Get a fitness for duty certificate online. Bulk billed

What is a fitness for duty certificate?

A fitness for duty certificate, also known as a return to work certificate or clearance certificate, is a medical document issued by a GP that confirms you are medically fit to return to work after illness, injury, or medical leave. Many Australian employers require this certificate before allowing an employee to resume their duties, particularly for safety-sensitive roles or after extended absences.

The certificate may state that you are fit for full duties, fit with restrictions (such as light duties or reduced hours), or not yet fit to return. Your GP will assess your condition and provide an honest medical opinion based on your recovery and the physical or mental demands of your role.

When you might need a fitness for duty certificate

Common situations where a fitness for duty certificate is required include returning to work after illness or surgery, clearance after a mental health leave period, returning to a safety-critical role (such as driving, operating machinery, or working at heights), employer policies requiring medical clearance after a set number of sick days, and WorkCover or workers' compensation claims requiring medical evidence of fitness.

Some employers and industries have specific requirements for fitness for duty assessments. During your telehealth consultation, let your GP know what your employer has requested so they can tailor the certificate accordingly.

How to get a fitness for duty certificate online

Book a telehealth appointment with a NewDoc GP, discuss your condition, recovery, and job requirements. If the GP determines you are fit to return to work, the fitness for duty certificate will be emailed to you after the consultation. The certificate includes the doctor's assessment, the date you are cleared to return, and any recommended restrictions or modifications.

The consultation is bulk billed for eligible Medicare patients, and the certificate is included at no extra charge. For most conditions, a telehealth assessment is sufficient. However, if your GP determines that a physical examination is needed, they will advise you to visit a GP clinic in person.

Limitations of telehealth fitness assessments

While telehealth is suitable for many fitness for duty assessments, some situations require an in-person examination. This may include roles with specific physical fitness requirements, conditions requiring a physical examination (such as range of motion testing), and employer or insurer requirements for a face-to-face assessment.

NewDoc is a telehealth service and does not operate physical clinics. Your NewDoc GP will let you know during the consultation if an in-person assessment is required instead, and can advise you to visit a local GP clinic or occupational health specialist for hands-on examination.

Your rights regarding fitness for duty certificates

While your employer may require a fitness for duty certificate before you return to work, there are limits to what they can ask for. The certificate confirms whether you are fit for your role and notes any recommended restrictions, but it does not need to disclose your diagnosis or the full details of your medical history. Your health information is protected under Australian privacy legislation.

Your employer cannot require you to see a specific doctor for the assessment unless this is stipulated in a workplace policy, enterprise agreement, or is required for a particular regulatory purpose (such as certain transport or mining safety regulations). In most cases, a certificate from any AHPRA-registered GP is sufficient. If you are uncertain about your employer's specific requirements, it may be helpful to clarify with your HR department before booking your consultation.

What information is included on a fitness for duty certificate

A fitness for duty certificate from a NewDoc GP typically includes your full name and date of birth, the date of the assessment, a statement confirming whether you are fit for full duties, fit with restrictions, or not yet fit to return, the date you are cleared to resume work, any recommended modifications (such as light duties, reduced hours, or avoidance of specific tasks), and the GP's name, signature, and AHPRA registration number.

The certificate is tailored to your specific role and recovery. During the consultation, your GP will ask about the physical and mental demands of your job to provide an appropriate assessment. If you were previously issued a medical certificate for work during your absence, the fitness for duty certificate serves as the corresponding clearance to return.