Online Medical Certificates Australia
1GP provides online medical certificates through a phone or video consultation with an Ahpra-registered doctor, from anywhere in Australia. If you are too unwell to work or study, or you need to care for someone who is unwell, your doctor will assess your circumstances and, where appropriate, provide a medical certificate sent to your phone or email.
A medical certificate starts with a consultation
Medical certificates at 1GP are issued after a real-time consultation with a doctor, by phone or video. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, when they started and how your illness is affecting your ability to work, study or care for others.
A certificate is only issued if your doctor considers it clinically appropriate, and it cannot be guaranteed before your consultation. Your doctor can only certify what they can reasonably assess, and a medical certificate cannot be backdated.
Online GP medical certificates for work, study and carer's leave
Your doctor can consider a certificate for:
- Personal leave from work, when illness stops you from doing your usual job.
- Carer’s leave, when you need to care for a member of your immediate family or household who is unwell.
- School, TAFE or university, when illness affects your attendance or your ability to complete assessments.
Because your doctor can only certify what they are able to assess, it is best to book while you are unwell rather than after you have recovered.
1GP does not issue Certificates of Capacity for workers’ compensation claims. If your illness or injury is related to your work, speak with your regular GP about a Certificate of Capacity.
What your certificate includes
Your medical certificate will include your doctor’s name and Ahpra registration number, the date of your consultation and the period your doctor considers you unfit for your usual work, study or caring duties. If you would prefer your diagnosis not to appear on your certificate, let your doctor know during your consultation.
Your certificate is sent to your phone or email as a digital document, ready to forward to your employer or education provider.
How a telehealth medical certificate works
- Book your appointment. Choose a time that suits you and select a phone or video consultation.
- Share a few details. Complete a short health intake about your symptoms and medical history so your doctor can prepare.
- Speak with your doctor. Explain your symptoms, when they began and how they are affecting your work, study or caring responsibilities. Your doctor will also confirm your identity.
- Receive your certificate. If a certificate is clinically appropriate, it is sent to you by SMS or email. Your doctor will also give you advice on treatment and recovery, and on whether you need further review in person.
Care beyond your certificate
If your illness needs treatment, your doctor can talk you through your options in the same consultation and, where clinically appropriate, provide an eScript or a referral for tests. If your symptoms do not improve, or you need ongoing care, your doctor may recommend a follow-up consultation or a visit to your regular GP.
When you may need to be seen in person
Telehealth can be suitable for many short-term illnesses, but not every situation. If your symptoms need a physical examination, tests or urgent care, your doctor will tell you and recommend where to go. In these situations, your doctor may not be able to provide a certificate through telehealth.
1GP is not an emergency service. If you have chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, signs of a stroke or any other life-threatening symptoms, call 000 immediately or go to your nearest emergency department. If you are in crisis and need to talk to someone now, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Book a consultation for a medical certificate
Book a phone or video consultation online and your doctor will assess whether a medical certificate is appropriate for you. For general enquiries, email support@1gp.au.
Telehealth is not suitable for emergencies. In an emergency, call 000.