Is it a myth that online certificates are not legal?

Yes, that is a myth. Fact: Online medical certificates issued by AHPRA-registered doctors following a telehealth consultation are legally valid documents under the Fair Work Act 2009, just like those from a physical clinic.

Myth: Can I just buy a certificate without talking to a doctor?

Fact: No. It is illegal and unethical to sell medical certificates without an assessment. Prime Medic requires a clinical review (often via video) by a real doctor to ensure you are genuinely unfit for work before issuing any document.

Do online certificates list my exact illness?

Myth: Many people believe they must reveal their diagnosis. Fact: Privacy laws state that a medical certificate only needs to confirm you are 'unfit for work' and the dates. It does not need to specify your medical condition unless you consent.

Myth: Employers can easily reject digital certificates.

Fact: Employers cannot reject a certificate simply because it is digital. If the document is from a registered practitioner and satisfies the evidence requirements, it must be accepted as valid proof for sick leave.

Common Myths About Online Medical Certificates

Introduction

Technological advances often disrupt traditional practices, frequently followed by a wave of misinformation. Telehealth is not an exception in this case. Although online medical certificates have been available in the Australian healthcare system since 2020, there is still confusion about them.

Over some coffee more, you might have overheard some rumours: "My boss won't accept a digital PDF," or "Those websites just sell fake notes."

Let's figure out what is true and what is false. This article addresses common misconceptions about online medical certificates, explaining the law, the doctor's authority, and the advanced security features that often make digital health safer than paper-based systems.

Knowing where to start helps bust myths. Read our introductory article on Online Medical Certificates to get a clear picture of how the system is designed to work.

Myth 1: Online Certificates Aren't Legally Valid

The Myth: "A digital certificate isn't a 'real' medical document because it wasn't written on a prescription pad."

The Fact:

A digital certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner is legally valid, provided it contains the correct details (doctor's name, AHPRA number, consultation date) and is properly verified. The delivery method (digital or paper) does not affect the document's validity, provided all required regulatory elements are met.

Interested in the legislation? We explain it to you in Legal Differences Between Online and Paper Certificates. You can also find our doctors in the guide "Who Can Validate an Online Medical Certificate."

Myth 2: They're Automatically Issued Without Assessment

The Myth: "One has to take a quiz, pay $20, and a robot will email a certificate instantly."

The Fact:

Issuing a certificate without a proper medical evaluation, whether in-person or via telehealth, is against the Medical Board of Australia's Code of Conduct. A valid telehealth consultation must involve a thorough assessment by a registered practitioner.

At Prime Medic, every certificate request includes a telehealth consultation (video or phone) or a detailed, asynchronous clinical review by a human doctor. The doctor must be convinced that you are genuinely unfit for work. If they are not persuaded, they will decline to issue a certificate, even though the payment has been made.

We do not cheat or take shortcuts. Find out more about our Quality Compliance and how Telehealth Consultations work.

Myth 3: Employers Don't Accept Digital Certificates

The Myth: "HR will not accept it if it is sent as an email attachment."

The Fact:

In the post-COVID era, issuing certificates digitally has become routine for many large companies, universities, and the government. Departments favour digital certificates because they are easier to store and verify.

The employer has the right to ask for "reasonable evidence." The standard is fully met by a digitally verifiable certificate issued by a doctor registered with AHPRA. Refusal is rare; the primary reason is the employer's lack of understanding of the law, not the document itself.

If you feel uneasy about emailing it, learn how to do so safely in "Sharing Your Certificate: Consent and Security." Employers can also check our guide on Digital Signature Verification.

Myth 4: Online Certificates Are Less Secure Than Paper

The Myth: "Any man can Photoshop a PDF, so paper is safer."

The Fact:

Surprisingly enough, it is very easy to fake paper certificates-anyone who has a stolen notepad and a pen can produce one. Nevertheless, digital certificates come with cryptographic signatures and secure verification portals for protection.

If someone alters the dates on a Prime Medic certificate, the digital signature will be invalid. Additionally, the document's QR code not only enables the employer to verify the live database easily but also serves as proof of the document's authenticity. The latter is something a piece of paper can never offer.

Security is our primary concern. Find out more about Fraud Prevention and Data Protection Measures and our Privacy protocols.

Myth 5: Patient Data Isn't Protected Online

The Myth: "If I download and use an app, my health data will be sold to advertisers or leaked online."

The Fact:

Health care providers offering telehealth services in Australia must comply with the Privacy Act 1988 and the OAIC's strict rules. Health data is categorised as "sensitive information" and therefore requires even more stringent security measures than banking data.

Prime Medic has implemented encryption for all data in transit and at rest. We do not trade in data with third parties. Your consultation notes are only available to you and your clinical team.

You have the choice. See your rights in Data Privacy and Access Rights, or read our full Privacy Policy.