How to get a medical certificate online
If you are unwell and need a medical certificate for your employer, school, or university, you can get one through a NewDoc telehealth consultation without leaving home. Book a consultation, speak with an AHPRA-registered GP via video or phone, and if the doctor determines a certificate is appropriate, it will be emailed to you directly after your appointment.
NewDoc medical certificates are issued and signed by qualified General Practitioners with full FRACGP fellowship. They include the doctor's AHPRA registration number and are accepted by employers, educational institutions, and government agencies across Australia.
No extra fees for certificates
Many telehealth providers in Australia charge an additional fee for medical certificates on top of the consultation cost, commonly $14.90 to $19.95 as a surcharge. At NewDoc, your medical certificate is included in the consultation at no additional charge. If you are eligible for bulk billing, the entire process (consultation and certificate) costs you nothing.
What the certificate covers
A NewDoc medical certificate can certify that you are unfit for work or study due to illness. The certificate will state the date or dates you are unable to attend, along with the consulting doctor's details. Certificates can be issued for single-day or multi-day absences depending on the doctor's clinical assessment.
Medical certificates can be issued for work, school, university, carer's leave, and other purposes where a doctor's certificate is required. The doctor will discuss your condition during the consultation and determine the appropriate duration.
Please note that doctors cannot backdate medical certificates. The certificate will be dated from the day of your consultation.
Types of medical certificates available
NewDoc GPs can issue a range of medical certificates online depending on your circumstances. The type of doctor's certificate you need will depend on why you require time away and who has requested it.
Work certificates are the most common type of sick certificate, used to confirm that you are unfit to attend work due to illness or injury. Your GP will assess your condition via telehealth and, if clinically appropriate, issue a certificate stating the dates you are unable to work.
School and university certificates may be required when you miss classes, exams, or assignment deadlines due to illness. Many Australian universities accept medical certificates issued via telehealth for special consideration applications.
Carer's leave certificates can be issued when you need time off work to care for an immediate family member or household member who is unwell. Under the Fair Work Act, employees may be entitled to paid carer's leave, and a medical certificate can serve as supporting evidence.
Fitness for duty certificates confirm that you are medically fit to return to work or to perform specific duties. Some employers or industries require a clearance certificate before you can resume your role after illness, injury, or an extended absence.
When to see a GP in person instead
While telehealth is suitable for many situations requiring a medical certificate, some conditions require in-person examination. If your doctor determines during the telehealth consultation that a physical examination is needed, they will advise you to visit a GP clinic. NewDoc operates in-clinic appointments at Surry Hills for existing patients who need in-person care.
Your rights and employer obligations
A medical certificate issued by an AHPRA-registered GP through a bulk billed telehealth consultation is legally equivalent to one issued during an in-person visit. Employers are generally required to accept valid medical certificates from any registered medical practitioner, regardless of whether the consultation took place in a clinic or via telehealth.
Under the Fair Work Act 2009, employees are entitled to paid personal and carer's leave, and an employer may request evidence such as a doctor's certificate to support the absence. The certificate does not need to disclose your specific diagnosis or the details of your medical condition. It only needs to state that you were assessed by a GP and found to be unfit for work during the relevant period.
Your medical information is protected under Australian privacy law. Employers are not entitled to contact your doctor for further details, and a sick certificate should not include more clinical information than is necessary to confirm your absence. If you have concerns about workplace privacy, you may wish to discuss this with your GP during your telehealth appointment.