Most Commonly Asked Questions About Getting a Doctor’s Certificate Online

Getting a doctor certificate for sick leave online is quick, easy and highly convenient, but if you’re on the fence about getting one and have certain questions in mind, this article may be able to help.

Our lives are getting busier and busier, and working at home has blurred the lines between work life and home life. Working from home has seen fewer people taking sick leaves, and part of the reason for this is that they are already at home and don’t see the need to use up their sick leave allowance. However, working while you’re sick may cause undue stress and cause your illness to last longer than it should, which is why it is always advisable to take time off when you need to rest.

Moreover, with the Omicron variant wreaking havoc across Australia, heading over to your doctor’s clinic for a medical certificate could be like inviting the virus into your home yourself, which is where Prime Medic’s telehealth services come in handy. If you, like most people, are apprehensive about turning to an online doctor to get your doctor’s certificate for sick leave, let us answer your questions for your peace of mind.

How does it work?

Simply sign up to Prime Medic, either through our website or our mobile app and select the service you need. In this case, it will be a doctor’s certificate. Fill in a brief questionnaire regarding your basic information, including name and date of birth, medical history and current symptoms, and select a consult time of your choosing. Pay a small fee (just A$19.99!) for the consultation and your certificate, after which an AHPRA registered doctor will be in touch with you via video call at your appointed time to clarify some details. Once the doctor is satisfied, he or she will then issue you your medical certificate. It’s as simple as that! Now, you can focus on resting and don’t need to worry about driving down to your local GP’s clinic and sitting in a crowded waiting room just for a sick leave certificate.

What kind of doctor certificate can I get?

Many employers require their employees to provide a sick leave certificate if they are going to be missing two consecutive days of work. You may also need to provide a carer’s leave certificate if you need to care for a sick family member. Students may also be able to get a sick leave certificate if their illness has caused them to miss deadlines or exams. We cannot, however, provide medical clearance certificates, as these require a physical examination, and you will need to book an appointment with your local GP instead. Medical clearance certificates are typically used to allow people back to work or the gym after an injury or temporary disability, or to clear them for flying, for example, after childbirth.

Can I use Prime Medic if I am outside Australia?

Unfortunately, no. We cannot legally provide services to patients who are not currently within Australian borders, even if they are full Australian citizens. However, as long as you are in Australia, we do not discriminate between citizens, temporary residents or students, or on the basis of race, nationality or colour, and our services are available to all. Our doctors are also on standby for same-day and after-hours appointments, which means you get a quick solution to your problem no matter where you are in Australia.

Are Prime Medic’s online doctor certificates valid?

All of our doctors are AHPRA registered, which means they have the same qualifications as any doctor practising in a physical clinic. This is why our medical certificates are completely valid and you and your employer can check the authenticity of the doctor writing your certificate by just putting their name or registration number on the AHPRA website. Your online doctor will write a medical certificate that contains the same details as one written by your local GP, including your name, the date on which the certificate was issued, when you saw your doctor, the days you were deemed unfit for work, when you can be expected back at work and the name, address and signature of your doctor. This certificate will then either be emailed to you or directly to your employer if you desire.

Does my medical certificate have to include details about my illness?

Not if you don’t want it to. Online doctors follow the same confidentiality requirements as traditional doctors and will not disclose any details of the illness you’re facing to your employer if you do not want them to. Your doctor’s certificate for sick leave also does not have to include any details other than the ones mentioned above and you can rest assured that whatever you discuss with your doctor will be in full confidentiality.

Getting a doctor’s certificate online is a quick and convenient way to get the documentation you need to take your sick leave. If you’re currently unwell and need to use this service, download our app and experience the difference today!