Answering some commonly asked questions about online doctor prescriptions in Australia

By now, you’ve probably used online healthcare services, or just had a telehealth appointment with your GP at least once over the course of the pandemic. When the situation was especially bad and most people were being encouraged to stay away from high-risk settings like hospitals and doctor’s clinics, talking to a doctor online about your symptoms was one of the safest and most convenient ways of getting the care you needed. But even after most restrictions have been lifted, many people are choosing to consult with online doctors for non-life-threatening concerns simply because of the convenience they offer.

If you’re one of the few who haven’t ventured into the world of online healthcare but are curious what all the hype is about and have tons of questions about how any of it works, read on as we answer some FAQs about online doctor appointments, online scripts and more.

How do I talk to a doctor online?

Simple! Just create an account with Prime Medic (or login if you already have one), and select the service you want. You will then be asked to submit a brief questionnaire detailing your medical history and any medication you’re taking. Then, you may choose a time and date of consultation with an online doctor, at which time the doctor will get in touch with you through your preferred mode of contact. After paying a small fee, all that’s left to do is wait for your appointment time to come around and make sure you have a smart device with audio and video capabilities.

The services you can choose from include:

- Online doctor consultation

- Online scripts (repeat prescriptions only)

- Online medical certificates (for sick leave or carer’s leave)

- Online referrals (specialist or pathology)

How do I get an online doctor prescription in Australia?

When choosing online doctor services to get a prescription, it is important to keep in mind that Prime Medic cannot issue new prescriptions for conditions, whether you have been physically assessed for it or not. However, for people with chronic health conditions who require a repeat dose of their medication, it can be a hassle to book an appointment with their GP every three months in order to get their prescription refilled. Luckily, this is something Prime Medic can help with.

From contraception to diabetes and high blood pressure or allergies, there are many reasons why you’d need a repeat prescription. Prime Medic allows you to quickly get your prescriptions refilled without ever having to step out of the house. After you fill in the questionnaire, it will be reviewed by a registered doctor, and you will be notified if your request has been successful within 24 hours. Your prescription will be sent to your chosen pharmacy for you to pick up whenever convenient.

Can controlled substances be prescribed online?

In one word, no. Not even if they have been previously prescribed by your doctor in person. For prescriptions of Schedule 8 Controlled Drugs, please see your local GP for a consultation.

What conditions can I see an online doctor for?

As a general rule, anything that does not require a physical examination by a doctor can be treated through a video consultation. In the odd case that our doctor decides that your condition warrants an in-person visit, you will be notified and a refund will be issued. For more information on the health concerns the doctors at Prime Medic can help with, visit our Health Library.

Are online doctors real doctors?

Of course! All the doctors registered with us are AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority) registered and our service is completely HIPAA compliant. This means that when you book a consultation with us, not only can you rest assured that you are consulting with a highly experienced, AHPRA registered doctor, but also that anything you discuss with your doctor will be kept strictly confidential, just as you would expect from a traditional practice. If you’re ever in doubt of the credibility of your doctor, feel free to check for their name or registration number on the AHPRA website.

Are online doctor consultations covered by Medicare?

Although most of our services require a very small fee (just $29.99 for a consultation that includes the prescription, referral and certificate if required), we do have some doctors who are able to bulk bill. However, their appointments may be limited and difficult to get. Please get in touch with us directly if you specifically require a consultation that is covered by Medicare.

Whether you need a doctor’s certificate for sick leave, want to speak to a doctor but don’t have the time to organise an in-person visit, want a specialist referral but don’t want to go through the hassle of visiting a GP for it, or whether you need an online doctor prescription in Australia, Prime Medic is here for you.

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