FAQ

For any additional questions, please reach out to support@nextclinic.com.au

Telehealth Consultation

What is a telehealth doctor consultation in Australia?

The NextClinic telehealth platform allows you to make remote consultations with a doctor via phone call. During the consultation, the doctor will discuss your medical concerns, health issues, provide advice, and may recommend treatments or medications.

Do I need to book an appointment to speak with the doctor?

No, you do not need to book an appointment. Simply submit a request for a telehealth consultation, and the doctor will call you within one business hour.

What can I discuss with a health practitioner during a telehealth consultation?

You can discuss a wide range of health concerns, including symptoms, medical history, and other health-related issues. The practitioner will provide medical advice and, if necessary, the doctor will initiate treatment, such as antibiotic prescriptions, medical certificates, or referral letters.

Can I request an antibiotic prescription from the online doctor?

Yes, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics if clinically appropriate after the telehealth consultation.

Can I request a medical certificate online to defer my exam and assessment?

Yes, our doctor will thoroughly assess your medical condition during the online consultation and provide you with a medical certificate if deemed necessary.

Can I request a medical certificate for multiple days via telehealth consultation?

Yes, if your illness requires treatment and rest for multiple days to recover, our doctors will issue medical certificates for multiple days as the outcome of the online consultation.

Can an online doctor provide prescriptions?

Yes, AHPRA-accredited medical practitioners can issue prescriptions during telehealth consultations if deemed necessary. Approved prescriptions are sent to you via SMS for your convenience.

What if I miss the call from my health practitioner?

The doctor will attempt to call you again within 15 minutes. You can also reach out to our support team at support@nextclinic.com.au if you have further questions.

When will I receive the outcome of my online consultation?

If clinically appropriate, the doctor may issue your e-scripts, medical certificate or specialist referral during the consultation. You should receive them instantly during the consultation or within a few minutes after it concludes.

Will I get a refund if I don't receive what I request?

The outcome of the consultation is at the discretion and clinical judgment of the doctor. We cannot guarantee that the doctor will prescribe what you ask for or issue the medical certificate you request. General consultation fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome.

Can you create a mental health treatment plan via telehealth consultations?

No, we cannot create a mental health care plan through this pathway.

Can you provide weight loss plan via GP telehealth consultations?

No, we cannot create them through this pathway but we are working hard behind the scene to bring them to you.

Will I still need to visit a clinic?

Only if a hands-on exam with your regular doctor is essential. Otherwise, remote consultations cover most general health concerns.

Is there an age limit to use your service?

You must be at least 18 years old to use our services currently. We will be rolling out our services to minors soon. Please stay tuned.

Are telehealth consultations at NextClinic bulk-billed?

Our telehealth consultations are 100% private. Bulk billing is not available, and no medicare rebate.

What are your hours of operation?

Our doctors are online from 6 am to midnight AEST, 7 days a week.

How can I find a doctor for after-hours consultations?

With NextClinic, you can consult with licensed Australian doctors online from 6 am to midnight, ensuring access to healthcare at any time, including after-hours, weekends, and public holidays.

Is my data shared with anyone?

Only as needed for safe medical care (e.g., your regular GP or pharmacy). We never sell your data. We are here to solve your health problem, not create more!

Do you provide video consultation?

No, the consultations are done through a phone call but we are working to add video conference capability to our software suite so that you can talk with our doctors face-to-face via a video call. Video conferencing, coming soon!

Can I get UTI antibiotics without seeing the doctor in person?

Absolutely, our doctors can assess your symptoms over the phone and issue UTI antibiotics as an e-script if clinically appropriate.

Common questions

What does NextClinic do?

NextClinic is one of Australia's best telehealth platforms, offering telehealth consultations, affordable instant scripts for your regular medications, Online Medical Certificates and Specialist Referrals certified by Australian-registered doctors.

How does it work?

Our telehealth service simplifies accessing telehealth consultations, Medical Certificates, instant prescriptions and Specialist Referrals online. Request a medical certificate, an online prescription or specialist referral by starting the digital consultation and answering clinically formulated questions. An Australian-registered doctor will review your request within an hour. If approved after consultation, you’ll receive your online doctor’s certificate or specialist referral via email, or you can download it from your patient portal. You will receive your online script as a token on your mobile. Our process ensures quick, efficient, and convenient service for your health and peace of mind.

Are telehealth consultations via NextClinic covered by Medicare?

NextClinic is a 100% private clinic, and the consultations are not covered by Medicare. However, we keep our prices competitive so that they won't break your wallet for the simple matters that can be addressed easily via online consultations.

Is my information safe?

We prioritize your data privacy and security at our online telehealth service. Our platform is built to adhere to all relevant data protection regulations, ensuring the highest level of security for your personal and medical information. We implement robust technical safeguards and stringent organizational procedures to prevent unauthorized access or disclosure of your data.

For a comprehensive understanding of our commitment to data privacy, please consult our Privacy Policy. It outlines how we securely collect, utilize, and safeguard your information to protect your privacy.

Who are the healthcare professionals on NextClinic?

At NextClinic, our healthcare professionals are Australian-registered doctors, ensuring you receive care from fully licensed and thoroughly vetted medical experts.

When will I be able to request general consultations?

We will have general consultation options available within the next 3 months.

Why should I choose NextClinic?

NextClinic doctors are caring and will complete your request on time. We boast the best and simplest technology that is second to none in the market.

How do I log in to my patient portal?

You can log in to your patient portal (https://nextclinic.com.au/login) by entering your credentials. Your account was set up, and a welcome email was sent to you when you first requested a medical certificate from us. If you haven't set up your account yet, you can still try to log in by clicking "Forgot password" and following the prompts to reset it.

Medical Certificates

Are online medical certificates legal in Australia?

Yes, an online medical certificate in Australia is as valid as one obtained in person, provided it is issued by a legitimate provider such as Australian-registered doctors.

You can learn more about the evidence required by your employer when you are sick in the Fair Work Act 2009 s.107 .

It is always advisable to check with your employer and school/university regarding their sick leave policies and the evidence they accept to ensure eligibility for paid sick leave with an online medical certificate.

Our Medical Certificates come with a QR code so that your employer and school/university can verify easily.

What will be written on my online medical certificate?

Your online medical certificate will include the clinic's name, address, contact information, and the doctor's particulars such as their name, signature, and AHPRA registration number.

It will also feature the date the medical certificate is issued and the date you are unable to attend work or school. Detailed medical conditions will not be shown for confidentiality reasons.

Your name and the date you have chosen will appear exactly on the online medical certificate. It's most important that you spell your name correctly and choose the correct dates.

How long will it take to get my online medical certificate?

You will receive your medical certificate in your email within an hour. We strive to approve it within 15 minutes in most cases. Please ensure that you received the payment receipt from us. f you didn't receive it, it is very likely that you entered the wrong email.

Also, be sure to check your spam folder to make sure it has not been sent there.Or you can download from your patient portal within an hour from your request.

Do I need to consult with a doctor to get an online medical certificate?

Our doctors may call you if deemed necessary before approval of your online medical certificate.

How many days can I request for an online medical certificate in Australia?

We currently offer single-day or two-day medical certificates online in Australia for minor self-limiting illnesses, such as cold and flu, which usually don't require prescriptions other than rest and hydration.

Is it possible to backdate online medical certificates?

Sorry, we cannot backdate online medical certificates. However, a two-day medical certificate can cover up to 24 hours before the digital consultation date.

You may find more answers about backdated certificates here.

Is there an age limit to get an online medical certificate?

Yes, the age limit for our current Online Medical Certificate pathway is 18 years and above. This is because minors require longer consultations, which we do not currently provide. We will be offering such services in the near future, so please stay tuned.

How do I know if my request has been received by NextClinic?

When you requested an MC, your account was created using the email address you provided. You can simply set or reset your password to log in to your account/patient portal. If your request hasn’t been approved yet, you should see it as pending. Once it’s issued, you’ll be able to download it.

If you don’t see the pending request or the MC to download, you may have entered the wrong or a different email address. If you have any doubts, please contact support@nextclinic.com.au.

What if I accidentally entered the wrong email address?

You should contact support immediately by emailing support@nextclinic.com.au.

I selected the wrong dates for my medical certificates. Can I request to have them changed?

Unfortunately, we won't be able to change the dates on the already issued medical certificates. If your medical certificate request has not yet been reviewed by the doctor, and if you email support promptly, the doctor will simply reject your request, and you won't be charged. You can then easily request a new one with the correct date.

How can my workplace or school/university verify the authenticity of the medical certificate?

Each online medical certificate issued by NextClinic includes a QR code that allows employers and schools to easily verify its authenticity, ensuring that your sick leave certificate online is legitimate and accepted.

Can I request medical certificates for purposes other than work and study?

No, we cannot provide medical certificates for purposes outside of the workplace and study.

Due to the limitations of telehealth, NextClinic will not be able to issue medical certificates for the following purposes, but not limited to, under any circumstances:

- Fit to work / return to work

- Back to school clearance

- Centrelink certificates

- Work cover / compensation purposes

- Court or police station attendances

Can I request to include additional information on the medical certificate?

No, our online medical certificates come with standard information without detailing the illness for the purpose of confidentiality.

Can I get a sick certificate online for multiple days?

Yes, you can request a 2-day medical certificate if you need to take more than one day off. This option is perfect for minor illnesses that require a bit more time to recover.

Is there a fee for getting an online medical certificate?

Yes, there is a fee for obtaining an online medical certificate. Medical Certificates are certified by Australian-registered doctors. Prices start at $19.90 for a single-day certificate and $29.90 for a two-day certificate. The process is quick, affordable, and convenient, making it easy to get a doctor's certificate online without hassle.

Will I receive a refund if not satisfied?

You won't be charged until your request for a medical certificate has been approved. If our doctors reject your medical certificate based on clinical judgment or any other reason, you won't be charged. You should receive a rejection email along with a refund receipt from Stripe in such cases.

Prescriptions

How many repeats will I get with my online prescriptions?

Prescriptions issued via this pathway do not include repeats. However, NextClinic will soon offer general consultations. After such consultations, doctors may issue prescriptions with up to two repeats if deemed appropriate.

Why can’t I have repeats via this pathway?

This instant prescription service is designed for emergency situations—when you cannot secure an appointment with your regular GP or are away from your usual residence. Providing prescriptions without repeats encourages patients to visit their regular GP for a thorough assessment, ensuring proper care and management.

Do I need a Medicare card for an electronic prescription?

Yes, a Medicare card is required to receive an electronic prescription. If you don’t have one, you can use your Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI) number instead. To obtain an IHI number, you’ll need your passport and a valid Australian visa. Learn how to get your IHI number here.

Are there any medications NextClinic cannot prescribe via this pathway?

Yes, we cannot issue prescriptions for Schedule 8 medications or other prohibited drugs. Additionally, certain medications, such as weight-loss treatments (oral or injectable), are excluded from this service.

How long will it take to get a call from the doctor?

Please allow up to one hour for one of our doctors to contact you for a brief consultation. In most cases, calls are made within 15–30 minutes.

Can I go to any pharmacy?

Yes, you can visit any pharmacy that supports electronic prescriptions. Most pharmacies today have this capability.

Can I change the prescription or type of medication once it’s issued?

No, we cannot alter prescriptions after they’ve been issued unless there’s an error that prevents the pharmacy from dispensing the medication. During your short consultation, please ensure all the details you provide are accurate to avoid issues.

Will I get a refund if no pharmacy near me can dispense e-scripts?

Unfortunately, refunds are not available in such cases. We cannot guarantee the availability of prescribed medications at pharmacies near you. However, you may be able to purchase your medication online by uploading the e-script token.

Can I get an authority script via this pathway?

Authority prescriptions cannot be issued through this service unless the authority is streamlined. In such cases, you may receive a private prescription to cover a short duration.

Can I get antibiotics prescriptions online?

Yes, you can get antibiotics prescriptions after a consultation with our doctors, if deemed clinically necessary.

I cannot find my regular medication listed. How do I request it?

Please request a consultation with our doctors online, and they'll be able to issue any scripts that are not controlled substances or Schedule 8.

Can I get antiviral prescriptions online?

Yes, you can get antiviral prescriptions after a consultation with our doctors, if deemed clinically necessary.

Specialist Referral

What is an online specialist referral letter service?

An online specialist referral letter service can issue a new referral letter to a specialist of your choice or renew your referral to a specific specialist when it is about to expire. Through NextClinic, you can connect with an Australian-registered doctor who can issue a specialist referral letter online, eliminating the need for an in-person clinic visit.

How does an online referral letter to a specialist work?

You will be asked to fill out a request form detailing your symptoms, needs and some medical history. One of our Australian-Registered doctors will then call you for a short consultation before issuing an online referral letter to a specialist. The referral is valid and can be used just like a normal referral from your GP.

How much does it cost to obtain a specialist referral letter online?

You can consult with one of our doctors to obtain a specialist referral letter online for just $39.90.

How long does it take to get a specialist referral letter online?

Most of NextClinic’s online specialist referral letters are issued within the hour after a short consultation. We have doctors available between 6 am and midnight, 7 days a week

What should I do if I have an issue with my online specialist referral letter?

Contact our customer support team at support@nextclinic.com.au for assistance with any concerns regarding your referral or the provider.