Online Prescription in Australia: 100% Bulk Billed

Yes, online prescriptions are valid when approved by an AHPRA-registered doctor or health practitioner through a secure telehealth consult. They are widely accepted at most local chemists. An online prescription is a digital alternative to the traditional paper prescription. Once approved, the online script or eScript will be sent via SMS. This SMS will contain a digital token that can be scanned at most pharmacies or uploaded to an online pharmacy to dispense the medicine. They offer a safe and convenient alternative, as both online and paper prescriptions follow the same regulations for prescribing and dispensing medication.

Yes. Speaking to a telehealth doctor or a registered practitioner to obtain an online prescription is legal in Australia. The Australian Government changed legislation in 2019 to make electronic prescribing of PBS medicines legal nationwide. States and territories have also made changes to their legal frameworks to allow for electronic prescriptions. Electronic prescriptions, also known as eScripts, are now a highly common and convenient option that removes the need for a physical paper prescription. The same regulations for prescribing and supplying medicines exist for both paper and electronic prescriptions.

Bulk billing for online prescriptions means that the cost of your consultation is covered by Medicare.

There is a list of medication which is eligible for bulk billing and during your online script process, you will be asked to select a medication from this list. If you have your Medicare information in place and select a medicine from this list, you can obtain the prescription at no personal cost upon doctor’s approval.

Yes, AHPRA-certified online doctors or practitioners in Australia can prescribe medications via telehealth consultations. If appropriate, they will issue an online prescription, which is sent to your phone or email. However, controlled substances cannot be prescribed online and may require an in-person consultation.

Please note: Prescriptions are not guaranteed with Hola Health. We uphold the highest standards of healthcare. A general practitioner has the authority to decline the medication prescription if it is determined that such action would not serve the patient’s best interests. This determination may consider various factors, including the patient’s medical history, contraindications, or the absence of a definitive diagnosis. Medical practitioners are responsible for ensuring that all prescribed medications are safe, effective, and aligned with the needs of the patient. When they refuse to prescribe medication, they may propose alternative treatment options or recommend that the patient seek further evaluation from a specialist.

An ASL is a secure digital system that consolidates all your online prescriptions in one place. This eliminates the need to track individual prescription tokens. Simply visit a participating pharmacy, provide consent, and the pharmacist can retrieve and dispense your medications.

If you’re taking multiple medications, an active script list (ASL) helps store all your prescriptions digitally. With your consent, any participating pharmacy can access your ASL, making it easier to manage medications without needing multiple prescription tokens.

How to set up an ASL?

• Visit a participating pharmacy with identification and request enrolment.
• Once registered, all your prescriptions will automatically be added to your ASL.
• When filling a prescription, give your consent for the pharmacy to access your list and dispense your medication.

Any Australian resident who meets the eligibility criteria for a certain medication can request a prescription online. The patient who is requesting for a medication online will have a short telehealth appointment with a qualified health practitioner, who reviews the patient’s conditions and gives his/her approval for an instant script online.

The number of repeats on a prescription depends on the doctor who is approving your medication and is stated clearly on the online script provided.

Yes, through Hola Health’s 24/7 telehealth services in Australia, you can request an online script from the comfort of your home without an in-person appointment. Visit the Hola Health website or app, request an online script, fill in all details along with your Medicare information, speak to a registered practitioner online and if approved, receive your online script via SMS.

If you are a carer or a guardian, you can assist the process of ordering a prescription online on behalf of your loved one, provided their consent is given or if you are a parent or an immediate family member who has taken upon the carer’s duties for a particular patient.

Yes, a trusted family member, caregiver, or authorised agent can collect your medication by presenting your prescription token at the pharmacy. If you use an ASL, you can authorise a caregiver to access and manage your prescriptions on your behalf.

Online Rx prescriptions can be requested for most common medications for minor illnesses, injuries, skin conditions or certain mental health concerns. You can also request a prescription or a prescription renewal for managing chronic conditions that stay stable. Some medications such as S8 medications or restricted medication cannot be prescribed online. 

You can get an online script within a few minutes through Hola Health’s online scripts service post a telehealth consult and upon the approval from the consulting practitioner.

Yes, request an online prescription whenever you need from anywhere in Australia through Hola Health’s 24/7 telehealth services. Whether you need an urgent script after-hours or on weekends of public holidays, be assured Hola Health is always available for you. 

To access bulk billed online prescriptions, you must:  

1. Hold a valid Medicare card  
2. Be in Australia at the time of the consultation  
3. Meet the clinical guidelines for the requested medication

Once approved, you will receive the online script as an SMS on your registered mobile number. This SMS will contain a digital token which is a barcode or a QR code. This can be scanned at a nearby pharmacy or get a home delivery of the medicine through an online chemist delivery.

How to collect your medication?

Visit a pharmacy of your choice and present your prescription token for scanning. The pharmacist will retrieve your details, dispense the medication, and offer professional advice as needed. You can also opt for home delivery to save time.

What if I delete my prescription token?

If your eScript token is lost or deleted, you can request a resend through the Hola Health support team. The support team will resend it as a PDF token, so it will come via email and still be usable in the exact same way.

At Hola Health, bulk billing is applied automatically if you are eligible and medication you want to request is listed. Simply provide your Medicare details during booking. If you meet the requirements, the claim will be processed by Hola on your behalf. Since there is no upfront fee for the consultation (patients pay nothing), the Medicare rebate will be paid to Hola directly. 

Most pharmacies in Australia accept online prescriptions. Once you receive your prescription token via SMS or email, you can present it at a pharmacy for dispensing. Some pharmacies also offer home delivery for added convenience. If unsure, check with your preferred pharmacy beforehand.

Most common medications can be prescriber through a short online doctor consultation with licensed practitioners. Examples of medications that can be prescribed online are: 

• Medicines for minor illnesses such as colds, coughs, some fevers, sore throat, gastro etc. 

• Medicines for minor injuries. 

• Medication for certain skin conditions. 

• Medications to manage stable chronic conditions. 

• Prescription renewals and medication for certain mental health concerns.