under two minutes.
You can also get medical certificates, specialist referrals, and blood test referrals during the same consultation.
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.