Answering this question requires understanding what medical certificates are for, how they are issued, and what scrutiny they must withstand. Telehealth doctors’ consultations are subject to the same regulations as in-person doctor visits. Surprisingly, the answer is that while you can request the certificate to reflect an earlier start of your illness or absence from work than the consultation and issue date, not all telehealth services offer backdated certificates, with some specifically stating only same-day certificates will be issued. Let’s take a look at why.
Can Online Medical Certificates Be Backdated in Australia?
Can Online Medical Certificates Be Backdated in Australia?
Of course, doctors cannot backdate the issue date of a certificate due to legal obligations. But you are well within your rights to ask your consulting doctor to backdate the start of your illness. The doctor must be reasonably sure that this is clinically justified and record the reasons for the backdating in your medical record. They can refuse to backdate if they do not believe your illness or absence started on the date you request. This is up to the doctor’s discretion. Your diagnosis does not have to be included on the certificate for most purposes (to protect your privacy). Still, the doctor should clearly state on the certificate that you were unfit to work from a specific date. Some employers do require a diagnosis to access sick pay.
As mentioned, not all telehealth providers offer backdated certificates. Here are a few I’ve vetted that do:
- Medmate
- Qoctor
- My Telehealth Clinic
This may be due to the lack of an in-person assessment, making it more difficult for doctors to verify patients’ claims and physical state. Some providers may want to protect their doctors from requests that they may not feel comfortable fulfilling. Based on the reviews I have read online, some customers become very upset with online doctors who don’t accommodate their requests, whether for scripts or certificates.
Healthcare professionals registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) [2], including doctors and nurses, can issue medical certificates, both online and offline. As they are registered with the AHPRA, this means that they need to comply with the rules outlined above to issue (and backdate) medical certificates.
It is best to book an online consultation as soon as you start feeling sick. This will help you avoid having to backdate your certificate. However, if you forget, can’t get an appointment or weren’t aware you needed a certificate, book as soon as you get around to it and use a fast provider to avoid further delays. Remember, backdating is at the doctor’s discretion, meaning they do not have to note down a different start date for your illness if they cannot verify or justify it clinically.
It is a good idea to have your symptoms clearly written down, as well as your reasoning for not being able to attend an online consultation sooner. As telehealth consultations can catch you off-guard, with no time to gather your thoughts as you head into the doctor’s office, notes can help you focus, especially while sick. Also, appointments often don’t last more than a few minutes, so you want to make the most of it, which may include getting a script and medical advice, too.
Ensure the doctor has clearly understood the date you got sick, whether you want your diagnosis reflected on your certificate for your employer, and that the medical certificate includes the estimated period you will be absent. This is particularly important if you need the certificate to claim sick pay or to reschedule an exam.
Backdated certificates are legitimate and can be obtained online at some telehealth providers. Backdating refers to the date your illness began, not the date the issue was issued. They can only be requested and are at the consulting doctor’s discretion, meaning you are not entitled to receive one if your symptoms don’t justify the backdating. Finally, some providers do not offer backdating, and it may be easier for a doctor to verify your symptoms in person.
This article is for informational purposes only and is no substitute for professional medical advice. Please choose your provider with care. Always consult your doctor or a qualified health professional regarding any health-related questions or concerns.