Telehealth GP for Medical Certificates: When Can You Get One Online?

Telehealth GP for Medical Certificates: How to obtain a medical certificate without leaving work.

Sometimes you need proof that you’ve seen a doctor, such as for a day off work, for a university submission, or for any other reason.

A medical certificate used to require time off work to wait in a waiting room. Now, most of the time, you can obtain one in a telehealth appointment, which is really logical when you think about it.

Telehealth GP for Medical Certificates

But not all medical certificates can be issued online. In some cases, an in-person appointment is required. Having the knowledge of which is which will save you time and prevent you from booking the wrong thing.

The medical certificate is a document that can be completed online

Telehealth can certainly manage a day or two of sick leave if you are ill and require a certificate. Your GP can talk to you, establish that you are indeed unwell, and provide a certificate.

The same applies to other simple certificates such as fitness to travel, confirmation of a health condition for support services or a certificate to take to hospital.

In essence, if the certificate is simply a statement that you have visited a doctor and that he or she agrees with your claims, it can typically be completed online.

The GP will ask about your symptoms, what you are going to do and any relevant health information. From that discussion, they can provide you with the certificate and send it to you by email or directly to your place of work.

What Absolutely Needs an In-Person Visit

There are some certificates that do call for a real exam. If you need a fitness certificate for a job, a driving assessment, or something that requires a physical exam, you’re coming in.

Telehealth GP for Medical Certificates Belconnen

Medical certificates for insurance, particularly life insurance or income protection, are almost always required to be seen in person. Insurers want to know that you have been thoroughly examined.

Also, certificates for return to work after a serious illness or injury are typically required to be seen in person by your GP to determine if you’re fit to return.

Sports medical certificates, police clearance certificates, and anything government- or official-related will also typically require an in-person visit.

How Telehealth Medical Certificates Work

You schedule a telehealth appointment, typically 10-15 minutes. Your GP will ask you questions about your situation, the purpose of the certificate, when it is needed, and health information.

Based on your chat, they’ll either issue the certificate or let you know you need to come in. If they do, you will get it by email and pass it on to your workplace or whoever needs it.

If it’s something that fits the definition of telehealth, the entire process is simple.

Same-Day and Urgent Certificates

The speed is one of the best features of telehealth certificates. They can be issued on the same day.

A telehealth appointment in the morning can help get you sorted out if you wake up feeling sick and need a certificate before work. Your GP confirms you are ill, gives you the certificate and you’re finished!

This is very useful in emergency cases. You don’t have to wait days for an appointment.

If you need to see your GP face-to-face

In some cases, you may have a serious illness or you may not know whether you are ready to return to work, and it’s best to make an in-person appointment in these cases.

Your GP will be able to examine you properly, get a true picture of how you’re doing and make a better-informed decision about what is appropriate.

It also keeps you safe. If your employer is unsure whether you should have been off work, you and your GP will be in a better position if they have seen you in person.

What Certificates Cost

The cost of telehealth medical certificates is typically the same as a face-to-face medical certificate. The majority are enrolled in Medicare and have a typical consultation rate.

Telehealth GP for Medical Certificates Canberra

Many employers will take a telehealth certificate without a problem; they just need to see that you’ve been to a doctor. If you’re not sure, however, it’s best to check your workplace policy.

Certain employers may have particular rules regarding the issuing of certificates, so it’s never a bad idea to check with HR before booking.

FAQs

Can my employer refuse a telehealth medical certificate?

From a legal standpoint, your employer is not legally allowed to refuse a valid medical certificate simply because it is from a telehealth appointment. It’s still a proper certificate from a registered doctor. However, there may be some exceptions for older employers or for certain industries. It is advisable to review your workplace policy first. If your employer does refuse, you can always go and see your GP in person; it will just take longer. These days, most employers will be okay with telehealth certificates, particularly because they’re so prevalent these days.

How long is a medical certificate valid?

It depends on the purpose for which it is to be used. Typically, a certificate for illness will cover the days that you were ill, so if you were ill for three days, the certificate will cover those three days. Certain certificates are valid for a limited time. Your GP will state that when issuing. If you require a longer period of absence from work, your GP will speak to you about this and will provide what is appropriate.

May I obtain a certificate for another person?

No, your GP can only issue certificates for people they have seen and examined. A telehealth appointment must be made with you, not for you. For safety and legal purposes. If your child requires a certificate, they will have to be involved in the telehealth appointment (with a parent if under 18 years).

What happens if I need a certificate but my GP isn’t available?

If your GP is not available, you may be able to see another GP at the same practice using telehealth. They have the right to see your medical record and to give you a certificate. If you do not have a GP, you can book an appointment with any GP practice that provides telehealth. They will require some basic health information, but can typically provide a certificate on the spot if it is simple.

Do I need to provide any documents for a telehealth medical certificate?

Usually not. You don’t usually need to bring any documents to a telehealth appointment, but your GP will ask questions to make sure you need the certificate. If it is a specific thing, such as a certificate for university and they have a particular form, it may be worth having this form with you so your GP can complete it properly. When booking, simply state it.

How to get the most out of your certificate appointment

When booking, be clear on the purpose of the certificate. There are various situations that require various certificates, and by providing your GP with this information in advance, they can provide you with the exact certificate you need.

If you need the certificate by a certain time or date, state that as well. Your GP can prioritise it and make sure it’s ready when you need it.

When booking, if you have any questions about whether a telehealth certificate will apply to your situation, just ask. You should be able to tell your practice if you need to come in.

Obtain Your Medical Certificate Sorted Online

Need a medical certificate but don’t have time to waste? Telehealth makes it easy.

Medical certificates can often be issued on the same day at Verity Medical Practice via telehealth. It’s fast, simple, and will get you organized without all the fiddling.

Ring us on (02) 5104 6406 or (02) 8360 5950, or book a telehealth appointment online. We will determine if it is something that can be done via telehealth or if you need to come in, and prepare your certificate.