Can I get a script without going to the doctor?
Medically reviewed by Dr Ammar Al-Ani
General Practitioner - MBChB, CCBST, AMC, 28+ Years of Experience
Updated in
Yes, you can get a script online via telehealth that is valid and legal in Australia. You don’t need to visit a clinic in person. With Hola, you can request a prescription online and have a real-time consultation (Video) with an AHPRA-registered doctor or medical practitioner. If they think the medication is suitable and safe, they’ll issue an eScript, sent to your phone shortly after your consultation.
Can I get a prescription over the phone?
Yes, absolutely. Hola doctors or medical practitioners can review your request and speak with you over a phone video consult if needed. If clinically appropriate, the doctor will send your electronic script (QR code) directly to your phone within minutes.
Note: Electronic prescriptions are a convenient alternative but do not replace the need for in-person consultations when a physical examination is required.
Is a script online different from a paper prescription?
In terms of validity and legal standing, an eScript is legally equivalent to a paper prescription for PBS access and dispensing purposes. Both are issued under Australian prescribing law by AHPRA-registered practitioners. The only real differences are in how it’s delivered and how you use it. Here is the breakdown of why they are the same and the tiny ways they differ:
1. Same Legal Standing
- AHPRA Approved: Both are issued by registered Australian doctors following the same medical guidelines.
- PBS Access: You get the same government subsidies (PBS) whether the pharmacist scans a piece of paper or a QR code on your phone.
2. The “Token” vs. The “Paper”
- The Paper Script: You physically hand over a signed piece of paper. The pharmacist keeps it or gives you a “repeat” on another piece of paper.
- The eScript (The “Token”): You receive a QR code via SMS or email. The pharmacist scans it directly from your phone.
There is no difference in the medicine you get or the legality of the document—the eScript is just the modern, fast, and secure way to get your health sorted. It is accepted at most pharmacies across Australia.
Key Differences in Convenience
| Feature | Paper Script | eScript with Hola Health |
| Storage | Easy to lose or damage. | Saved in your SMS, email, or Medicare “Active Script List.” |
| Delivery | Must be picked up in person or posted. | Delivered to your phone via SMS or email shortly after your consultation. |
| Security | Can be forged or altered. | Highly secure; the QR code is a “key” that unlocks the prescription directly from a national encrypted database. |
Why is Hola Health eScript better for your “after-hours” scenarios?
For the tradie on a site or the camper in the bush, the Hola Health eScript is a game-changer. eScripts offer several practical advantages for Hola Health patients:
- Zero Travel: You don’t have to drive to a clinic just to pick up a piece of paper.
- Instant Delivery: Shortly after your telehealth consult, the script is sent to your phone.
- Pharmacy Freedom: You can go to a late-night pharmacy that is convenient for you, rather than one near the doctor’s office.
Are online prescriptions accepted by local pharmacies?
Yes, online scripts issued through Hola Health are accepted at most pharmacies across Australia. Your eScript arrives as an SMS with a QR code. Just show the code at the pharmacy counter, and they’ll scan it to dispense your medication. Hola Health online scripts are:
- Issued only by AHPRA-registered Australian doctors or practitioners
- Fully valid and secure
- Legally equivalent to paper prescriptions — delivered digitally to your phone
How it works:
- Request Online: Select your medication via our secure platform.
- Real-Time Consult: Speak with a registered doctor or medical practitioner via Video. They will review your history and confirm the medication is safe for you.
- Instant eScript: If approved, your script is sent instantly to your phone via SMS (QR code).
Get your online script bulk-billed for eligible Medicare cardholders during designated after-hours periods.