Online Medical Certificates

A medical certificate, also known as a doctor’s note, is a written statement from a licensed healthcare provider that confirms a patient’s medical condition or need for time off from work, school, or other obligations.

A typical medical certificate includes the patient’s name, date of birth, date of the examination or consultation, the healthcare provider’s name and signature, the medical condition (if disclosed by the patient and deemed necessary), the recommended duration of absence (if applicable), and the date the certificate was issued.

You might need a medical certificate for: Absence from work due to illness or injury. Absence from school or university. Supporting a claim for sick leave or other benefits. Exemptions from certain activities due to a medical condition.

Generally, medical certificates are issued for current or recent illnesses or conditions. It can be difficult for a provider to accurately assess a past illness without having examined you at the time. Discuss your specific situation with the telehealth provider.

Yes, in many cases, you can obtain a medical certificate through a telehealth consultation, provided the online doctor can adequately assess your condition remotely.

Many common illnesses and conditions can be assessed via telehealth for the purpose of a medical certificate, such as: Common cold and flu Upper respiratory infections Minor injuries (e.g., sprains, strains) Gastrointestinal issues Skin rashes and infections Mental health concerns (e.g., anxiety, stress) Note: Certain conditions may require an in-person examination for proper assessment and certification. The telehealth doctor will advise you if this is the case.

Be prepared to provide: A detailed description of your symptoms. The date your symptoms started. Any relevant medical history. The required dates for the certificate (e.g., dates of absence from work/school). The name and contact information of the recipient of the certificate (e.g., employer, school).

Medical certificates are delivered electronically via email. You can then print or forward the certificate as needed.

Yes, medical certificates issued by licensed doctors through telehealth are generally considered valid, provided the assessment was appropriate for the condition being certified. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your employer or institution to confirm their specific policies regarding telehealth-issued certificates.

For ongoing management of a chronic condition, an established relationship with a primary care physician is generally recommended. Teldoc is able to provide up to 3 days, forward dated on our certificates.

Yes. All medical content on Teldoc is reviewed and approved by our Medical Review Board — a team of AHPRA-registered GPs and specialists, including FRACGP-qualified Dr. Vafa Derakshan and respiratory/sleep medicine expert Dr. Sina M. Keihani — to ensure accuracy and alignment with current Australian guidelines. Meet our Medical Review Board