Ever wished you could see a doctor without the commute, the parking, or the crowded waiting room? If you're nodding right now, you're not alone.
Telehealth appointments — or virtual care — are changing the way Australians look after their health: making it easier, faster, and often more affordable. Especially for people juggling a busy schedule, living out of town, or who can't take time off work.
Since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has grown enormously. Between March 2020 and July 2022, doctors delivered more than 118 million telehealth services to over 18 million patients, with more than 95,000 practitioners taking up this way of caring for patients.
So whether you need a sick leave certificate, online prescriptions, or a specialist referral, the benefits of telehealth are clear. Read on to learn how you can use it to make your healthcare simpler.
A telehealth consult is much like a regular doctor visit, but done remotely — over the phone or by video. You can speak to a GP, specialist, or allied health professional without leaving your home, your office, or wherever you feel comfortable.
Telehealth in Australia is delivered by practitioners registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), so you receive the same standard of care regardless of distance.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, nearly 20% of Australians used telehealth to see a GP in 2024–25 — making it a common and trusted way to access healthcare from home.
Some health concerns suit a telehealth appointment better than others. Telehealth doctors can help you manage a range of everyday concerns, including:
In some cases your telehealth doctor may recommend an in-person visit. If your symptoms need a hands-on assessment, your MediLeave doctor will advise you on the best course of action.
Speaking to a doctor online at MediLeave is straightforward. You can connect with a doctor at a time that suits you:
When it's time, you connect using your phone, tablet, or computer. The consult runs much like an in-person visit — you explain your symptoms, ask questions, and your doctor can send prescriptions, referrals or medical certificates electronically.
Here's why telehealth has become such an attractive option for busy parents, office and shift workers, students, and people in regional Australia.
No travel, no waiting rooms. Saving on travel and waiting time matters most for people juggling work, study, or caring responsibilities — and for anyone who simply can't take half a day off to be seen.
Had a great experience with MediLeave — the process was smooth, quick, and hassle-free. Really appreciate their support and professionalism. Highly recommend! — Shehraj, MediLeave patient
In rural and remote areas, access to healthcare professionals is often limited and appointments can be weeks away. Telehealth removes the need to travel long distances for a consultation that doesn't require a physical examination.
Staying home means you're not picking up an infection in a waiting room, or passing yours on to others. This matters especially for young children, older people, and anyone with a weakened immune system.
Very helpful as it reduces the risk of spreading illness to others by allowing you to stay home, certificate is sent quickly and the price is reasonable. — Melinda B, MediLeave patient
Certificates, eScripts and referrals are issued electronically and sent by email or SMS, so you can forward a certificate to your employer or take a script token straight to your pharmacy without a second trip.
Travelling interstate, working away, or between regular GPs? Telehealth means a change of address doesn't have to mean a gap in care for routine needs.
Telehealth is a strong first option for most everyday concerns, but it isn't a substitute for every appointment. Here's a quick guide.
| Well suited to telehealth | Better seen in person |
|---|---|
| Medical certificates for sick, carer's or study leave | Chest pain, breathing difficulty, or any emergency (call 000) |
| Repeat prescriptions and eScript renewals | Anything needing a physical examination or procedure |
| Common infections such as UTIs, thrush, colds and sore throats | Injuries needing imaging, wound care or stitches |
| Blood test, radiology and specialist referrals | Skin checks and lesions requiring close inspection |
| General health advice and follow-up on results | Vaccinations and injections |
Not sure how to make the most of online healthcare? These are the services most used by MediLeave patients:
You'll need a smartphone, computer or tablet, plus a reliable internet or phone connection. It helps to have a quiet, private space, a list of your current medications, and any recent test results to hand.
These consults let you interact naturally with your doctor: ask questions, discuss symptoms, and get a care plan or referral on the spot. If you need a physical examination or tests, your doctor will arrange an in-person follow-up.
Providers like MediLeave prioritise your privacy and are bound by Australian healthcare regulations covering virtual care, so your information stays protected.
Telehealth is changing how Australians access healthcare, making life simpler whether you're in the city, the bush, or somewhere in between.
The ABS reports that 90.3% of people who had a telehealth consultation would use one again — a strong vote of confidence in the convenience and accessibility it offers.
Next time you need support — a certificate, a script, or a referral — book a telehealth appointment with MediLeave and get help on your terms.
Available 7 days a week. Certificates, scripts and referrals sent electronically.
Speak to a Doctor NowFor everyday, non-emergency concerns, a telehealth consult gives you the same clinical advice from the same AHPRA-registered practitioners. The difference is the examination: if your doctor needs to physically examine you, order urgent tests, or perform a procedure, they will refer you for an in-person appointment. Telehealth is best thought of as the right first step for most routine issues, not a replacement for every visit.
Yes. A medical certificate issued after a telehealth consultation carries the same legal standing as one issued in a clinic, provided it is written by a registered practitioner who has assessed you. Under the Fair Work Act 2009 an employer may ask for evidence of your illness, and a telehealth certificate satisfies that requirement.
Many consultations can be completed by phone. Some situations — for example when a doctor needs to see a rash, an eye, or your general appearance — are better handled by video. MediLeave will let you know what is required for the service you have chosen before your consult.
Yes, where it is clinically appropriate. Your doctor can issue an eScript token by SMS or email, which you present at any Australian pharmacy. Some medicines, including certain controlled substances, cannot be prescribed via telehealth and will need an in-person appointment.
Emergencies always come first: if you have chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, or a suspected stroke, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department. Telehealth is also unsuitable for anything requiring a hands-on examination, imaging, wound care, vaccinations, or a skin check.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Always speak with a registered health practitioner about your individual circumstances. In an emergency, call 000.
MediLeave is an Australian telehealth provider that brings care for everyday, non-emergency health concerns closer, without the usual travel time or waiting rooms. Our online clinic lets you connect to Australian-registered practitioners for online prescriptions, medical certificates, referrals or general health support.
Whether you have been searching for "After Hours Answering Service Cost", "Vaccination For India Travel" or "Queensland Workers Compensation Medical Certificate", a practitioner can address various common health concerns and needs such as migraines, urinary tract infections or gastro. If your practitioner determines it is clinically appropriate, they can likewise organise a referral for a blood test, radiology or a specialist.
With MediLeave, telehealth is straightforward, with a user-friendly service and approved documents delivered digitally by email or SMS. Whether you've been looking up "specialist referral online", "uti script online" or "instant scripts online", book your telehealth consultation now.
Call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department.
