Yes! Obtaining a medical certificate through an online doctor is a convenient and accessible option for those unable to visit a clinic in person. In Australia, modern and quality telehealth services and technologies such as, Private Medical Telehealth allow online GPs to assess patients remotely and issue valid medical certificates when appropriate.
What is a Medical Certificate?
Medical certificates serve as official documentation verifying an individual's inability to work or attend educational commitments due to health or medical reasons. In Australia, any person experiencing a health condition that impacts their capacity to fulfill work or study obligations is eligible to request a medical certificate. This includes people who need to miss work due to illness or injury, or they may need to provide care or support to an ill or injured family or household member.
Who can issue a Medical Certificate?
In Australia, medical certificates can be issued by qualified Australian-registered doctors and GPs. Medical practitioners have important ethical, legal and professional responsibilities when issuing medical certificates, including:
· Being honest and impartial in their assessment of the patient’s eligibility to receive a medical certificate.
· Only issuing medical certificates they believe, or reasonably believe, to be accurate: this means the medical certificate must be based on facts known to the doctor – including the doctor’s own observations as well as information provided by the patient.
What should be included on my medical certificate?
The usual requirements for a medical certificate are:
· Name and address of the doctor issuing the certificate;
· Name of the patient;
· Certificate issue date,including the date on which the examination or telehealth consultation took place;
· The date(s) that the patient is or was unfit for work/attendance.
Does the doctor have to put specific details of my illness in the certificate?
As a patient, you have a right to confidentiality, and you need to consent to the details provided on your medical certificate. Doctors will only include relevant details, and a diagnosis is not usually required. Patients can request their doctor not to include specific details of the illness or diagnosis. Patients should also be aware that their employer has the ultimate right to accept or reject a medical certificate or approve their sick leave entitlements.
Can a doctor refuse to give me a medical certificate?
In most cases, doctors can issue a medical certificate by taking a medical history from the patient, understanding their symptoms, and making clinical observations. Doctors cannot deliberately issue a false, misleading or inaccurate medical certificate. This includes backdating a medical certificate, they can only be created from the day that you speak with the doctor onwards.
How do online doctors provide medical certificates?
Online doctors utilise telehealth platforms to consult with patients via video call. During the consultation, the doctor will assess your symptoms, medical history, and current medical or health condition.If they determine that your situation warrants a medical certificate, they can issue one electronically and send the certificate to you via email, ensuring you receive the documentation promptly without needing to leave your home.
Private Medical Telehealth and Medical Certificates
The integration of telehealth into mainstream health care has streamlined the process of obtaining medical certificates.Private Medical offers online doctor appointments seven days a week, including after-hours, weekends, and public holidays. This flexibility ensures that individuals can access timely medical assessments and necessary documentation such as medical certificates.
Booking an Online Medical Certificate Appointment with Private Medical
If you need a medical certificate and prefer the convenience of an online medical certificate consultation, you can:
For more information regarding best practice for medical certificates, refer to the AMA Guidelines on Medical Certificates.
