Health Info > Telehealth Published on : March 28, 2025

Can online GP give prescriptions?

Name: Hola Health
Address: Australia
Telephone: +611300014652
Price range: $

Written by the editorial staff writer at Hola. Medically Reviewed by Dr Nelson Lau, MBBS FRACGP, GP & Digital Health Specialist.

Summary: Telemedicine has revolutionised healthcare by enabling patients to consult online GPs for prescriptions without in-person visits. Online prescriptions, delivered via SMS with a digital token, offer convenience for managing minor ailments and chronic conditions. Services like Hola Health streamline the process, allowing users to request scripts, consult doctors, and receive prescriptions digitally. Patients can also access and manage prescriptions through apps like My Health Record. Additionally, after-hours telehealth services provide prescriptions anytime, ensuring accessibility even on weekends or holidays. While online scripts enhance convenience, certain medications remain restricted, and urgent cases still require in-person care.

In recent years, telemedicine has significantly transformed the healthcare sector by enabling patients to consult with medical professionals remotely. A rising trend in telemedicine is the use of online General Practitioners (GPs) who provide consultations via video or phone calls. As the healthcare industry increasingly shifts towards virtual solutions, an important question arises: Can online general practitioners issue prescriptions? While online GPs can prescribe medications for a range of conditions, restrictions apply to certain medications, such as controlled substances. Let's examine the practicalities, challenges, limitations and potential advantages of this approach.

Can an online doctor give a prescription?

Yes, you can request a prescription online for common health problems without an in-person appointment. The doctor will review your symptoms, provide recommendations, and suggest appropriate treatments. The doctor must be AHPRA-registered, and if appropriate, they will issue a prescription after the consultation. However, certain medications, such as strong painkillers and sedatives, are generally not prescribed online due to legal and safety concerns.

What does getting an online script mean?

Online prescriptions are a digital version of traditional prescriptions, delivered via SMS, video, or voice calls. It is a part of Australia’s National Digital Strategy and prescription delivery service. E-prescriptions are sent via SMS, which includes a digital token like a barcode or QR code that can be scanned at most pharmacies in Australia. Online prescriptions can be requested for minor ailments like colds, coughs, fevers, stomach issues, sore throats, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections. They can also be used for chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or hypertension, making medication management more convenient, no matter the patient’s location, though regular in-person monitoring may still be necessary. Online prescriptions offer convenience by eliminating travel and long waiting times.

Also read: What are telehealth prescriptions?

How to get a prescription online in Australia?

Obtaining an online prescription through Hola Health is fast and easy. Simply follow these straightforward steps:

Access the Hola Health website or app and navigate to instant scripts
Tap on “Request an Instant Script” to start your request.
Choose prescription and provide your information.
Complete a secure payment to move forward with your consultation.
Have a consultation with a licensed doctor or healthcare professional via telehealth.
If approved, your prescription will be sent to you via SMS, enabling you to pick it up from a nearby pharmacy or arrange for home delivery

Can you see your prescriptions online?

Indeed, in Australia, you can conveniently access your prescriptions online through various applications and digital health services. Platforms such as Hola Health, My Health Record, and pharmacy applications enable you to manage and view all your prescriptions in one location. These applications allow you to:

Keep all prescriptions stored digitally, minimising the necessity for physical scripts.
Receive and examine electronic prescriptions (eScripts) directly sent to your phone.
Monitor medication history and get refill reminders for improved management.
Share prescriptions with pharmacies for quick and hassle-free pickup or delivery.

Also read: How long does it take to get a prescription from Hola Health?

Can you get script after hours?

Absolutely, you can obtain a prescription outside of regular hours via online telehealth services like Hola Health. Numerous telehealth platforms are available around the clock, allowing you to request a prescription anytime, including during nights, weekends, and public holidays. With online services, you can:

Consult with a doctor at any time through telehealth.
Obtain an instant prescription if deemed appropriate.
Receive the script via SMS or email for easy access.
Collect medications from a pharmacy or opt for home delivery.

In conclusion, online GPs allow patients to acquire prescriptions without the necessity of an in-person visit, streamlining healthcare. This eliminates both wait times and travel, offering a faster and more convenient way to receive medical care from home. However, in urgent cases, you should still go to an emergency department or urgent care clinic. After-hours prescriptions may also have higher fees.

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