How to Get a Medical Certificate Online in Australia

Absolutely.

Online medical certificates (also known as a sick note or doctor’s note) are considered a solid choice in Australia these days. They are common at school or university and in the workplace. Ensure you consult with an Australian Registered Practitioner online who can assess your needs and, if suitable, provide you with a medical certificate.

How many people get medical certificates provided by practitioners online?

Online medical certificates, and online health, more generally, saw a rapid surge in demand due to COVID-19, which has limited the ability of Australians to visit traditional healthcare providers.

In fact, one study found that compared to pre-COVID levels, telehealth usage had increased 38x by 2021. Put another way, that’s a 3800% increase. That’s around 7 times more than what Bitcoin grew in 2020…

Why do people consult with a practitioner online to request medical certificates?

Once savvy Aussies started getting medical certificates online during COVID, they quickly realised three things:

1. It’s far more convenient — if you’re in bed for whatever reason, physically or mentally needing the day off, you don’t need to leave the comfort of your home as the initial consultation can be done from your mobile in minutes.
2. It’s far more accessible — one study found that telehealth improves healthcare access for all populations but in particular those in areas where access to health services is more complicated.
3. It’s better value for money — rather than having to pay for a GP appointment, pay for travel to & from the GP or Pharmacist, and potentially still feel too bad to work another day, people have realised it’s far more convenient to just rest at home while a Partner Doctor assesses their needs, and if suitable for their situation, sorts out their medical certificate.

In addition to convenience, there are other benefits to online medical certificate consultations. They also provide the flexibility to obtain certificates specifically for a single day or multi-day, catering to individuals who require short-term documentation. Additionally, these online certificates can be obtained for carer leave purposes, accommodating those who need to provide care and support for their loved ones.

Can medical certificates be backdated?

Under no circumstances should a medical certificate be backdated.

What about requesting a medical certificate for multiple days?

Yes, you can request up to seven days with multi-day medical certificates. However, it is up to the full discretion of your Partner Doctor to assess your symptoms and request to determine a suitable outcome, including, if applicable, the number of days needed for rest.

Are online medical certificates legal in Australia?

It’s a common question we get asked, “Are online medical certificates legit?” and the answer is simple. YES.

The only difference there should be between an online medical certificate and a traditional medical certificate is one is attained face-to-face, and the other is via a telehealth consultation with a doctor online.

So...I have to speak to a doctor via video call or video consultation for a Medical Certificate?

A medical certificate consultation starts with a text-based consultation request. This is then up to your Partner Practitioner's discretion for how they provide an outcome or if they need to call you for additional information. However, if you’ve specifically requested a telehealth consultation, a Partner Practitioner will call you.

With Updoc, your Partner Practitioner will assess and review your needs and, if suitable, deliver your medical certificate straight to your inbox and phone. No need to schedule an appointment, be stuck with long waiting times, or travel to the local GP. Request a consultation for a medical certificate from the comfort of your home.

How can I get a medical certificate online?

If you need a medical certificate, you can request a consultation with an AHPRA-registered Partner Doctor through Updoc. Complete a short form about your symptoms and a Partner Doctor will review your request. If they decide an online medical certificate is suitable, it’s sent to your phone and email. Partner Doctors are independent practitioners and make their own clinical decisions.

FAQs

How to get a medical certificate online?

With Updoc, you can connect with an AHPRA-registered Partner Doctor who will assess your symptoms and determine if a telehealth medical certificate is suitable for you. If it's suitable, your certificate is sent straight to your phone via SMS and email.

Can I get a backdated medical certificate?

It depends on what you mean by “backdated”. If you need a medical certificate to cover days you were unwell before your consultation, a doctor may be able to provide one if, after assessing you, they reasonably believe you were unfit for work during that period. However, a doctor cannot “backdate” a certificate by giving it an earlier issue date to make it appear it was issued before it actually was. The certificate must show its actual date of issue, even when it covers an earlier period of illness.

Do I need a medical certificate for one day off?

It depends on your employer. Under the Fair Work Act, your employer can ask for evidence for any sick leave, even one day or less. A medical certificate is acceptable evidence, and your award or agreement may set specific rules. If you don't provide evidence when asked, you may not be paid for that day. With Updoc, you can request a telehealth consultation for a doctor's certificate online, and a Partner Doctor will decide whether one is suitable.

Do you need a medical certificate for sick leave?

Not always. You need to tell your employer as soon as possible that you're taking sick leave, and they can ask for evidence that would satisfy a reasonable person. A medical certificate is the most common evidence. Check your award, agreement or workplace policy for when evidence is required.