Here’s a concise guide to online “sick note” / medical‑certificate services in Australia, how they work, what’s legal, and reputable providers you can consider.

How online sick notes work (short)

• You complete an online form or book a telehealth consult (chat, phone or video).
• An AHPRA‑registered doctor reviews your case and — if clinically appropriate — issues a medical certificate (sick note) electronically. (MinuteHealth.co)

Legal status and employer acceptance

• Online medical certificates are legal and accepted in Australia when issued by an Australian‑registered practitioner (AHPRA). Telehealth certificates carry the same legal weight as in‑person certificates. (doccert.com.au)
• Employers can request “reasonable” evidence for sick leave under Australian workplace law (Fair Work). What counts as reasonable can vary by employer/award; many employers accept a standard doctor’s certificate. (News.com.au)

Reputable Australian online services (examples) These platforms advertise telehealth consults and online medical certificates in Australia:

• MinuteHealth. Offers 24/7 doctor review and verification for employers. (MinuteHealth.co)
• Medmate / Medmate affiliate pages (online certificates for set fees). Note: some telehealth providers have been the subject of regulatory attention for specific prescribing practices — this is about prescribing issues, not certificates, but it’s a reminder to pick reputable platforms. (Medmate.com.au)
• Qoctor. Low‑cost single‑day and multi‑day certificate options. (Qoctor.com.au)
• Prime Medic. Telehealth medical certificates via secure consults. (primemedic.com.au)
• DoctorCAM. Telehealth doctor’s certificates, after‑hours service. (DoctorCAM.com.au)
• MIDOC. Fast, AHPRA‑approved online medical certificates. (MIDOC.com.au)
• doccert (blog/info on legality and how it works). (doccert.com.au)

(These are examples found online; availability, pricing and services can change — see “checklist” below.)

What to watch for — red flags and cautions

• Any service that issues a certificate WITHOUT a doctor review or with no consultation is a red flag — avoid it. (doccert.com.au)
• Certificates lacking doctor name, AHPRA registration number or contact details may not be accepted. (doccert.com.au)
• Offers to backdate certificates beyond what is clinically appropriate can be illegal or unethical. (doccert.com.au)
• Some telehealth businesses have attracted regulatory scrutiny (e.g., for prescribing practices) — prefer transparent providers with clear doctor accreditation and verification. (theguardian.com)

Practical tips when using an online service

• Confirm the issuing doctor is AHPRA‑registered (ask for registration number or check the certificate). (MIDOC.com.au)
• Keep the emailed certificate and any verification link — many services offer employer verification. (MinuteHealth.co)
• Check cost and turnaround time (prices vary; some advertise <$20 for single‑day certificates). (Qoctor.com.au)
• If your employer or an external body needs extra forms (WorkCover, Centrelink, court), make sure the platform can complete those — many do not. (Qoctor.com.au)

If your employer disputes a certificate

• Employers can ask for reasonable evidence; the Fair Work Ombudsman guidance and your workplace policy determine what’s reasonable. If in doubt, keep the certificate and any verification details and discuss with HR or Fair Work. (News.com.au)

Summary

• Online sick notes are legal in Australia when issued by AHPRA‑registered practitioners via telehealth. Choose reputable platforms that show doctor details, offer a real consultation, and provide employer verification. Examples of Australian services include MinuteHealth, Medmate, Qoctor, Prime Medic, DoctorCAM and MIDOC. Verify current pricing, terms and that the provider meets your employer’s evidence requirements before purchase. (MinuteHealth.co)

If you’d like, I can:

• Compare prices and typical turnaround times for 2–3 specific providers now, or
• Show how to check an individual doctor’s AHPRA registration number for verification.

Which would you prefer?