Can Doctors Give Prescriptions Over Telehealth in Australia?

Telehealth has made it easier for Australians to speak with a doctor without always needing to travel to a medical clinic. But can a doctor prescribe medication during an online or phone consultation?

Yes. Australian doctors can prescribe medication through telehealth when it is clinically appropriate and complies with relevant prescribing requirements. However, a prescription is not guaranteed, and some medical conditions or medicines require additional assessment or an in-person appointment.

In this guide, we explore how telehealth prescriptions work in Australia, what happens during a consultation, and what to consider before requesting an online prescription.

What Is a Telehealth Prescription?

A telehealth prescription is a prescription issued following a medical consultation conducted remotely, usually by telephone or video.

Instead of attending a clinic in person, you discuss your symptoms, medical history, and treatment needs with a doctor. The doctor assesses your circumstances and determines whether medication is appropriate.

If a prescription is clinically justified, the doctor may issue an electronic prescription. This allows you to collect your medication from a participating pharmacy without needing a paper prescription.

Telehealth prescribing follows the same fundamental principle as in-person care: the doctor must make a responsible clinical decision based on your individual circumstances.

What Types of Prescriptions Can Be Provided Online?

Depending on your health needs and the doctor's assessment, a telehealth consultation may be suitable for:

Not every medication can be prescribed through every telehealth service. Some medicines have additional legal requirements, monitoring obligations, or restrictions, and a doctor may need more information before making a prescribing decision. A doctor may also decide that medication is not the best option for your condition.

How Does an Online Prescription Work?

The process generally involves four straightforward steps:

1. Book a Telehealth Consultation: Choose an appropriate telehealth service and provide accurate information about your health concern. Check the consultation fee and any prescription-related fees before booking.
2. Discuss Your Health With the Doctor: During the consultation, the doctor may ask about your symptoms, medical history, current medications, allergies, and previous treatments. Have your medication details available if you are requesting a repeat prescription.
3. The Doctor Assesses Your Needs: The doctor decides whether prescribing is safe and appropriate. They may ask further questions, recommend tests, suggest another treatment, or advise you to attend an in-person appointment. A prescription cannot be guaranteed simply because you have booked or paid for a consultation.
4. Receive and Use Your Prescription: If the doctor issues an electronic prescription, you will generally receive a secure prescription token by SMS or email. You can present it to any pharmacy that supports electronic prescriptions.

Can I Get a Repeat Prescription Through Telehealth?

In many cases, you can request a review for a repeat prescription online. Whether it can be provided depends on the medication, your medical history, the information available to the doctor, and applicable prescribing requirements.

Before your appointment, it helps to have:

• The name and strength of your current medication
• Your current dosage and how you take it
• Information about your prescribing history
• Details of any side effects or changes in your health
• Your other medications and known allergies

The doctor may need to review your medical records or arrange further assessment. If the request is not suitable for telehealth, you may be advised to see your usual GP or another healthcare provider.

Are Online Prescriptions Legal in Australia?

Yes. Electronic prescribing is available across Australia, and prescriptions may be issued during appropriate telehealth consultations.

However, doctors must comply with professional standards and relevant Commonwealth, state, and territory laws. Requirements can differ depending on the medication and the patient's circumstances.

Australian medical regulators also emphasise that prescribing should be based on appropriate clinical assessment. A website questionnaire or message alone is not a substitute for a proper real-time consultation when the doctor has never consulted with the patient.

Do I Need a Video Call, or Can I Speak to a Doctor by Phone?

Depending on the service and your clinical circumstances, a telehealth consultation may take place by telephone or video.

A phone consultation may be suitable for many routine concerns. Video may be useful when the doctor needs to observe something visually. In other situations, neither option may provide enough information to assess your condition safely.

The doctor will determine whether the consultation method is appropriate and whether you need an in-person examination or further tests.

When Might a Doctor Decline to Prescribe Medication Online?

There are several reasons a doctor may decide not to issue a prescription during a telehealth consultation:

• There is insufficient information to make a safe prescribing decision.
• Your symptoms require a physical examination or diagnostic testing.
• The medication requires additional monitoring or has specific prescribing restrictions.
• Your medical history or current medicines raise safety concerns.
• Another treatment or a different type of medical care would be more appropriate.

A decision not to prescribe does not mean your concerns are being dismissed. It is an important part of ensuring that you receive safe, appropriate care.

Is an Online Prescription the Same as a Paper Prescription?

An electronic prescription is a recognised alternative to a paper prescription in Australia. It contains the relevant prescription information in a secure digital format.

If an electronic prescription is issued, you will usually receive a token by SMS or email. You can present the token at a participating pharmacy so the prescription can be accessed and dispensed, subject to the usual requirements. Ask your pharmacy if you have questions about electronic prescription tokens, dispensing, or medication availability.

What Should I Check Before Booking an Online Prescription Consultation?

Before booking, consider the following:

• Service suitability: Does the provider offer the type of assessment you need?
• Consultation fees: Check whether the advertised fee covers a consultation, a prescription request, or another service.
• Medical information: Be ready to discuss your health history and current medicines.
• Follow-up care: Find out what to do if your symptoms change or further assessment is needed.
• Clinical requirements: Understand that the doctor must independently decide whether prescribing is appropriate.

Choose a service that prioritises clinical assessment and safe prescribing rather than promising medication before a doctor has assessed you.

Can NewTeleDoc Medical Help With a Repeat Prescription Request?

NewTeleDoc Medical offers online telehealth services across Australia, including repeat prescription requests.

You can review the available service information and submit a request for clinical assessment. An Australian-registered doctor will determine whether a prescription is appropriate based on your circumstances and the applicable requirements.

A prescription is not guaranteed, and some requests may require further assessment or an in-person appointment.