NewTeleDoc Medical: Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

Who provides the telehealth consultations?

Accepted Answer

All consultations are conducted by qualified, AHPRA-registered Australian General Practitioners, by phone or video from anywhere in Australia.

Question 2

How does a telehealth appointment work?

Accepted Answer

Select your service (a medical certificate, eScript repeat, referral, or general GP appointment), fill out a short medical questionnaire about your request, then a doctor reviews it. Depending on the service, the doctor may review your information or contact you by phone or video.

Question 3

What is a telehealth consultation?

Accepted Answer

A telehealth consultation is a confidential medical appointment by phone or video with an Australian-registered GP, who can provide medical advice, prescriptions, referrals or certificates.

Question 4

How much do telehealth appointments cost?

Accepted Answer

Single-day medical or carer's leave certificates are $15.00 and certificates covering two to three days are $25.00. A single repeat eScript is $25.00 and up to three scripts are $39.00. Pathology, imaging and specialist referrals are $25.00. A standard telehealth GP consultation is $49.00. Weight management consultations are $65.00 initially and $49.00 for follow-ups. Mental Health Treatment Plans are bulk billed for patients who meet Medicare eligibility rules. Doctors decide what is clinically appropriate, so not every request will be approved.

Question 5

Is NewTeleDoc covered by Medicare bulk billing?

Accepted Answer

NewTeleDoc Medical is primarily a private-billing telehealth provider. Mental Health Treatment Plan consultations are bulk billed for patients who meet Medicare's telehealth eligibility rules, which since 1 November 2025 generally require the plan to come from your MyMedicare registered practice or usual GP, with at least one face-to-face visit in the past 12 months.

Question 6

Is my personal and medical information secure?

Accepted Answer

We use encrypted (SSL) connections and an Australian healthcare practice management system (Halaxy), and we handle your information under the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). See our privacy policy for details.

Question 7

Are online medical certificates valid in Australia?

Accepted Answer

A medical certificate issued by an AHPRA-registered doctor after a telehealth consultation is a medical certificate in the same way as one written after a clinic visit, if the doctor decides it is clinically appropriate. Whether it is accepted depends on your employer's or institution's policy, so check yours if you are unsure.

Question 8

How fast can I get an online medical certificate?

Accepted Answer

Once an AHPRA-registered GP has assessed you and approved your certificate, the digital PDF is sent to your phone by SMS and email. Timing depends on when the doctor reviews your request.

Question 9

Will my employer accept an online medical certificate?

Accepted Answer

Under the Fair Work Act 2009, employers can ask for evidence that would satisfy a reasonable person that you were unfit for work or needed to care for someone. The Fair Work Ombudsman lists medical certificates as an example of acceptable evidence. Whether a particular certificate is accepted depends on your employer's policy, so check yours if you are unsure.

Question 10

How much does an online medical certificate cost?

Accepted Answer

Single-day medical or carer's leave certificates are $15.00. Certificates covering two to three days are $25.00. A full telehealth GP consultation is $49.00.

Question 11

Why choose an online medical certificate?

Accepted Answer

You avoid sitting in a clinic waiting room while unwell, receive your certificate digitally on your phone, and pay from $15.

Question 12

What if I need a certificate for a future date?

Accepted Answer

Doctors cannot issue medical certificates in advance. If your GP assesses that your illness is likely to continue over the coming days, they can certify the full period starting from the date of your assessment.

Question 13

Can I get a medical certificate without seeing a doctor in person?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For short-term illnesses that do not need a physical examination, an AHPRA-registered GP can assess you by phone or video and issue your certificate online. If the doctor decides you need an in-person examination, they will tell you.

Question 14

How many days can a GP medical certificate cover?

Accepted Answer

An online certificate usually covers 1 to 3 days for a standard short-term illness or carer's leave. Longer periods may need a further review, which can include an in-person examination.

Question 15

Can I get a medical certificate for university or school?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide medical certificates for university, TAFE and school absences, suitable for special consideration applications and exam extensions.

Question 16

Can I get a medical certificate for yesterday?

Accepted Answer

A medical certificate must always show the date it was written and cannot be backdated. If your doctor assesses you today and is satisfied from your history that you were unwell from an earlier date, they may certify that earlier period and record the date you were assessed.

Question 17

How do eScripts work in Australia?

Accepted Answer

An electronic prescription (eScript) replaces traditional paper prescriptions. Once approved by your GP, an eScript token is sent directly to your mobile phone via SMS or Email as a unique QR code. You can present this QR code at any pharmacy across Australia to receive your medication, or upload it to an online delivery pharmacy.

Question 18

How do I request an online repeat prescription?

Accepted Answer

You can request an eScript repeat for $25.00 by submitting our secure online medication request form. An AHPRA-registered doctor reviews your request and previous prescription history and speaks with you by phone or video. If clinically suitable, your eScript token is issued straight to your phone via SMS.

Question 19

Do I need to speak with a doctor to get a repeat script?

Accepted Answer

Yes. An Australian GP reviews your request, regular medication history and medical details, then speaks with you by phone or video before prescribing. If it is clinically safe and appropriate, your eScript is sent to your mobile.

Question 20

Can I request a brand new medication I have never taken before?

Accepted Answer

No. Repeat prescription services are intended for ongoing medications you have been previously prescribed by a doctor. If you require a new medication or have new or changing symptoms, please book a comprehensive phone consultation ($49).

Question 21

Which pharmacies accept eScripts from NewTeleDoc Medical?

Accepted Answer

eScript tokens issued by our GPs are electronic prescriptions. They can be presented and scanned at community pharmacies across Australia, or uploaded to online pharmacy services.

Question 22

What happens if my prescription request is declined by the GP?

Accepted Answer

If a doctor decides a repeat prescription cannot be safely issued without an in-person examination, blood test or formal clinical review, you will be told and advised on appropriate next steps.

Question 23

Can I get repeat prescriptions for Schedule 8 or restricted drugs?

Accepted Answer

No. We do not prescribe controlled substances, opioids, benzodiazepines, sleeping medications or stimulant drugs via telehealth.

Question 24

Can I get a pathology (blood test) or imaging referral online?

Accepted Answer

Yes ($25.00), if clinically appropriate. After a clinical assessment, our doctors can issue electronic PDF referrals for blood tests, STI health screens, X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans and MRIs. These can generally be taken to Australian pathology or imaging providers. Check with your chosen provider before you attend.

Question 25

Can I request a specific blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can discuss a specific test with your doctor. However, your GP will determine whether the test is clinically appropriate.

Question 26

Do I need to fast for a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Some tests require fasting while others do not. Follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pathology provider.

Question 27

Where can I have my blood test?

Accepted Answer

You can generally take your pathology request to a suitable pathology collection centre. Check with the provider before attending to confirm that they accept the request and whether an appointment is required.

Question 28

How long do blood test results take?

Accepted Answer

The timeframe varies depending on the type of test. Some routine results may be available relatively quickly, while specialised tests can take longer.

Question 29

Can my doctor explain my blood test results?

Accepted Answer

Your doctor can discuss available results with you and explain what they may mean in the context of your health and medical history.

Question 30

Are blood tests covered by Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Some pathology tests may attract Medicare benefits when the relevant requirements are met. Your eligibility and any out-of-pocket costs can depend on the test and your circumstances.

Question 31

How do I receive my STI pathology referral form?

Accepted Answer

After you submit your request online, an AHPRA-registered GP reviews your information and, if clinically appropriate, issues a digital pathology request form. It is sent by email so you can print it or show it on your smartphone at a pathology collection centre.

Question 32

Which pathology labs accept STI referrals?

Accepted Answer

Digital referral forms are generally accepted at Australian pathology collection centres. Check with your chosen provider before you attend.

Question 33

How do I receive my STI test results?

Accepted Answer

Pathology labs send confidential test results directly back to our medical team. If your results are clear, you will be notified securely. If follow-up treatment or medication is needed, our GP will contact you with prescription details.

Question 34

Can I take my online imaging referral to any radiology clinic?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. Imaging referrals issued by registered GPs are generally accepted by accredited radiology providers across Australia. Check with your chosen clinic before you attend.

Question 35

Are online GP imaging referrals eligible for Medicare rebates?

Accepted Answer

Many standard diagnostic imaging procedures (such as specified X-rays and ultrasounds requested by a GP) attract Medicare rebates when performed at bulk-billing or private radiology clinics. However, Medicare rebate eligibility for certain complex imaging modalities (like specific adult MRIs) depends on strict Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) criteria.

Question 36

How do I get my imaging results after the scan?

Accepted Answer

Radiology providers send their reports to NewTeleDoc Medical through secure electronic messaging. You can book a follow-up GP consult with us to discuss your report and management plan.

Question 37

How quickly will I receive my imaging request form?

Accepted Answer

Once reviewed and approved by an Australian registered GP, your digital referral is sent as a downloadable PDF to your email address.

Question 38

Can I get a specialist referral online?

Accepted Answer

Yes ($25.00), if clinically indicated. An Australian GP can issue a referral letter to your preferred public or private specialist (for example a dermatologist, cardiologist, gynaecologist or ENT) across Australia.

Question 39

Are online specialist referrals valid for Medicare rebates?

Accepted Answer

A GP referral is generally required for Medicare rebates on specialist consultations. Whether you receive a rebate depends on your eligibility and the specialist you see.

Question 40

How long is an online GP referral valid for?

Accepted Answer

Under Medicare rules in Australia, a standard General Practitioner referral to a specialist is valid for 12 months from the date of your first consultation with that specialist, unless stated otherwise.

Question 41

Can I get a referral to a specific named specialist?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can provide the name and clinic address of your preferred specialist or medical group during the intake process, and our GP will address the referral specifically to them.

Question 42

How will I receive my specialist referral letter?

Accepted Answer

Once reviewed and approved by the doctor, your signed referral letter is sent directly to your secure email as a downloadable PDF file. You can forward it to your specialist or print it for your appointment.

Question 43

Who is eligible for a bulk billed Mental Health Treatment Plan by telehealth?

Accepted Answer

You need a valid Medicare card and a clinically diagnosed mental health condition that meets Medicare's Better Access criteria. Since 1 November 2025, a telehealth plan must be prepared by a GP at your MyMedicare registered practice or by your usual GP, and you generally need at least one face-to-face visit with that practice in the past 12 months. If you do not meet these rules, Medicare will not cover a telehealth plan.

Question 44

How many psychology sessions does a Mental Health Treatment Plan cover?

Accepted Answer

Under Better Access, you can claim Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year. Each referral covers up to 6 sessions, and a GP review is needed before you can be referred for the remaining sessions.

Question 45

Can an online GP prescribe mental health medications?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Australian-registered GPs can assess you and prescribe appropriate non-controlled medicines when clinically appropriate. Controlled substances (such as benzodiazepines or Schedule 8 stimulants) are not prescribed via telehealth.

Question 46

Can I receive a medical certificate for mental health or burnout?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If stress, anxiety or burnout prevents you from attending work or university, an AHPRA-registered GP can issue a medical certificate following a clinical assessment.

Question 47

What is included in the Weight Loss Consultation?

Accepted Answer

Our doctors provide a full clinical assessment, review your weight history and health conditions, discuss appropriate treatment options alongside a healthy diet and physical activity, and order relevant pathology blood tests if required.

Question 48

Can an online GP help with weight management?

Accepted Answer

Yes. An Australian GP can assess your weight history, health conditions and metabolic risk, and discuss treatment options alongside a healthy, energy-controlled diet and regular physical activity. Any treatment is decided by your doctor after a full consultation.

Question 49

Are blood tests required before starting weight management treatment?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, baseline pathology (such as HbA1c, kidney and liver function tests, and lipid panels) is recommended to ensure safety and check for underlying metabolic conditions like diabetes or fatty liver disease. Your GP can issue a digital pathology referral to any Australian blood collection centre.

How Does Telehealth Work?

Key Benefits of Telehealth in Australia

Services Provided via Telehealth Consultations

Step-by-Step: How a Telehealth Appointment Works

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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