Telehealth Medical Certificates in Australia: Everything You Need to Know in 2026
A comprehensive guide to getting a medical certificate via telehealth in Australia. Learn about legality, acceptance by employers, Centrelink compliance, and how the process works.
Are telehealth medical certificates legal in Australia?
Yes. Under Australian law, medical certificates issued by AHPRA-registered doctors following a telehealth consultation are legally valid. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the Medical Board of Australia recognise telehealth as a legitimate form of medical consultation. This means certificates issued via platforms like DoccyMed carry the same legal weight as those issued in a physical clinic.
What can a telehealth doctor certify?
Telehealth doctors can certify a wide range of conditions including cold and flu, gastroenteritis, migraines, back pain, mental health conditions (anxiety, depression, stress), chronic conditions, and general illness. For conditions requiring physical examination, a doctor may recommend an in-person visit.
Do employers accept telehealth certificates?
Yes. Under the Fair Work Act 2009, employers must accept medical certificates from registered medical practitioners regardless of whether the consultation was in-person or via telehealth. DoccyMed certificates include QR verification codes that employers can instantly verify for authenticity.
Centrelink and Services Australia
DoccyMed issues official Centrelink SU415 medical certificates that are fully compliant with Services Australia requirements. These certificates are issued on the official government form template and include all required fields including CRN, condition details, and duration of incapacity.
How does it compare to visiting a GP?
Traditional GP visits cost $40-80+ even with Medicare, plus travel time and waiting room delays averaging 30-60 minutes. Telehealth certificates through DoccyMed cost from $10.95, take about 8 minutes, and are available 24/7. The key difference: DoccyMed includes a real clinical consultation — not just a questionnaire — making it clinically comparable to an in-person visit for certifiable conditions.