Answering Some FAQs About Online Doctor’s Certificates in Australia

With the flu season upon us and immunity at low levels due to two years of lockdowns, it can be reasonably expected that you might contract the virus at some point during the winter weather this year. For many common illnesses, such as the common cold or flu, all you need is some time to rest and a steady intake of fluids to feel better, and you may even consider going to work while sick. However, this may not always be the best idea, since studies show that adults with influenza may be most infectious in the first 3-5 days of their illness even without the onset of fever, whereas children remain infectious for longer: about 7-10 days.

In such situations, it is always best to ask your employer for a few days off work to rest and recuperate and to avoid spreading the virus to the rest of the workforce. But if your employer asks to see a medical certificate before granting the sick leave, it can seem counterintuitive to sit for an hour with other patients in a doctor’s waiting room while infectious. Luckily, online healthcare allows you to get a doctor’s certificate without ever having to step inside a clinic.

Understandably, some people are a little apprehensive about trusting online doctors. At Prime Medic, we regularly get asked the same questions from people using our service for the first time, so we thought we’d put them together in one place and answer them:

FAQs About Online Doctor’s Certificates in Australia

Is an online medical certificate the same as a regular medical certificate?

Yes, an online medical certificate issued by a Prime Medic doctor is a legal document confirming the same details as one issued by an in-person doctor. This will include:

• The names of the person the certificate is being issued to, such as an employer
• The name and address of the issuing practitioner, as well as the patient
• The date the online doctor consulted with the patient, and when the certificate was issued
• Whether the doctor considers it appropriate for the patient to take time off, and
• When the patient is likely to return to work or study.
• The signature of the issued doctor.

How do you get a doctor’s certificate online?

Simply log on to your Prime Medic account through our app or website and follow the next few steps:

• Select the service you want, in this case, a Medical Certificate.
• Select the type of certificate you require. You can choose between a sick leave or a carer’s leave certificate.
• Fill in a short questionnaire asking about your general information and medical history.
• Choose a consultation time of your preference.
• Pay a small fee of $19.99. This fee will include the cost of the consultation as well as the certificate itself.
• Consult with an AHPRA registered Prime Medic online doctor at your chosen time. The doctor will confirm details related to your illness.
• Once satisfied, your doctor will write you a medical certificate to submit to your employer.

Do I need a medical certificate for a single day off?

Although most employers do not ask for a medical certificate for absences shorter than a two day period, it is not illegal to do so. Legally, an employer may ask to see evidence of illness for as little as a day or less off work. If you fail to produce a certificate once your employer has requested it, the employer can legally refuse to pay you for the days off.

Will my doctor include details of my illness in the medical certificate?

Not if you don’t want them to. Prime Medic’s online doctors are bound by the law to protect the confidentiality of their patients as in-person doctors and will not include any details about your illness unless they have your permission to do so. All that needs to be included in the certificate are the details mentioned above.

Is this service only for Australian citizens?

Certainly not! Regardless of your visa status, Prime Medic’s services are available to anyone residing within Australia, whether as a student, temporary or permanent resident or citizen. However, we cannot provide our services to anyone not within Australian borders at the time of their consultation.

Can I get a medical certificate if I’m not in Australia?

For medico-legal reasons, Prime Medic doctors are not permitted to treat or issue certificates to patients not currently within Australian borders.

How much is an online doctor’s certificate in Australia?

At Prime Medic, our online medical certificate services cost a mere $19.99. This includes the consultation and the certificate itself.

Can medical certificates be backdated?

Medical certificates must not be backdated, but they can be issued after you have already taken your leave. For example, if you already notified your employer about your intention to take the day off but are belatedly being asked to submit a medical certificate, you can ask a practising doctor to issue you one, provided the certificate includes the following details:

• The date the consultation took place and the certificate was issued, and
• The dates when the practitioner believes the patient would have been too unwell to work.

Getting a doctor’s certificate in Australia has never been easier! No more travelling to the clinic when you’re already feeling unwell, no more waiting for an appointment and for the doctor to see you and certainly no more money spent on fuel. Online consultations with a doctor also save both you and the doctor time that you could spend getting some rest, and the doctor could spend on patients that may have more pressing needs. The next time you need a medical certificate, whether for yourself or because a family member is ill and you’re their only carer, consider Prime Medic’s online medical certificate service and save yourself time, money and a whole lot of effort!

Get started on experiencing a whole new way of accessing healthcare today!