Prime Medic's Blog
FAQs on Securing a Doctor's Certificate Online in Australia
Getting a doctor's certificate online in Australia has never been easier today, primarily since most GPs have already utilised the technology to participate in telehealth services.
However, some people have not fully embraced the system put in place to ease the consultation between doctor and patient. The good news is that the utilisation rate is growing. According to Statistica, the industry has an annual growth rate of 5.88%, with the market projected to reach AU$860 million by 2026.
One of the misconceptions about telehealth services is that they are limited to doctor's consultations. You can secure an online doctor's certificate in Australia using these digital platforms.
The following are some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding the process of securing a doctors certificate online:
1. Do I need to book a doctor's appointment to get a medical certificate?
The online GP system works by enrolling on the service. For instance, the patient must create an account with a digital platform, such as Prime Medic. Once you have an account, you now have access to its team of doctors to diagnose your problem and also prescribe some medicines if needed.
Your consultation would serve as the foundation for your medical certificate. However, if you have already spoken with a GP and only require a copy of an online doctor's certificate, the assistants will simply email the paper to you for whatever purpose it may serve.
2. Is the doctor's certificate you secure online similar to a regular certificate you get from the clinic?
As long as the document is issued by a licensed physician, there is no difference between digital and physical copies. It is a legal document that you can use to apply for a work furlough, medical assistance, explain an absence from school or work, for tax purposes, file an insurance claim, apply for a new job, or receive medical benefits from your employer.
A doctor's certificate online is valid as long as it passes the stringent guidelines specified by the Medical Board of Australia.
3. What does a doctor's certificate look like?
A doctor's certificate online would generally contain the name of the GP, their address, and the patient's name. The document must also include the date of the appointment and examination, as well as the date of issuance. The diagnosis and recommendation may also be included in the carer's certificate. However, the diagnosis will only appear on your certificate if you file an insurance claim or request medical benefits from your employer. A typical document, on the other hand, does not include any diagnosis to protect the patient's privacy. The GP will also note the period for which the document is valid.
The law mandates that the medical certificate must be supported by a thorough evaluation and examination from the licensed GP. Therefore, it's essential that you only work with legitimate websites when securing an online doctor's certificate in Australia.
Finally, the system will reflect the doctor's certificate on your patient record and medical history. Once you have already created an account with a telehealth service, securing a copy is much easier anytime you want.
4. Can I get a doctor's certificate online if I am overseas?
Unfortunately, you cannot use telehealth services while travelling outside of the country. It's not because these platforms are incapable of delivering the document to you. Instead, Australian legislation prohibits them from doing so.
5. Would I be able to get a doctor's certificate even if I am a foreigner?
When it comes to obtaining an online doctor's certificate in Australia, the law does not differentiate between citizens and foreigners. The only requirements are that you have been evaluated and examined by a licensed physician and that you are currently in the country when you file your request. Non-Australian citizens who have a medical condition and want to consult with a doctor can also do so online.
6. Can a doctor turn down a request for a medical certificate?
The short answer is yes. You must remember that all GPs must adhere to the highest standards of the profession or face disciplinary action from the ethical board. So you can't force the doctor to lie just to get a copy of a medical certificate at the expense of their values. If your diagnosis does not warrant multiple days off work, the doctor may refuse to issue a certificate.
To recap, securing an online doctor's certificate in Australia is quite a breeze nowadays. Simply create an account, book an appointment, and request a copy of your document. The system will email a digital image of the certificate, which you can download and print to carry a physical copy with you.
