One Time Services
Understanding Medical Certificates
In Australia, the National Employment Standards (NES), outlined in the Fair Work Act 2009, set the basic work standards, including various types of leave such as annual leave and personal/carer's leave for those caring for someone with a disability, injury, or chronic illness.
A medical certificate is typically required to prove that an individual is unfit for work due to health reasons. These are usually obtained from healthcare professionals after a consultation and assessment of your condition.
However, do you always need to provide a medical certificate when you're unwell? If your illness is minor and does not require medical treatment, other forms of documentation can be sufficient. An Absence From Work Certificate or a Sick Certificate can be just as valid. These alternatives are often easier, quicker, and more convenient to obtain. Dociva provides an accessible online solution.
Our Online Sick Leave Certificate and Carer's Leave Certificate are ideal for minor illnesses that do not require a doctor's consultation but still necessitate a day off work.
The process of obtaining medical certificate involves the following steps:
The Fair Work Ombudsman recognises both medical certificates and other types of evidence as valid proof for sick leave, provided they convince a reasonable person that the employee genuinely required the time off. This means the certificate must be issued by a certified medical professional, include all necessary details, and comply with relevant laws or regulations.
There may be specific conditions that need to be met:
Certificates from Dociva are legal and official documents.
Dociva also prioritises your privacy and security. All information you provide is kept strictly confidential and will not be shared with third parties without your consent. Our platform complies with relevant data protection laws to ensure your personal information is safe and secure. You can learn more about our privacy policy.
We recognise the importance of obtaining a medical certificate quickly and conveniently from home. Our intuitive online form allows you to obtain a valid medical certificate effortlessly and affordably. Skip the waiting rooms and video consultations-secure your certificate easily with Dociva. Learn more about sick leave certificate, carer's leave certificate and mental leave certificate.
Medical Certificates
For Today's Date
Sick Leave Certificate
Choose this option if you are unable to work due to illness or injury, including mental health issues or stress.
Available for $16.90
Apply NowFor Today's Date
Carer's Leave Certificate
Choose this option if you are unable to attend work because you need to care for a family member or someone in your household.
Available for $16.90
Apply NowOnline Consultations: Convenient, Accessible, and Efficient Telehealth Services
Telehealth consultations offer a convenient and accessible way to receive medical care without the need for an in-person visit. Through our secure online platform (Dociva), patients can book appointments and consult with healthcare professionals via online video meetings. This approach makes healthcare services more efficient and flexible for those with busy schedules, mobility issues, or those living in rural or remote areas.
To book an online appointment, patients can easily schedule a consultation by completing a form. Once an appointment is scheduled, the consultation will be conducted via a secure video call, ensuring privacy and convenience.
The process of online consultations generally involves the following steps:
Telehealth is revolutionising the way we access healthcare, providing a secure, fast, and flexible alternative to traditional in-person visits.
Book Online Consultation
Get Expert Medical Advice Today
Convenient and Affordable Online Consultations
Connect with trusted, licensed healthcare professionals to receive expert medical advice, obtain verified medical leave certificates for work or personal needs, and access personalised treatment plans designed to address your specific health concerns. Enjoy the convenience of high-quality healthcare services delivered directly to you, eliminating the need for travel or long waiting times—all from the comfort and privacy of your own home.
Standard Consultation
Ideal for addressing general health concerns, prescription renewals, and obtaining medical certificates for urgent short-term health needs or minor illnesses.
Duration: 8 minutes
Book Now
Extended Consultation
Recommended for more detailed discussions, chronic condition management, or when additional time is required to address your health needs.
Duration: 15 minutes
Book Now
Specialist Referrals
Following your online consultation with an AHPRA-accredited doctor, you may be referred to a specialist if your condition requires more in-depth evaluation or treatment. Our doctors can assess your symptoms and medical history to determine whether a referral to a specialist—such as a cardiologist, dermatologist, or psychiatrist—is appropriate.
The referral process is completely digital. Once approved, your specialist referral letter will be issued and sent to your email. This letter is valid across Australia and can be used to book appointments with private specialists nationwide. You don't need to visit a clinic in person—your referral is just a consultation away.
Key benefits of getting specialist referrals online through Dociva include:
Your referral letter will be emailed securely and can be printed. With Dociva, accessing specialist care starts with a simple online consultation.
Order Pathology Referrals
After your online consultation, your doctor may recommend blood tests or other lab investigations to support your diagnosis. With Dociva, approved pathology referrals are issued quickly and sent directly to your email—no clinic visit required.
Our digital forms can be used for common pathology tests such as full blood count (FBC), iron studies, thyroid function tests, STI screenings, and more. These forms are accepted at most pathology collection centres across Australia.
The advantages of ordering pathology referrals online include:
Simply present your emailed referral at the collection centre of your choice. It's a fast and secure way to manage your healthcare from the comfort of your home.
Radiology Referrals Without a Clinic Visit
Need an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI? After assessing your symptoms in a telehealth consultation, your doctor may issue a radiology referral if imaging is necessary. There's no need to attend a GP practice in person—your referral can be handled 100% online.
Fast online referrals are available for common imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds. Once approved, your referral form will be emailed to you and can be used at most private radiology providers throughout Australia.
Why choose Dociva for radiology referrals?
Your imaging referral will be delivered securely via email and can be used to book your test at your convenience. It's a quick and compliant way to access diagnostic services remotely.
Order Prescriptions After Your Online Consultation
Once you've had your online consultation with a licensed healthcare professional, the next step is obtaining any necessary prescriptions. If your doctor determines that medication is required, they can issue a prescription directly after the consultation, without the need for a physical visit to a clinic.
With our telehealth services, the process is entirely digital and secure. After your consultation, your doctor will send an electronic prescription (eScript) directly to your phone or email. This digital prescription is legally recognised and can be used at any pharmacy that supports electronic prescriptions. No more waiting in line at the pharmacy or dealing with paper prescriptions—your medication is just a few clicks away.
The benefits of ordering prescriptions online with Dociva include:
Once you have your prescription, you can easily share it with your preferred pharmacy through the digital token sent to your mobile. Whether you're at home or on the go, getting your medication is now more accessible than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When you're feeling under the weather and might not be able to make it to work, you may find yourself wondering: Do I need an online medical certificate for sick leave? Legally, all employers are entitled to request proof of illness, even for absences as brief as 1 day or less. In some cases, the requirement for medical documentation may depend on your employer's policies, and the specific circumstances surrounding your illness.
In Australia, national employment standards outline that employees are entitled to 10 sick days per year, provided they are full-time employees. For part-time and casual employees, this is prorated according to the number of hours worked.
In circumstances where a medical certificate is necessary, you can get one from a range of healthcare providers such as medical clinics, or by visiting your regular GP or family doctor. They are familiar with your medical history and can provide an accurate assessment of your condition.
It's important to note that there are cases where a medical certificate or an online medical certificate may not be necessary for taking sick leave. An Absence From Work Certificate or a Sick Certificate could suffice as evidence for your inability to work. An Absence From Work Certificate, for instance, documents a verified absence from work due to illness without requiring a comprehensive medical assessment.
Similarly, a Sick Certificate is a simplified form of documentation confirming your sickness without providing detailed medical information. Both these alternatives offer a less demanding and more efficient approach to substantiating your need for time off, provided your illness isn't severe or complex.
A Sick Leave Certificate is a document that serves as proof that you are unable to attend work due to illness or injury. It's required by employers to justify absences from work due to health issues.
A Carer's Leave Certificate is necessary for taking time off work when a family or household member needs care due to illness, injury, or an unexpected emergency, including situations like caring for a sick or injured child.
Our online absence from work certificate service, commonly referred to as 'medical certificate' is available from our certificate application page. Enter your details, complete the questionnaire and make a secure payment to receive your certificate.
Not necessarily. While employers can request proof of illness, It's important to understand that not all company policies mandate the submission of documentation, such as a medical certificate, for absence due to illness. In some cases, a simple verbal notification to your manager or employer suffices. However, for clarity and to ensure compliance with your specific workplace requirements, we strongly advise consulting your company's HR policies directly.
The process is designed to be quick and efficient, though the exact time may vary. Typically, you will receive your certificate shortly after submission if all required information has been correctly provided.
If you experience issues during the application process, you can contact Dociva's support team at support@dociva.com.au for assistance.
With Dociva's convenient service, obtaining a certificate is simple: all you need is a computer or smartphone with internet access. This allows you to apply from the comfort of your home, eliminating the need to schedule an appointment or wait in a doctor's office.
You can use an online medical certificate for various types of leave, including sick leave and carer's leave. Sick leave is typically used when experiencing a medical condition that prevents you from performing your duties at work. Carer's leave, on the other hand, is taken when you need to care for a family member or household member who is ill or injured.
Absolutely. The Fair Work Act 2009 outlines the standards that medical certificates must meet in Australia. If an online medical certificate issued by a licensed healthcare provider complies with these regulations, it is considered a valid document that can be used as official proof. This certificate plays an important role in determining whether an employee qualifies for paid sick leave or other types of leave benefits.
Yes, Dociva prioritises the privacy and security of your personal information. All data collected during the certificate application process is encrypted and stored securely in compliance with Australian privacy laws.
Yes, but this depends on the healthcare provider issuing the certificate. Generally, a new certificate is required for each day of leave.
Yes, online medical certificates can be used for mental health leave. However it is recommended that you check with your employer regarding any specific policies.
If you have not received your certificate within the expected time, check your spam folder or contact support@dociva.com.au for assistance.
A certificate from Dociva cost $16.90, making it an affordable alternative to traditional doctor visits.
You can discuss an early return to work with your employer, but it is advisable to confirm with your doctor to ensure it's safe.
The certificate's validity depends on the length of leave requested and the discretion of the healthcare provider.
It's recommended that you check with your HR department or supervisor about your company's policies on accepting online medical certificates.