May be suitable
- A current illness that may reasonably be assessed by phone or video
- A need for evidence relating to a short absence from work or study
- Carer responsibilities that require clinical discussion
Australian doctor-led telehealth
Online medical certificate consultations
If illness or caring responsibilities affect work or study, a medical doctor can assess your circumstances by telehealth. A certificate may be issued when supported by the consultation; it is not guaranteed or backdated automatically.
Suitability
When an online consultation may help
Telehealth may not be enough
- Requests that cannot be supported by the history or available evidence
- Serious symptoms requiring urgent or in-person assessment
- Administrative forms requiring examinations, records or tests not available by telehealth
Clinical assessment
What may happen during the consultation
The doctor will ask about the illness, timing, functional impact and any red flags. They may issue a certificate, recommend review, or explain why further evidence or an in-person examination is needed.
Tell us what is happeningDiscuss symptoms, timing, medical history, medicines and relevant risk factors.
Doctor assessmentYour doctor considers what can be assessed safely by phone or video.
Agree on next stepsYou receive advice, safety-netting and an appropriate plan, which may include in-person care.
Urgent care
Do not wait for an online appointment in an emergency
Call Triple Zero (000) for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, signs of stroke, collapse, severe bleeding, a severe allergic reaction, or any condition that appears life-threatening. For urgent but non-life-threatening advice, call 1800MEDICARE on 1800 633 422.
Dr Dong Zhao
What matters in a certificate assessment
The clinical question is how illness or caring responsibility affected function during the relevant period. Clear dates, the duties you could not safely perform and information recorded close to the event are more useful than requesting predetermined wording or dates.
Content clinically reviewed 7 October 2026.
Clinical review
Reviewed by Dr Dong Zhao
M.D. (USyd), B.A. (UBC) · Australian-registered Medical Doctor · AHPRA general registration
Content reviewed 7 October 2026. Meet Our Doctors.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Is a certificate guaranteed after booking?
No. A medical certificate is a clinical document and is issued only if the doctor considers it appropriate.
Can a certificate be backdated?
Backdating is not automatic. The doctor must decide whether the available clinical information supports the dates requested.
Will my employer accept it?
Acceptance is determined by the receiving employer, institution or organisation. Check their evidence requirements.
Trusted information
Australian health references
Need a medical doctor consultation?
Choose Dr Lily Vu or Dr Dong Zhao and continue to our secure external booking page. Care and any clinical document, medicine, test or referral remain subject to assessment.
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