What’s the difference between online and in-person medical certificates?

Online and in-person medical certificates provided by a certified healthcare practitioner are typically accepted in Australia. The most significant difference is in how the assessment is conducted. Online doctor certificates can be obtained following a telehealth assessment by phone or video, and in-person credentials are granted following a face-to-face meeting.

Neither certificate is automatically “better”; it depends on your circumstances. Telehealth may be a practical solution for common ailments such as colds, flu, migraines, and short-term illnesses. However, if your illness necessitates a physical examination, testing, or hands-on evaluation, an in-person visit may be preferable. Employers are typically more concerned with whether the certificate is legitimate and properly issued than with how the consultation occurred. 

Are both valid and accepted at Australian workplaces?

Yes. Under the Fair Work Act, the key question is whether the evidence would satisfy a reasonable person that you were entitled to the leave. Certificates issued by an AHPRA-registered practitioner — whether online or in person — meet this standard, and employers, schools, and universities generally accept telehealth certificates, especially for short-term illnesses. Some workplaces may have their own specific requirements, so check yours if you’re unsure.

When to use telehealth vs going to clinic (real life cases)

A few common situations where each option tends to suit people well:

Telehealth may work well when:

• It’s after hours, a weekend, or a public holiday and your regular clinic is closed
• You have a common, short-term illness (like a cold, flu, or migraine) that doesn’t need a physical exam
• You’re too unwell to travel, or getting to a clinic isn’t practical
• You need documentation quickly to notify your employer or school

An in-person visit may be more appropriate when:

• Your symptoms are severe, unusual, or getting worse
• You need a physical examination, testing, or hands-on treatment
• Your practitioner recommends it based on what you’ve described

If a Hola Health practitioner isn’t able to safely assess you by telehealth, they’ll let you know and can recommend the right next step, including seeing someone in person.

What if I need an urgent doctor’s note for sudden sickness?

Getting sick suddenly might make going to the doctor challenging, especially if the symptoms occur overnight or before work. In some cases, urgent telehealth assessments may allow qualified patients to obtain medical advice and, if clinically appropriate, a same-day medical certificate. 

Hola Health helps in these situations where a medical certificate is needed urgently or at odd times when clinics are closed. Being a 24/7 telehealth service, a patient can obtain a 1-day, 2-day or multiple-day medical certificate within minutes following an easy process. No registration, no waiting, just fast access to med certs online.

Doctors must still evaluate your symptoms before providing a certificate, whether online or in person. A certificate cannot normally be backdated without a clinical explanation, so get medical counsel as soon as possible if illness prevents you from working or studying. 

Note: Telehealth is not suitable for medical emergencies. If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, call 000 immediately.