5 common reasons to get a medical certificate online
Can you request a medical certificate online?
In a word, yes. Though not for every illness- it very much depends on your symptoms. People are much more familiar with the process of speaking to their doctor over the phone or via video consultation, since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Certain health problems are quite easy to self-diagnose- head colds, sore throats, period pain and migraine, to name a few. As we all know, many workplaces and universities request a medical certificate if you take a day off. In the past this meant having to queue up in a doctor’s surgery. However, it’s now commonplace and relatively simple to have a telehealth appointment to request a medical certificate online, for quite a variety of minor illnesses.
In what situations can an online doctor potentially provide a certificate?
The key point is that a physical examination must be unnecessary- in other words, it must be a condition where the history alone gives the doctor enough information to safely make the diagnosis.
5 common reasons for people to get a medical certificate online
The common cold and other mild viral illnesses:
Most of us can recognise the typical signs of a common cold which include a runny or congested nose, tiredness and maybe a mild sore throat or cough. As long as there are no signs of a more serious respiratory infection (such as shortness of breath, chest pain or high fevers), an online doctor can usually provide a medical certificate. You may also be advised to take a test for COVID-19, to be on the safe side.
Sore throat:
A sore throat is another common illness, which is viral in 80-90% of cases, and will usually get better by itself after a few days. An online doctor’s certificate can be a helpful solution if you want to avoid heading to a local clinic. However, if you’re unable to swallow or if you feel very unwell, you’ll need to see a doctor in person.
Gastroenteritis or food poisoning:
These conditions usually present with nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and sometimes tummy cramps, and generally settle with rest and rehydration. If there are worrying symptoms such as severe tummy pain, dizziness or dehydration, assessment by a doctor in person is advisable. Gastroenteritis is a common reason for people to request a medical certificate from an online doctor, as in most cases the priority is to stay home, take it easy and drink plenty of water or an oral rehydration solution such as Hydralyte.
Migraine:
This is a common reason for patients to seek an online medical certificate. Around 20% of Australians will suffer from Migraine at some point in their lives, with some people experiencing frequent attacks. It’s important that any recurring headaches are assessed by a doctor- so, if it’s your first episode, or if you’ve never spoken to a doctor about your headaches before, attending a doctor in person is the safest approach. For those who have confirmed migraine, it can be quite helpful to get a medical certificate from an online doctor, to avoid being in a doctor’s surgery while feeling unwell.
Period pain:
Many women experience menstrual pain which is severe enough to cause absence from work or other activities. There are numerous potential treatments, so it’s worth speaking to a doctor about it, if it becomes a regular problem. An online medical certificate may be suitable if it’s straight-forward period pain. However, if there are other symptoms of concern, such as fever or abnormal vaginal discharge (which could indicate a pelvic infection, for example), it’s advisable to see a doctor in person. The same applies if there is any chance of pregnancy.
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