Can doctors give scripts via telehealth?
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Telehealth, the delivery of healthcare services through digital platforms, has become integral to healthcare delivery in Australia. A key question in this context is whether doctors can prescribe medications through telehealth consultations. While the practice is permitted under certain conditions, it is regulated by a set of protocols and standards (eg. AHPRA guidelines) to maintain patient safety and preserve the quality of medical care. Let’s explore the prescribing of medications through telehealth services in Australia.
Also read: How eScripts work in Australia: A patient’s guide
What is a telehealth prescription?
A telehealth prescription refers to a prescription for medication that a healthcare provider authorises during a remote consultation conducted through video conferencing, telephone communication, or online messaging platforms. This prescription is formulated based on the symptoms reported by the patient, their medical history, and the assessment conducted by the healthcare provider during the consultation. Telehealth prescriptions may encompass medications for various medical conditions, including but not limited to antibiotics, analgesics, and treatments for chronic ailments such as indigestion, acid reflux, or allergic reactions. Following issuance, the prescription may be transmitted electronically to a local pharmacy or sent directly to the patient's residence, depending on the telehealth service and available options. This service facilitates a convenient and prompt method for patients to obtain necessary medications without requiring an in-person visit to a doctor's office.How do telehealth prescriptions work?
Healthcare professionals provide telehealth prescriptions during remote consultations via video calls. Request your telehealth prescription while you are at home:
- Telehealth consult: Patients initiate the process by arranging a virtual consultation with a healthcare provider for instant scripts.
- Assessment: During the consultation, patients discuss their symptoms and medical history, enabling the provider to diagnose.
- Prescription issuance: The healthcare provider transmits an electronic prescription to a designated pharmacy if deemed necessary.
- Prescription fulfilment: Patients can collect their medication from a pharmacy or receive it through home delivery, depending on the service.
Does the prescriber have to transmit the telehealth (paper) prescription to a pharmacy for dispensing?
The prescriber is not obligated to submit a paper prescription directly to the pharmacy for dispensing purposes. Patients can obtain the original paper prescription should they choose to handle the dispensing independently. Alternatively, the prescriber may provide an electronic prescription by issuing a token or associating it with the patient's Active Script List (ASL) – a secure digital record of prescriptions that enables pharmacies to dispense medications efficiently. This method facilitates a more efficient process. Consequently, patients benefit from the flexibility in selecting their preferred method of medication dispensing, while the prescriber is relieved from the necessity of directly transmitting the prescription to the pharmacy.AHPRA Guidelines for telehealth prescriptions
Telehealth plays an essential role in Australia's healthcare system, and recent updates from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) reaffirm its significance in prioritising safe prescribing practices.- Establishing real-time consultations between doctors and patients is fundamental for the safe and effective prescribing of medications. These interactions are critical in safeguarding patient safety and upholding the quality of care delivered.
- Using questionnaire-based, asynchronous web tools for prescribing medications— in the absence of real-time consultations—is deemed inappropriate and actively discouraged according to established guidelines.
- The guidelines emphasise the importance of maintaining the integrity of the doctor-patient relationship. They assert that telehealth services should enhance, rather than undermine, safe prescribing practices.
What other telehealth services does Hola Health offer?
Hola Health offers a range of telehealth services to make healthcare more accessible and convenient for all Australians. These include:
- Medical certificates – Fast and valid sick leave certificates for work, school, and universities.
- Online doctor referrals – Need to see a specialist or get a diagnostic test? Get a referral online without visiting a clinic.
- Mental Health Care Plans – Access professional support with a GP-approved mental health plan.
- Online pharmacy delivery – Get medications delivered straight to your door for added convenience.
- GP Consultations 24/7– Speak to a 24-hour doctor for expert medical advice from anywhere in Australia.
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Disclaimer
This content is created for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. For emergencies please immediately contact 000.
Get affordable healthcare on your terms, with quick access to qualified, Australian-registered telehealth doctors & health practitioners, 24/7, 365 days a year. No more searching for ‘doctors near me‘ – Hola connects you instantly.
Address: 79 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
Email: support@hola.health
Call 000 for emergency or urgent medical help
Get affordable healthcare on your terms, with quick access to qualified, Australian-registered telehealth doctors & health practitioners, 24/7, 365 days a year. No more searching for ‘doctors near me‘ – Hola connects you instantly.
Call 000 for emergency or urgent medical help.
Address: 79 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
Email: support@hola.health
© Hola Health, a brand of Packapill Pvt Ltd