What is a medical certificate?
A medical certificate is an official document signed by a medical professional which confirms a person’s medical condition. When applying for a sick or carer’s leave, it can be used to support your leave request.
How quickly can I get my medical certificate?
We deliver all our medical certificates and letters on the same day. Once your request is approved, it can take up to 3 hours to show up at your end.
How are medical certificates approved?
Based on the questionnaire and further follow-up, our AHPRA-registered doctor will determine the validity of your request and decide whether to issue the certificate or not. Note that not all requests are approved.
How will I receive the medical certificate?
Once approved, the medical certificate will be sent to the email address that you provided at the time of booking.
Who can issue a medical certificate in Australia?
Any AHPRA-registered healthcare professional is legally allowed to issue a medical certificate. However, they are required to review your condition and approve the certificate only after due consideration.
Can doctors backdate medical certificates in Australia?
No, doctors can’t backdate a medical certificate. A medical certificate is supposed to be an accurate reflection of a patient’s health status at the time of consultation. So, backdating would compromise the integrity of the document and is considered fraudulent.
Are online medical certificates legal and valid?
Yes, online medical certificates are legal and valid if issued by an AHPRA-registered medical professional, such as our team at Docmate.
How quickly will I see results?
Results vary from person to person. However, our approach focuses on sustainable, gradual weight loss, prioritising long-term health over rapid fixes.
Is this service safe?
Absolutely. All treatments are evidence-based and closely monitored by qualified healthcare professionals to ensure safety, effectiveness, and suitability.
Do I need a specific BMI or health condition to start?
Not necessarily. While a higher BMI (typically 27 or above) or certain weight-related health conditions (like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea) may make you eligible for prescription treatment, our doctors assess each case individually.
If you’re seeking support for healthy weight loss, whether for prevention, wellbeing, or a medical concern, you’re welcome to book a consultation. Our team will evaluate your overall health and goals to determine the best, safest approach for you.
What are the non-weight loss benefits of the program?
Our medical weight management program offers a range of health and lifestyle benefits beyond just losing weight. This may include –
- Reduced fatigue
- Better sleep quality
- Enhanced mood
- Lower blood pressure
- Improved mobility
- Better sugar level control
How long does a referral last?
A referral from a GP is valid for 12 months from the date of referral. The referral will cover all visits made to the specialist during this period. The concerned specialist can extend the referral if required.
What does a referral include?
A referral can include your health history or current medical concern, the reason for referral and any relevant test results or notes.
Do I need a Medicare card?
No, you don’t need a medicare card to access our specialist referral service.
Do I need a referral to see a specialist in Australia?
Yes, you will need a referral from a general practitioner to see a specialist. Also, a referral is necessary if you wish to receive a Medicare rebate for your visit.
How do I get tested after receiving the referral?
Once you receive your referral, visit any nearby pathology collection centre. Please bring your referral with you (either printed or digital).
Is my information secure?
Yes. We use secure, encrypted platforms and follow all Australian privacy laws (including the Privacy Act 1988) to keep your health information safe.
Can I use this service anywhere in Australia?
Absolutely. Our telehealth service is available nationwide, and referrals can be used at most major pathology labs across Australia.
What is a telehealth imaging request?
A telehealth imaging request allows you to get a referral for medical imaging (like an X-ray, MRI, CT, or ultrasound) without visiting a clinic. Our registered doctor assesses your symptoms online and issues a referral if medically appropriate.
Can I use the referral at any imaging centre?
Yes, your referral can be used at any accredited imaging centre across Australia. You’re free to choose the location most convenient for you.
Will I be contacted by the doctor?
Yes, the doctor will contact you and if deemed appropriate, you will receive a referral.
Is the service confidential?
Yes. All consultations are conducted through secure, HIPAA-compliant calls. Your information is kept strictly confidential.
What if I need ongoing support?
Quitting smoking is a journey, and we’re here for it. Our practitioners provide follow-up sessions and continued guidance to help you stay smoke-free long-term.
Can I get a script online without seeing a doctor in person?
Yes, in Australia, you can get a prescription online through a telehealth consultation, no in-person visit required. With Docmate, simply request a script and an AHPRA-registered doctor will review your request. If clinically appropriate, a digital script will be issued.
To receive an ePrescription token, ensure your Instant Consult profile details are correct and linked to a valid IHI (Individual Healthcare Identifier). Your IHI is usually linked to your Medicare card. If you don’t have Medicare, you can get an IHI through your MyGov account or at:
servicesaustralia.gov.au/how-to-get-individual-healthcare-identifier
How do I fill my online script?
Once approved, your online script will be delivered straight to your provided email address. You can simply take the script to your nearest pharmacy and get the medicines.
What medications can’t be prescribed?
All prescriptions will be issued at the discretion of the consulting health practitioner. While many medications can be prescribed online, some, such as sedatives or certain S8-classified medicines, may not be issued. GPs and Nurse Practitioners are unable to prescribe schedule 8 medicines and schedule 4D medicines via a telehealth consultation. Schedule 8 and Schedule 4D medicines include, but are not limited to:
- Schedule S8: Alprazolam, Buprenorphine, Dexamphetamine, Fentanyl, Hydromorphone, Lis-dexamphetamine, Methadone, Methylphenidate, Morphine, Oxycodone, Tapentadol, and Pethidine.
- Schedule 4D: Benzodiazepines (Clonazepam, Diazepam, Oxazepam, Temazepam), Phentermine, Pregabalin, Testosterone, Modafinil, Zolpidem, and Zopiclone.
What would I do if I did not receive the online script the medical practitioner agreed to issue?
If our medical practitioner agrees to issue the instant script online, you should receive it via SMS or email within 15 minutes. In case you haven’t received it, you can contact our support and raise a query. We will get back to you at the earliest and ensure your prescription is sent to you.
I don’t have a Medicare number. Can I get an eScript?
eScripts issued via Telehealth require a valid Medicare or IHI number. If you don’t have Medicare, you can still obtain an Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI) number and use it to access eScripts. Please note that:
- You cannot receive an eScript without either Medicare or IHI.
- You can discuss your options on getting a prescription with your doctor during your Telehealth consultation.
Can I get a prescription through Telehealth?
Yes, when you submit your request, our GP will review it and, if appropriate, prescribe the required medications.
How do I find a doctor near me?
With Telehealth, you don’t have to. Our platform connects you directly with an AHPRA-registered doctor online, no matter where you are in Australia.
What hours are telehealth consultations available?
We are available from 8 AM till midnight. You can connect with us at any time during this timeframe by filling out the online questionnaire and scheduling a consultation with our general practitioners.
Does Medicare cover telehealth consultations?
No, our telehealth consultations are not covered by Medicare. However, you may still be able to make a claim through private health insurers, depending on your policy. We recommend contacting your health insurance provider directly for more information on potential coverage.







