Frequently asked questions
What is Doctor Help?
Doctor Help is an online portal that connects patients with online healthcare practitioners. We serve as a medium to provide telehealth services with accessibility and convenience. Our major telehealth services include online medical certificates, telehealth consultations, prescription refills and referrals. Hence, Doctor Help with its telehealth services is contributing to bridging the gap in healthcare.
Who can get telehealth services from Doctor Help?
Anyone within Australia can avail of Doctor Help services according to the following conditions:
- If they require sick leave due to medical conditions or stress.
- For the telehealth appointments consult the GP online and discuss symptoms.
- Need a prescription refill or specialist referrals.
How To Ask a Doctor for Online Consultation?
Why Doctor Help for the best online medical certificate in Australia?
How to sign up for online Doctor Help?
- Open the website.
- On the top right corner click to log in.
- See the red sign-up button.
- Enter your details and medicare number to create an account.
Is online doctor appointment compulsory for a medical certificate?
What is Doctor Help Telehealth Services?
Is Doctor Help a Secure Telehealth Portal?
Can I book an Online Doctor’s Appointment?
How do I request a medicine prescription or refill online?
How do I request a medical certificate online?
- Select the type of doctor’s certificate you need for work, school, university, or carer responsibilities.
- Then, complete a brief online form with details about your medical condition.
- Our authorised online doctor will review your information and do an online consultation.
- Based on the online doctor assessment your medical certificate will be sent to the inbox.
Are Doctor Help Healthcare Practitioners real doctors in Australia?
Yes, Doctor Help has a team of GPs who are registered with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency.
What Happens to the Medical Records of Patients in Telehealth Appointments?
Our telehealth services prioritise patient confidentiality and convenience. When the patients connect with our portal, they can trust us as all the information is handled according to the highest privacy and security standards. Doctor Help telehealth services employ strict protocols and encryption measures to safeguard the patient’s sensitive data in all cases. Rest assured, Doctor Help spares no effort in ensuring the safety of our patients’ data throughout their telehealth experience.
Medical Certificate FAQs
What is an online medical certificate/ Online Doctor Certificate?
An online doctor certificate is a document that certifies if the applicant is unfit for work or attending school/ university, based on an online telehealth assessment. Hence, with this certificate, leave could be granted. This is known as an online doctor certificate because no in-person appointment is required for it and individuals can easily get it from the convenience of their home.
How can I get a medical certificate online?
The following steps are required to get an online medical certificate:
- Fill out an application form and mention the reason for the absence.
- After submission, you are redirected to the payment portal.
- Online telehealth consultation for assessment.
- After the review, upon approval by the online doctor, your medical health certificate will be shared on the given email address
What needs to be on a medical certificate in Australia?
The medical certificate should be comprised of the following details:
- Name of the patient.
- Medical Assessment Date.
- The medical practitioner gave the date for the return to work.
*Detailed information is provided as per the requirement of the patient.
How do online medical certificates get approved?
This decision depends upon the telehealth consultation after the form submission. If the online doctor decides to certify the patient unfit within a few hours you will get the medical certificate in your inbox.
*Point to mention: Approval is subject to the doctor’s discretion and advise.
What is a Carer's Leave? Is the process of taking a carer’s leave the same as a medical certificate?
Carer’s leave allows employees to take time off to care for an immediate family or household member who is sick, injured, or facing an emergency. This leave is typically paid for full-time and part-time employees, while casual employees are entitled to unpaid leave. Employers may require supporting evidence, such as a medical certificate, to approve the leave and ensure it’s used appropriately. The process generally involves notifying the employer as soon as possible and providing the required documentation if requested.
What is the Legal Value of a Medical Certificate Document?
An online medical certificate is a document that certifies a patient is unfit to attend work or other duties due to a medical condition. This document is issued based on online telehealth communication with certified healthcare practitioners. Medical certificates obtained online hold the same validity as those obtained via in-person appointment. On Doctor Help we provide certificates that are scanned to check their authenticity. So online medical certificates are valid in Australia.
Can I obtain a sick certificate or doctor's certificate online?
Yes, you can obtain sick leave through an online medical certificate in Australia from doctors certified by AHPRA. Ensure that the certificate is authentic, as it has legal validity.
What types of medical certificates can you get online?
There are different reasons and types of medical certificates which can be obtained online, including:
- Sick leave from work, school/ university.
- Carer’s leave to take care of someone.
- Stress leave in the form of personal leave.
- Multiday leave for medical concerns via telehealth consultation.
What are the most common grounds for requesting a medical certificate online?
The most common reason to request a sick or doctor’s certificate online is taking an absence due to illness. Apart from that, a carer’s certificate is also a common ground on which absence is granted after providing the approved medical certificate. Some common conditions that require rest for a day include fatigue, period pain, gastroenteritis, cold, back pain, sore throat, and minor injuries.
What is the Purpose of Multiday sick leaves?
Multiday sick leaves are granted to cover consecutive days rather than single-day absences. This means that the certificate is valid for several days. So the purpose of multiday sick leave is to cover the time of recovery, if it requires leave from work or university for a specific duration. To attain a multiday medical certificate, you must book a telehealth doctor appointment and discuss the condition via video call.
Do you need a Medicare Card to receive the telehealth medical certificate online?
There is no need for a medicare card to get the medical certificate online or a telehealth consultation.
How long does it take to get an online carer's certificate?
The process is identical to that of obtaining a medical certificate. Following the form submission, there is a telehealth call with the online doctor. Upon communication with the online GP, individuals are required to tell the reason and the health of dependents. After the online assessment, the doctor decides to provide a carer’s certificate. Subsequent to approval from the healthcare practitioner, a certificate will be issued within 12 hours.
Can the employer, school, or university reject an Online Medical Certificate?
Online medical certificates are legal documents, and they can be verified easily. These are legitimate certificates issued by healthcare practitioners. These medical certificates are widely accepted all across Australia. It’s recommended that you ensure this from your concerned organization or institution regarding the guidelines for leave.
How many days will be covered by an online medical or carer certificate?
Usually, 1-7 days are covered by an online medical or carer’s certificate. It depends on the online assessment by the online doctor. For longer periods, further review or in-person consultation may be required
The employer’s policy on medical leave also influences the number of days covered by the online medical certificate.
What are the major and valid reasons to ask for a Doctor's Certificate?
There are different grounds on which an online medical certificate could be issued. If you talk about a doctor’s certificate then some of the medical grounds are mentioned below:
- Illness or Injury: A certificate that Confirms that a patient is unwell or injured and requires time off work or school to get fit again.
- Chronic Conditions: Some chronic conditions require a long break from work, documenting those ongoing medical conditions
- Mental Health: Addressing mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, or other psychological conditions.
- Post-surgery Recovery: Post-surgery rest which has been given by the doctor could be another ground for a medical certificate.
- Medical Fitness: Certifying that a person is fit or unfit for certain jobs, activities, or travel.
- Pregnancy and Maternity leave: Providing documentation for pregnancy-related leave or accommodations. This could be done and issued after the proper diagnosis and the consultant’s approval.
- Contagious Diseases: One of the most significant medical ground Confirming that a person has a contagious disease and should avoid contact with others.
Will my employer accept the medical certificate dated after I started sick leave? Is it legal?
Yes, it is legal and a medical practitioner can issue a medical certificate even after a patient has taken leave due to medical reasons, providing the certificate states:
- Date of the issuance of a certificate.
- Time or duration period which practitioner has recommended for recovery to being fit for work.
Are there some standards or guidelines which apply to medical certificates?
There are certain guidelines published by The Medical Council of NSW which they expect practitioners to adhere to while issuing the medical certificates in Australia.
The Code of Conduct by the Medical Board of Australia also provides important guidance about the confidentiality of the patient, doctor-patient relationship, and other matters.
Can a doctor decline the request to issue an online medical certificate?
A health practitioner may refuse to issue the certificate. This can occur if they don’t consider the absence from work necessary for the given nature of the illness. As well as if the certificate request is done retrospectively and the practitioner is not able to get affirmation about the facts of the matter.
How Many Days Can Be Taken Off with an Online Medical Certificate?
The number of days that can be taken off with an online medical certificate can vary depending on:
- The doctor’s assessment of the illness or injury.
- Employer policies regarding sick leave.
- Local labour laws and regulations.
- Typically, a short-term online medical certificate might cover a few days to a week. For longer periods, further review or in-person consultation may be required.
If a Person Becomes Sick on Annual Leave, Are They Required to Show Their Medical Certificate to the Employer?
Yes, if any individual gets sick or suffers injury during annual leave, they are usually required to show a medical certificate to their employer to convert the annual leave days. The reason is that annual leave days might be ending and hence the medical certificate will be shown to validate the period of illness and justify the use of sick leave instead of annual leave. This also allows the employee to preserve their annual leave days for future use.
Do I Need to Share My Medical Condition with the Employer or Is a Medical Certificate Enough for Sick Leave?
Most of the time providing a medical certificate is sufficient for taking sick leave. This certificate is issued by medical health providers registered with AHPRA, hence the value of the certificate is significant. Usually, there are no details about the illness but the status of the employee whether they are fit or unfit for the work is mentioned. Employers are usually not entitled to detailed medical information, respecting the employee’s privacy. However, there may be exceptions based on the following factors:
- Specific job requirements or safety concerns.
- Company policies that might require more detailed information for certain conditions.
- Legal requirements in certain jurisdictions.
- It is advisable to review your organization’s sick leave policy and discuss any concerns with your HR department to understand the requirements and ensure compliance.
Prescription related FAQs
What is an online prescription or eScript, and how does it work?
Digital prescriptions, also known as e-scripts or online prescriptions, are an alternative to paper prescriptions. Patients can request these through telehealth platforms like Doctor Help. Prescriptions generated as tokens will be sent via email or SMS.
How to get an online prescription?
To get an online prescription from AHPRA-registered online GPs via Doctor Help, all you need to do is fill out the form and book an online telehealth consultation with the next available GP. Based on that consultation you will get your prescription via sms or email.
How much time it takes to get an online prescription after consultation?
You’ll receive the e-script within a few minutes to an hour after your consultation. In most cases, the prescription is sent to you almost immediately via email or SMS, allowing you to quickly fill it at a pharmacy.
What is the difference between a new prescription and a repeat online prescription?
A new prescription is an initial document for the medication provided by the online doctor. It’s given to a patient who is either receiving medication for the first time or has had a major alteration in their treatment plan. A new prescription specifies the dosage, frequency, and duration of the medication. Whereas, a repeat prescription is a subsequent supply of a previously prescribed medication. This prescription allows patients with either chronic or ongoing conditions to continue their medication, ensuring consistent management of their medical condition.
What are some conditions that can be treated through online prescriptions?
Many chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, COPD, and arthritis, can be managed through online prescription services.
What is the legal value of online prescriptions in Australia?
Electronic prescriptions or online scripts are valid and accepted by pharmacies all across the country.
Do I need to consult a doctor for every online prescription, including repeat prescriptions?
Yes, an online consultation is required for an online prescription. It is a significant step in attaining your virtual prescription. After the consultation prescriptions are given as per the online doctor’s recommendation.
What should I do if there’s an issue with my online prescription at the pharmacy?
Contact us at contact@doctorhelp.com.au
Is there a limit to how many times I can get a repeat prescription online?
After the doctor consultation, and the patient’s condition, the maximum number of repeats (how many times you can get the medicine on the same prescription before needing to see your prescriber again) is recommended.
What is the difference between eRx and traditional paper prescriptions?
Online prescriptions also known as eRx are shared via SMS or email. Traditional paper prescriptions are given by hand via a piece of paper.
What’s an IHI number? And what’s the requirement for this number?
An Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI) is a unique 16-digit number that identifies individuals receiving healthcare in Australia. While it’s not required for accessing healthcare, an IHI is essential for using eScripts, allowing prescriptions to be sent directly to your phone or email. This number ensures that your correct information is available to healthcare providers at the right time. The IHI is also used to access and manage an individual’s My Health Record, which is an electronic summary of their key health information.
Are there any restrictions on the types of medications that can be prescribed online?
Telehealth related FAQs
What is an online doctor consultation?
Online Telehealth consultations or online doctor consultation enables patients to consult with a doctor remotely via video call. This option is ideal when a physical examination isn’t required or when the patient cannot visit a clinic in person. You can use a computer, tablet, smartphone or any device with a camera, microphone and internet connection to connect with a doctor online. During the consultation, the doctor may ask you questions, understand your medical concerns, and recommend treatments or medications. Online telehealth consultations are a convenient way to access healthcare in Australia, especially if you cannot visit a doctor’s office in person.
How can I book an appointment with doctors online for an illness?
If you are looking for an online consultation with a doctor, then Doctor Help provides you with a secure solution where you can quickly get a virtual consultation. These consultations are suitable for non-emergency scenarios, just as minor symptoms or medical certificates.
To book your consultation through Doctor Help:
- Visit the website or click here.
- Click on “Book Telehealth Appointment”.
- Fill in the details and submit.
- After completing payment through our secure payment methods, you will be connected to an online GP at your selected time.
What is the role of online Telehealth consultations for now or repeated online prescriptions?
Online telehealth consultations play a key role in providing convenient access to healthcare, particularly for new and repeated online prescriptions. These online doctor consultations allow patients, especially in remote areas, to receive necessary medications without in-person visits. Online Telehealth also maintains patient safety and confidentiality by using secure platforms, while facilitating continuity of care.
What are your Timings for Doctor Help online telehealth consultation?
Doctor Help is an online telehealth service provider, for telehealth consultation patients only need to book their appointment virtually anytime from any part of Australia. Our team of healthcare practitioners make healthcare accessible via online telehealth consultations in Australia around the clock.
How will I get an outcome from my online consultation with the doctor?
The outcome of your online consultation with a doctor depends on the reason and purpose of your online telehealth appointment. Patients book virtual consultations for medical advice or online prescription. If you need a medical certificate, it will usually be provided by the GP within one day. For an online referral, the doctor will assess your symptoms during the online telehealth consultation and may refer you for screening or to a specialist based on your condition
What can an online doctor do for me?
Doctor Help GPs are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and patients can consult them without waiting days to get an appointment. So, get a virtual consultation by booking a timeslot that suits your schedule at any time of the day. Online doctor consultation provides you the liberty to consult the doctor any time and seek medical advice.
How can I find a doctor who sees patients after hours?
Online Telehealth consultations are the most useful way to access virtual doctors after hours. If you need a consultation regarding a non-emergency medical condition or need a specialist referral, look no further! Doctor Help provides you with access to virtual GP consultations 24 hours a day, seven days a week, you can book your online appointment anytime from the convenience of your place.
In Australia, Is Online Telehealth bulk billed?
Bulk-billed services are provided only if the patient visits the doctor in person or makes an appointment at the hospital. Our online telehealth consultation and services are not bulk-billed.
What can't be prescribed via Online telehealth appointments?
According to the updated guidelines by the Australian Medical Board online medical consultations are a good source of bridging the gap between healthcare. There are some of the limitations that come along and for the safety of the patient online doctors are obliged to follow these guidelines while prescribing medication.
Benefits of online telehealth consultations?
In a nutshell, online telehealth consultation offers a range of advantages for both patients and healthcare providers., including enhanced accessibility to healthcare services, particularly for individuals in remote or underserved areas. It provides convenience and flexibility, allowing patients to consult with healthcare providers from the comfort of their homes, reducing the need for travel and minimizing time off work. Online telehealth consultation also facilitates timely consultations, and follow-ups via phone calls or video calls. For healthcare practitioners, it offers opportunities to streamline operations and reach a broader patient base.
Why Should I book an online Telehealth Doctor Consultation?
Doctor Help provides the convenience of connecting with doctors and medical care providers virtually via video consultations. This gives you access to various medical services, from medical advice in non-emergency situations to online prescription & referrals. Elderly Patients and those from remote areas can get initial medical advice, follow-up after an in-person appointment and prescription refills from the comfort of their homes or anywhere in the country where they have a stable internet connection.
Referral Related FAQs
What is included in an online Referral document
The online referral document must include the patient’s medical history, both current and past, as well as details of medications currently in use. It should also list any allergies or adverse reactions the patient has experienced and provide information on any diagnostic tests or investigations conducted.
Types of online referrals available through doctor help?
What is an online pathology referral?
If the online doctor refers you to have screenings like X-rays, or blood tests, that’s an online pathology referral.
What is an online specialist referral?
The term specialist referral means when an online doctor shares your medical history with a specialist, including, details regarding health issues, the date & reason for referral, and the healthcare practitioner’s name, signature & contact information.
Specialist referral can be done as per the patient’s request or by online doctor’s recommendation as well
What is the process of getting an online referral?
Submit the referral request
After the online consultation, your online doctor will recommend you to the specialist as per the patient’s medical condition.
Can you get online referrals through telehealth?
Yes, online GP can refer you to a healthcare specialist for follow-up, they will recommend the referral via telehealth.
What is the validity of online referrals in Australia?
Specialist referrals by GP last for 12 months in Australia.
