When you need a medical certificate for work
Under the Fair Work Act, Australian employees are entitled to personal leave (sick leave) when they are unwell or injured. If you are absent from work for more than one day, or if your employer's policy requires it, you will typically need to provide a medical certificate. Some employers request a certificate even for a single day of absence.
With NewDoc, you can get a medical certificate for work online without leaving home. This is especially useful when you are feeling unwell and cannot easily travel to a GP clinic. Book a telehealth consultation, speak with an AHPRA-registered GP, and receive your certificate by email the same day.
What employers accept
A medical certificate from a telehealth consultation is legally equivalent to one issued during an in-person visit. The certificate is signed by a fully qualified General Practitioner with FRACGP fellowship and includes their AHPRA registration number. All Australian employers are required to accept a valid certificate from a registered medical practitioner under the Fair Work Act.
Your certificate will state that you were assessed by a GP and found to be unfit for work on the specified dates. It does not need to disclose your diagnosis or specific medical condition. If your employer has questions about the validity of a telehealth certificate, the Fair Work Ombudsman confirms that certificates issued via telehealth are valid.
How to get your certificate
The process takes just a few minutes. Book a consultation on the NewDoc website, select a convenient time (same-day appointments are available seven days a week), and connect with a GP via video or phone. The doctor will assess your condition, and if a medical certificate is appropriate, it will be emailed to you immediately after the consultation.
If you are eligible for Medicare bulk billing, there is no cost for the consultation or the certificate. NewDoc does not charge the extra certificate fees that many other telehealth services add. You can forward the certificate directly to your employer or HR department from your email.
Important things to know
Doctors cannot backdate medical certificates under Australian medical guidelines. Your certificate will be dated from the day of your consultation. If you are feeling unwell, it is best to book a telehealth appointment as soon as possible to ensure your certificate covers the correct dates.
If your condition requires a physical examination, the GP will advise you to attend an in-person consultation. NewDoc operates in-clinic appointments at Surry Hills for patients who need face-to-face care.