TelehealthAn Australian-registered doctor may issue a prescription after a real-time phone or video consultation when the doctor has enough information and decides prescribing is lawful, safe and clinically appropriate. Booking an appointment or requesting a medicine does not guarantee a prescription, and the doctor may recommend in-person care instead.
The doctor must make an independent decision
A telehealth appointment is a clinical consultation, not an online medicine order. The doctor must establish enough information to make a safe decision and remains responsible for whether prescribing is appropriate.
A previous prescription, a pharmacy record or a patient request can provide context, but none of these requires the doctor to issue a new prescription.
Why a prescription may not be issued
- The concern needs a physical examination, observations, tests or closer monitoring.
- Identity, medicine history or other clinically relevant information cannot be confirmed.
- The requested medicine or condition is outside the scope of the service.
- The doctor considers another treatment, your regular GP or urgent care to be safer.
What to expect from Pharmacia
The booking page shows the consultation service, time allocation and fee before payment. The fee covers the doctor's assessment whether or not a prescription is issued.