Weight loss medication – telehealth appointments.
About our doctors
Our telehealth appointments are provided by AHPRA registered Australian doctors who are experienced in weight management and general medicine. Our doctors can issue:
- eScripts for weight loss medications
- pathology requests (e.g. to check you for diabetes, cholesterol and thyroid issues)
- referrals (for example, for sleep studies if you think you may have Sleep Apnoea)
- recommendations for allied health services.
Good communication is key to the telehealth experience- that’s why we use a video call where possible.
FAQs
You should rotate your injection sites when using any weight loss medication injection. Repeatedly injecting in the same spot can cause irritation, bruising, lumps, or scarring under the skin, and may also affect how well the medicine is absorbed. Most weight loss injections are given subcutaneously (under the skin) — usually in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. To prevent skin problems and ensure consistent absorption, it’s best to inject in a different spot each time within the same area (for example, move 2–3 cm away from the last injection site).
Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can show you the correct technique and help plan a safe rotation schedule.
References and Further Patient Info
The side effects of weight loss drugs vary depending on the medication, but the most common are digestive symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and stomach discomfort. Some people may also experience headaches, dizziness, fatigue, or mild increases in heart rate. Injectable medications can cause temporary injection site reactions like redness or swelling. Rare but more serious side effects can include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, or mood changes, which need prompt medical attention. Most side effects improve as your body adjusts, especially if the dose is increased gradually under medical supervision. Always follow your doctor’s advice and report any new or severe symptoms.
References and Further Patient Info
Healthdirect Australia – Weight loss medicines
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) – Weight loss products and safety
Weight loss medication Rx” means prescription-only weight loss medication. The “Rx” symbol comes from the Latin word recipe, meaning “to take,” and it’s used to indicate that a medicine can only be supplied with a doctor’s prescription. In other words, these are treatments that require medical assessment and supervision, rather than over-the-counter products you can buy directly from a pharmacy. They are typically prescribed when lifestyle changes alone haven’t been effective, and when it’s medically appropriate to support weight management under professional guidance.
Find out more at www.doctorsforweightloss.com.au
The cost of weight loss medications in Australia can vary widely depending on the type (e.g., prescription vs over-the-counter), dosage, pharmacy, and whether it’s subsidised for a related condition like type 2 diabetes. As of November 2025, these are not subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) specifically for weight management or obesity, so most patients pay the full private price. Based on current market estimates, here’s a breakdown:
Prescription Weight Loss Medications
These require a doctor’s assessment and script, and are typically used for adults with a BMI ≥30 kg/m² (or ≥27 kg/m² with comorbidities). Monthly costs often range from $100 to $600.
- Oral appetite suppressants or combination therapies: Around $80–$250 per month for a standard supply.
- Injectable hormone-based therapies (e.g., weekly or daily doses mimicking gut hormones): Typically $130–$500 per month, with higher-end options for advanced dual-action formulas reaching $300–$600. Starter packs or pens can add initial costs.
- Factors affecting price: Brand vs generic (where available), quantity prescribed, and location (e.g., urban pharmacies may offer discounts). Supply shortages for popular injectables can drive up prices or lead to unavailability.
- Subsidies for comorbidities: If prescribed for type 2 diabetes (not just weight loss), some options may qualify for PBS subsidies, reducing costs to $30–$40 per script for eligible concession card holders or around $40–$100 for general patients. However, this doesn’t apply to pure weight management use.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Weight Loss Medications
These are available without a prescription at pharmacies like Chemist Warehouse and focus on fat absorption reduction. Expect to pay $50–$100 per month for a typical course, though effectiveness is generally lower (2–9% weight loss) compared to prescriptions. Side effects like gastrointestinal issues can influence ongoing use.
Additional Considerations
- Total out-of-pocket expenses: Factor in consultation fees (e.g., $50–$100 for a GP or telehealth visit) and any monitoring tests. Long-term use (recommended for sustained results) can add up to $1,200–$7,200 annually.
- Affordability barriers: AJGP highlights that high costs limit access for many Australians, with calls for expanded PBS coverage. Private health insurance rarely covers these medications.
- Value and effectiveness: While costs are significant, studies show 5–20% weight loss possible with prescriptions when combined with lifestyle changes, potentially offsetting health expenses from obesity-related issues.
- Variations by pharmacy: Shop around—online pharmacies or bulk buys may offer 10–20% savings. Prices can fluctuate with inflation or global supply (e.g., injectables have seen increases due to demand).
For exact quotes tailored to your needs, including any potential subsidies, book an online consultation at Doctors for Weight Loss powered by Qoctor (www.doctorsforweightloss.com.au). Our doctors can discuss options based on your health profile and provide scripts if appropriate, helping you navigate costs effectively.
If opting for an online option, simplest and safest way is to speak to a trusted doctor via telehealth and then if they issue you an electronic prescription, you just take that to your local pharmacy. That way you can also speak to your pharmacist about how to use the medication and any other questions, and ensure you receive the correct product.
However if you decide to also use an online pharmacy to deliver your medication, here’s a simple checklist to help you safely verify whether they are legitimate:
Safety checklist for using an online pharmacy to deliver your meds
- Requires a valid prescription
A genuine Australian pharmacy will always ask for a prescription for any “Rx” (prescription-only) medication. If a website offers to sell prescription drugs without a prescription — or claims to issue one instantly without a proper consultation — it’s a red flag.
- Displays Australian registration details
Check that the pharmacy lists an Australian street address, ABN, and registration number with the Pharmacy Board of Australia. You can verify this on the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) website.
- Uses an Australian domain and secure website
Legitimate services usually end in “.com.au” and use HTTPS (look for the padlock symbol in your browser).
Avoid sites that seem to be overseas or have unclear contact details.
- Lists medicines registered with the TGA
The product should be approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and appear on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).
You can search for it here: www.tga.gov.au
- Offers professional support
Reputable services provide access to a qualified Australian doctor or pharmacist for questions or follow-up. They should offer clear instructions, side effect information, and monitoring advice.
Warning signs of fake or unsafe sites
- No prescription required
- Claims to sell “miracle” or “natural” prescription-strength products
- Prices that are far lower than normal
- No Australian contact information or regulatory details
- Offers to ship from overseas
So, in summary, yes, you can legally get weight-loss medication online in Australia, but only through an approved telehealth or pharmacy service that operates under Australian law. Always check that the service is AHPRA-registered, the medication is TGA-approved, and a proper prescription is required.
Further resources:
This is a common question that patients ask their GPs. If we measure “best” simply by the amount of weight lost, then hormone-based injectables (GLP-1 agonists) generally show the highest efficacy (15-20% loss) for sustained results. Due to Australian law, we’re not allowed to name specific medications here- but these can be discussed during your consultation with a doctor.
However the best weight loss medication for an individual depends on a few additional factors:
- your medical history
- potential contraindications (e.g. family history of thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia, history of pancreatitis, pregnancy, breastfeeding)
- side effects you may experience
Our medical team at Doctors for Weight Loss can help identify the most effective option for you.
In Australia, some weight-loss medications overlap with diabetes treatments, but how and when they’re used depends heavily on the patient’s health profile and on medical supervision.
Some medicines originally developed for type 2 diabetes are now also approved for weight management in people without diabetes. These include the GLP-1 receptor agonists (glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues).
These medications work by mimicking hormones that increase satiety (fullness) and slow gastric emptying, helping to reduce appetite and energy intake- hence weight-loss benefits even in non-diabetics.
For people with diabetes, the doses and PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) subsidies are usually structured around diabetes indications, and not just obesity. Doctors need to tailor use carefully to avoid hypoglycaemia if combining with other diabetes medications.
For people without diabetes (weight management only):
- They may be prescribed the same drug but under a different brand name and dosing regimen.
- These versions are indicated specifically for chronic weight management and not for blood glucose control.
- Currently, in Australia, some common weight loss injections are now TGA-approved but not yet PBS-listed for weight management– so they’re available privately at a higher cost and sometimes limited supply.
- Medical supervision is essential. For people with diabetes, weight-loss medication needs to be balanced with other glucose-lowering drugs to avoid hypoglycaemia or nutritional issues.
- Not all drugs suit both groups. For example, some stimulatory weight-loss drugs may be contraindicated in diabetics with hypertension or heart disease.
- Lifestyle modification remains foundational: diet, physical activity, and behavioural strategies still form the cornerstone, with medication as an adjunct.
All should be used under medical supervision, as suitability and safety depend on your overall health, other medications, and treatment goals.
Reference and further patient resources
- Diabetes Australia – Medicines for Diabetes: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/managing-diabetes/medicines/
- NPS MedicineWise – Medicines for Type 2 Diabetes: 2022 Update: https://www.nps.org.au/type-2-diabetes-meds-2022-update
You can obtain some weight‐loss medications or aids in Australia that don’t require a full doctor’s prescription (for example pharmacist-only ones).
One example: Orlistat has been available in Australia as a “pharmacist only medicine” (Schedule 3) in some forms, meaning you do not need a full doctor’s prescription, but you do need to go via a pharmacist.
There are also many supplements and products marketed in pharmacies over the counter (OTC) for weight-loss- however these are very different from prescription medicines in terms of evidence of effectiveness and regulation.
The more proven, effective medications for weight management do require a prescription and careful monitoring.
OTC doesn’t mean “no risk” or “guaranteed effective”.
If you’re thinking about going down this path, it’s worth consulting a healthcare professional (doctor, pharmacist) to check suitability, safety and evidence.
To get prescribed weight loss medication in Australia, you’ll generally need to consult a doctor who will assess your BMI, medical history, and lifestyle factors.
For GLP-1 agonists (weight loss injections), you may qualify for medical weight loss injections if your BMI is >30 kg/m² ( or >27kg/m² with obesity related health conditions such as osteoarthritis, sleep apnoea, PCOS etc).
Telehealth options can work well, provided you have a proper consultation with the doctor via phone or video call. You may need to have blood tests and sometimes you’ll be advised to also see a dietitian, physio or other healthcare professionals, depending on your needs.
References and further patient information
https://mydr.com.au/nutrition-weight/weight-loss-medication/
Weight loss medication refers to prescription or over-the-counter drugs that assist in managing overweight or obesity by helping reduce body weight, when combined with healthy eating and physical activity. These can target appetite, fat absorption, and/or metabolic hormones.
In Australia, the most commonly prescribed weight loss medications are GLP-1 agonists, which are recommended for adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher, or 27 kg/m² with conditions related to overweight (such as osteoarthritis, PCOS, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea). They’re an adjunct to lifestyle changes, not a standalone fix. At Doctors for Weight Loss (powered by Qoctor), our online doctors can assess if this treatment is right for you.
Reference and further patient resources
https://mydr.com.au/nutrition-weight/weight-loss-medication/
https://australianprescriber.tg.org.au/articles/medicines-for-long-term-obesity-management.html
The process for getting an online prescription is straightforward with Qoctor. You start by searching for your condition or medication or if unsure what you require, just book a GP consult. Then, you complete a brief online health assessment, followed by a video or phone consultation with a doctor. Once the doctor approves a prescription, they can send it instantly to your phone as an eScript, or directly to your local pharmacy if you prefer. You can also choose home delivery for certain medications such as the contraceptive pill.
Yes, it’s generally safe to get an online prescription from reputable telehealth service like Qoctor.
How Qoctor supports safe online prescribing
(1) we carefully vet all doctors who work with Qoctor, and all are AHPRA-registered.
(2) Video call or phone call is mandatory for any prescriptions to be safely issued. This means each patient has a real time consultation with a doctor, which is best practice, as set out by the Australian Medical Board.
(3) ePrescriptions are particularly safe, secure and efficient. Qoctor can send ePrescriptions if you provide your Medicare details.
(4) We are happy to speak to your pharmacist about any issues that arise.
When is an online prescription not suitable?
(2) If it turns out you need a physical examination, your doctor may advise you to see your local GP in person. Similarly, some complex issues, such as long term pain or serious mental health conditions are best managed by your regular doctor.
(3) Some medications should be prescribed by your GP or specialist for safety reasons:
- Long term oral steroids (e.g. Prednisolone)
- Medications that require regular blood monitoring (e.g. Lithium, Warfarin)
- Oral Isotretinoin (Roaccutane)
- Stimulants or ADHD treatments (e.g. methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, lisdexamphetamine, modafinil, armodafinil)
- Clomiphene
- Long term anti-inflammatories
- Antipsychotics
- Sleeping tablets or benzodiazepines (like Valium).
- Other medications that are more usually prescribed by specialists
Yes, for most common health issues, you can request a prescription online without an in-person visit. The doctor will assess you, and will give advice and recommend treatment as appropriate.
When is a telehealth appointment not suitable?
(2) Your Qoctor doctor may advise you to see your local GP in person, if they think you need a physical examination. Similarly, some issues, such as long term pain or complex physical or mental health conditions are best managed by your regular doctor.
Many common medications can be prescribed online by Qoctor doctors, including contraceptive pills, asthma inhalers, treatments for erectile dysfunction, acne, acid reflux, migraine, and antibiotics for infections. However, some medications that require close, ongoing monitoring or that are classified as controlled substances require an in-person consultation.
Qoctor does not routinely prescribe opioids (drugs like Oxycodone, Tapentadol) , sleeping pills or benzodiazepines “benzos”, as these should be prescribed and responsibly monitored by your regular GP or specialist. Similarly, the following medications are not routinely prescribed:
- Long term oral steroids (e.g. Prednisolone)
- Medications that require regular blood monitoring (e.g. Lithium, Warfarin)
- Oral Isotretinoin (Roaccutane)
- Stimulants or ADHD treatments (e.g. methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, lisdexamphetamine, modafinil, armodafinil)
- Clomiphene
- Long term anti-inflammatories
- Antipsychotics
- Other medications that are more usually prescribed by specialists
eScripts are quick, secure, and generally very reliable. But like any technology, things can go wrong from time to time. If you receive an electronic prescription (eScript) from Qoctor, it will normally arrive as an SMS (text message) on your phone, or by email, if you chose that option. Open the SMS and present it in person at your local pharmacy, where the pharmacist can scan the barcode contained in the message.
What to do if the eScript “won’t scan”?
When an eScript “won’t scan” there are a few possible reasons. Try to get as much information from the pharmacy as you can, so the issue can be figured out.
- If an “error message” pops up on the pharmacy’s system, that may tell you and the pharmacist the exact problem – it is helpful to note this down, or take a photo of it, as Qoctor can investigate the issue better for you.
- When it flags that the prescription is “expired”, you’ll need a new prescription. Get in touch with Qoctor, via live chat (or email info@qoctor.com.au which we monitor 8AM to 9PM AEST). If this is an unexpected message, just make sure you have actually opened the correct eScript message on your phone!
- internet connectivity at the pharmacy- check internet coverage and try again.
- eRx, the government system that sends eScripts, may be having a technical issue. In this case, the message may state that the service is “unavailable” or something to that effect. In these situations, particularly if you can’t wait for erx to start working again, just get back in touch with Qoctor and we can try to arrange a prescription in another way.
Some pharmacies may offer a service to allow you enter eScripts online on their website. If this does not seem to work, we recommend presenting your ePrescription in person to the pharmacy, or else speaking to your pharmacist on the phone for further assistance.
How can Qoctor help?
For any issues the pharmacist is unable to resolve, please contact Qoctor customer service team (live chat, or email info@qoctor.com.au) and we’ll do our best to assist. When it is outside our control (e.g. the government’s eRx system is not working), we have some other ways to get a prescription to you or your pharmacy.
- Appointments with Qoctor are available within minutes, every day, including public holidays. If you are in a rush, you can select a priority consult, and the doctor will call you within around 15 minutes.
- After your consultation, we can send your ePrescription instantly to your mobile phone, as an SMS (text message). Then you just take the ePrescription to your nearest pharmacy and they will can scan the barcode token.
- You can also arrange to have your prescription sent to a local pharmacy for same-day collection.
- If you opt for a paper prescription by post, it usually takes a few days to arrive. For certain medications, direct delivery to your home is also available.
At Qoctor, our prices reflect how long a certain type of consultation usually takes. Whenever we can help our patients save money by keeping our costs down, we do so. Our consultation fees range from $24.99 to $49.99, depending on the issue.
- Contraceptive pill consult- $24.99
- Many common prescription (acne, asthma, migraine, acid reflux, UTI, sinusitis, men’s health etc)- $29.99
- Other repeat prescriptions – $31.99 for other repeat scripts.
- If a person is on more than three medications, is unsure of their needs, or has complex issues, we recommend a longer appointment with a GP ($49.99), as it usually takes more time to go through everything properly.
Yes, you can request a repeat prescription online with Qoctor.
- First you’ll need to register or log in, then select the service you need.
- After that, you’ll be asked to complete a short online health questionnaire, and a video/phone consultation with a doctor.
- The doctor will ensure that the treatment is still the right one for you, and that you are having no side effects or issues.
- Once approved by the doctor, you can receive an ePrescription to your phone. Alternatively, you can choose to have the prescription forwarded immediately to a pharmacy of your choice, or you can request a paper prescription to be posted to you.
Start <here>
Most online prescriptions do require a video consultation to make sure you get a proper check up, so the doctor can choose the appropriate treatment for your condition. Sometimes a phone call may be adequate. The AHPRA Medical Board, which sets standards for doctors, has made this very clear in its updated telehealth guidelines
Occasionally, if a doctor is caring for a patient who they know very well, it may be appropriate to prescribe treatment following text messages/email, but this is very much an exception.
How to request a prescription online
(1) Register or login to your Qoctor account. You’ll need to enter some details including name, date of birth, email address, postal address and a mobile phone number. You don’t need to have a Medicare card- but if you have one, it helps a lot, as it means we can send ePrescriptions which is very handy!
(2) If you know the medicine you need (e.g. a treatment you take regularly), go to the prescriptions tab and then search for your medication name. If you think you require a prescription for a condition but you’re not sure what exactly you need, then select the condition you think you have, OR just choose a GP telehealth appointment.
(3) Answer some simple online questions, then book an appointment time to speak to a doctor.
(4) The doctor will chat to you via video call or phone call, and can prescribe treatment based on your consultation. Note, the Australian Medical Board states it is mandatory for doctors to conduct a video or phone call before prescribing- any online provider not doing so should not be trusted!
(5) Receive an eScript to your phone, or request a paper prescription in the mail. You can also have a prescription sent to your nearest pharmacy.
Qoctor has a range of options to suit your needs.
Single, same day medical certificate ($14.99)
We suggest this service if you:
- Are unable to attend work or university due to a minor illness such as common cold, gastro/stomach bug, minor injury, period pain, fatigue etc
- Only need one day off (today’s date)
- a Backdated certificate is not required
Multi day medical certificate ($25.99)
We suggest this service if you:
- are unable to attend work or university due to a minor illness such as common cold, gastro/stomach bug, minor injury, period pain, fatigue etc
- require a certificate for more than one day OR a backdated medical certificate to cover yesterday/ other days within the last week
GP telehealth consultation ($49.99)
We suggest this service if you:
- Have long term, recurring or complex health issues
- If your university/employer requires a special form to be completed for your sick leave
- If your sick leave began more than a week ago
- If you’ve have already had 2 or more medical certificates in the past 4 weeks
- If you also need to discuss other health issues
Carer’s certificate ($25.99)
We suggest this service if you:
- If you are are unable to attend work/university because you are caring for a family or household member who is unwell
Priority Booking Queue (+$20)
- In a rush? Join the “priority queue” for an extra $20, and you’ll be seen within around 15 minutes!
We DO NOT routinely provide certificates for:
- Centrelink or Workcover
- Court or police matters
- fitness for work/ return to work
We have a no-fuss refund policy. Read more <here>.
How do I book a time slot?
- Once you complete the online booking questionnaire, you’ll be asked to select your preferred appointment time
- Qoctor appointment times run in one hour blocks through the day (e.g. 10am-11am, 11am-12pm etc), so you need to pick your preferred time slot.
- Please note, if you choose to join the 15 minutes priority booking queue, you will receive a call in the next 15 minutes instead (via phone or video call, depending on your selection
- If you pay for your appointment but forget to pick a time slot, we’ll email you to remind you to do so- so, check your email!
- Your appointment time can be changed up until 15 minutes prior to your appointment- just check your order confirmation email which contains a link to allow you to reschedule.
What is a 15 minute priority booking?
For people in a hurry or simply too busy to wait, you can skip the queue- for $20 you can secure a priority appointment, and one of our doctors will aim to speak to you within 15 minutes. If it is a video call, be sure to enter the waiting room via the link we sent to your phone via SMS, and also to your email. For phone call appointments, the doctor will be in touch- keep an eye on your mobile!
Video or phone call? Most appointments are conducted via video call, but phone call may be offered in some situations.
How do I join my video consultation? For video calls, you’ll receive a link to the video consultation via SMS and email- this will arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment (or immediately if you select a 15 minute priority consult). Click this link to enter the waiting room so the doctor can call you within the hour you selected. If you are on an iPhone, use Safari as your browser- the video won’t work on Google Chrome. Alternatively, you can join from your laptop/desktop computer via the link we’ve sent to your email. Once you enter the waiting room, please don’t navigate away to other sites/apps, as you may get disconnected.
If you have any issues connecting with the doctor on the video call, they will usually try to ring your mobile- so it is important to check in advance that you are not blocking private numbers on your phone settings.
Can’t find your video link? Check email spam/junk just in case! If still no luck, then contact our customer service team at info@qoctor.com.au or hop on the live chat on the Qoctor website so we can help you!
A mental health treatment plan is a plan created together with your GP, to support you if you are suffering with mental illness. It will help you to access and coordinate your treatment, as well as providing information on additional supports and services, and the steps to take if your condition deteriorates suddenly.
In most cases, when people attend their GP to discuss a mental health treatment plan, they are interested in getting a referral to a mental health professional (usually a psychologist) as part of this plan, to enable access to lower cost therapy sessions.
If you have a valid mental health care plan, the Australian Government will pay some or all of the cost of up to 10 sessions with a psychologist/mental health professional per calendar year. In this case, the psychologist you’ve been referred to will be able to give you a Medicare Rebate for those sessions, to reduce your out-of-pocket cost.
Working on your mental health with a therapist takes time, and usually requires many appointments over months or years- so a mental health treatment plan is a good way to reduce the financial impact of getting the help you need.
When a GP creates a mental health treatment plan (mental health plan) with you, it means you can access lower cost sessions with a psychologist/mental health expert, as you qualify for a Medicare rebate for up to 10 visits per calendar year. Without the plan, it can be a lot more expensive to see a psychologist.
Once the first 6 sessions are completed, your psychologist will usually advise you to book in for a review with your GP. During this review appointment, the GP will assess how you are going. They may repeat some questionnaires to measure your progress. They can then enable access to 4 more sessions. You can book an an appointment with an online GP for a mental health plan here
Yes- it is quite straightforward to see a doctor online in Australia.
- Your own local GP may offer telehealth appointments as part of their routine services- if so, you maybe able to get bulk-billed, or access a Medicare rebate for some of the telehealth consultation cost. It is worth finding out if this option is available to you. However, many local GP clinics have long waiting times, and it can be difficult to get an online appointment for urgent issues, or if you need one the same day.
- With Qoctor the online doctor, you can book a same day consultation with an experienced AHPRA-registered doctor online, 365 days a year, wherever you are in Australia. It is a particularly useful option if local clinics are booked out. Opening hours are 8AM to midnight on weekdays, and 9AM to 10PM on the weekend. Customer service is available daily via live chat- our Melbourne based team will get back to you quickly if you have any questions.
- Whilst Qoctor is a private service, the fees are affordable, starting at $14.99 for a single, same day medical certificate consultation. This is much less than the “gap fee” now charged in many GP clinics.
- With Qoctor, it is possible to speak to a doctor about a health issue or symptom, request a medical certificate, a carer’s certificate, a specialist referral letter, a pathology referral, an asthma/allergy action plan, a prescription and much more.
- For any long term or complex issues, we strongly encourage patients to see their regular doctor where possible- as it is best to have the continuity of care. If you see a Qoctor doctor online but want your GP to be kept in the loop, we are happy to provide you with a summary or letter to take with you on your next visit, if you wish.
Intending to see a doctor online in Australia? Some important things to bear in mind:
- For medicolegal reasons, you do need to be physically in Australia at the time of your online assessment.
- The doctor should be AHPRA registered- you should be able to easily check their number on the AHPRA website
- The practitioner should be clear whether they are a doctor, a nurse, or other practitioner- some low quality providers are intentionally unclear about this.
- Your privacy and confidentiality should be respected by the provider at all times (at Qoctor we are committed to this). The experience should feel as professional as what you’d expect from an in-person assessment.
- Video call is deemed the gold standard for telehealth, by the Australian medical board. However a telephone call is acceptable in some cases. Low quality websites that only communicate via SMS or online questionnaires are sub-standard, and in many cases may not be fully insured.
Book an online doctor appointment <here>.
Qoctor prioritises affordability, convenience, safety and trust, which are all key elements of a quality telehealth service.
- Affordable. Qoctor offers a “same day” certificate option for only $14.99. This is incredibly good value- probably the best deal available for patients in the Australian market.
- Convenient. Qoctor provides same day online doctor appointments, 365 days a year, wherever you happen to be in Australia. You don’t need a subscription. Qoctor can also backdate a certificate if appropriate (i.e. it will be dated today at the top, but can cover days in the recent past, at the doctor’s discretion).
- Trustworthy. There is increasing awareness among employers that certain “dodgy” websites issue medical certificates without speaking to patients. This is deemed poor medical practice by the Australian Medical Board. A certificate from one of these low quality outfits is much more likely to be refused by your employer. If you use a telehealth doctor, your employer will want to know the service is trustworthy- medical certificate that has been issued following a proper phone or video assessment such as Qoctor, in line with the telehealth standards of the Australian Medical Board, is far more likely to satisfy the requirements of your workplace or university. At Qoctor, we frequently get enquiries from employers to ensure we speak to our patients- and we are able to instantly confirm to them that we do. Due to this focus on quality, Qoctor is the online doctor of choice for team members of large Aussie companies like Coles and Deloitte.
- Safety- because a Qoctor doctor assesses every patient, if your illness is more serious than first thought, you may also receive advice about what you need to do next- whether that’s seeing your local GP for an examination, or going to an ED if your symptoms are severe.
We believe that all these factors make Qoctor the best website for online medical certificates.
Getting your test results
If a Qoctor doctor has issued you with a test request form (e.g. for a pathology test or a scan/X-ray), you can present the request form at any recognised provider in Australia. The timing of when you go for your test is totally up to you. Qoctor only becomes aware that you have had the test when the result/report is received by us, from your chosen provider.
When Qoctor receives a result, the following things happen:
- The doctor checks the result and you’ll be sent an SMS/email – once the doctor has marked the result normal or abnormal, you’ll get a routine SMS and email letting you know. If the doctor has marked the result abnormal, we’ll also advise you to book a follow up appointment.
- Your test results will appear for you to view on your Qoctor profile – just go to My Orders>My test results/reports. If you cannot see your result there as expected, contact us via email at info@qoctor.com.au so we can investigate and chase it up for you.
- Book your follow up appointment if necessary– from the “My test results/reports” page, you can book a follow up appointment with Qoctor to discuss your results with a doctor if required. For some services, such as STI testing, a free follow up consultation may be included in the original booking fee
What should I do if I have not heard from Qoctor about my test results as expected?
If 4-5 business days have passed since your test and you still have not heard from Qoctor via SMS or email, and/or the results are not appearing on your Qoctor profile page as expected, please let us know. Email us at info@qoctor.com.au , or use the live chat on our website, as we may need to chase it up with your test provider.
Sometimes the provider may have sent the result/report to the wrong place. Once we get it, we’ll let you know as soon as possible. Please also note, if you have had a few different tests, the results may arrive at different times into the Qoctor system.
Out of hours test result queries
If you contact us outside business hours (evenings, weekends), here may be delays in getting your result as many test providers/labs close at those times- this is beyond our control, but we will do our best to chase it up for you, as soon as the provider is open again!
Can I just follow up with my GP or specialist?
Sometimes people will have already planned to see their own GP and/or specialist for their test results- you may have even asked the Qoctor doctor to copy them in on your results. In many cases this will be absolutely fine! However, if you have been advised by Qoctor that a result has come back abnormal, and if there is likely to be a delay in seeing your GP/specialist (i.e. more than a week or so), then it is safer to book back in with Qoctor, so that you can be fully informed and discuss any issues, concerns or required treatment in the meantime.
If a Qoctor doctor has issued you with a pathology test form, you can present it at any recognised pathology collection centre in Australia.
The timing of when you go for your test is totally up to you- Qoctor only becomes aware that you have had the test once we actually receive the result/report electronically from the lab.
When Qoctor receives a result, the following things happen:
- the doctor checks the results and you’ll then receive an SMS letting you know we’ve received a result. If the doctor has marked the result abnormal or urgent, we’ll tell you to book a follow up appointment.
- test results will also appear for you to view on your Qoctor profile and/or we will share digital copies of the reports with you.
- you can book a follow up appointment with Qoctor to discuss the results (for some services, such as STI testing, a free follow up consultation may be included in the original booking fee). Where applicable, this follow up appointment can be accessed through your Qoctor profile, by using the button alongside the particular test result.
What should I do if I have not heard from Qoctor about my test results?
If a few business days have passed since your test and you have not heard from Qoctor via SMS or email, please let us know- email us at info@qoctor.com.au or use the live chat on our home page , as we may need to chase it up with the lab. Sometimes they may have sent the report to the wrong place. Once we get it, we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Please note, there may be delays if your query is out of hours or over the weekend, as many labs close at those times- this is beyond our control- but we will do our best to chase it up for you, as soon as the lab is open again.
Once you’ve spoken to the doctor and they have assessed you, they may issue advice, a prescription, a pathology request, a referral letter or a medical certificate. These items are generally available for download immediately after your appointment. Just log in to your Qoctor account and you will see several tabs in your profile- the item will be filed under the relevant tab or under your “orders”.
Please note- eScripts are sent instantly via SMS, directly to your mobile phone- you show this message to the pharmacist who can scan the barcode/ QR code and access your prescription.
No, you do NOT need to have Medicare to book a GP appointment, though by providing your Medicare details it allows your doctor to provide you with useful services such as ePrescriptions (eScripts), as well as including your Medicare details on pathology requests or specialist referrals so that you can access Medicare rebates. Therefore if you have Medicare card, it is very helpful if you enter your details when registering.
Visitors from overseas can still use Qoctor to book a GP appointment, if they need medical assistance or advice whilst travelling in Australia. Medicare is not required.
Unfortunately it is not possible for telehealth providers like Qoctor to offer Medicare rebates for most telehealth appointments, due to the Medicare “12 month face to face rule”. This is a legislative requirement that GPs and Other Medical Practitioners (OMPs) working in general practice can only perform a telehealth or telephone service where they have an established clinical relationship with the patient, and have seen them in person in the past 12 months. There are limited exemptions to this requirement, such as mental health treatment plans.
Yes, when you book a general GP telehealth appointment with Qoctor, you can discuss more than one issue with the doctor- quite often people need a few things- such as a prescription, a medical certificate or a referral for a test or treatment! If you have many complex medical issues and the consultation is becoming very prolonged, the doctor may suggest you return for a second appointment at a later time, to continue to work through all your concerns.
A general GP consultation with Qoctor costs $49.99. Waiting times are generally less than 2 hours. General GP appointments are available 365 days a year, and do not cost more out of hours or at weekends. Our experienced AHPRA registered doctors can discuss your health concerns- whether you wish to ask about symptoms, request a prescription, a pathology referral or a medical certificate.
If you are in a hurry, you can also avail of the priority booking service which allows you to see a doctor within around 15 minutes! The priority booking service is available 9am-9pm on weekdays.
In Australia, most pathology laboratories/collection centres will only conduct a pathology test if you have a referral from a registered doctor. While some labs can perform a very limited number of specific tests if a patient “self refers” (see below for details), in the vast majority of cases, a pathology referral/request from a doctor is required.
Self requesting blood tests/pathology tests
Most labs do not offer testing based on “self referral” because tests are expensive, and results are often complex to interpret. However there are some limited exceptions:
Dorevitch– No self-referral for blood tests
Australian Clinical Labs– No self-referral for blood tests.
QML Laboratories: Self referral/self request available for Blood Group, Hepatitis serology, MMR (measles mumps rubella) serology, Varicella (Chicken Pox) serology, Quantiferon Gold, Mantoux test, drug screening, alcohol breath test, COVID-19 swab.
4Cyte Laboratories No self-referral for blood tests
Please note that labs may change their policies over time, and the above is a guide only. Check with your local lab for further details.
The time it takes for pathology test results to come back depends on a number of factors. In most cases, it will just take a few business days. This may vary slightly, depending on the type of test, as well as the processing time at the pathology collection centre/laboratory you used. When Qoctor receives your results, and the doctor has checked it, we’ll inform you via SMS and/or email. Most results will also then also appear on your own Qoctor profile, where you can view them.
If you have not received an SMS or email notification about your test result within 1 week (4-5 business days) of having the test, please email Qoctor at info@qoctor.com.au OR use the live chat function on our home page- let us know the laboratory/pathology collection centre you attended, the date of the test, as well as your name and date of birth, and we can chase it up with the lab on your behalf, as soon as possible.
Please bear in mind, that many labs have limited staffing at weekends, so if you contact us at the weekend, we may not be able to access the result for you until they re-open on Monday.
Can I order my own blood tests in Australia?
In Australia, most pathology laboratories/collection centres will only conduct a pathology test if you have a referral from a registered doctor. While some labs can perform a very limited number of specific tests if a patient “self refers” (see below for details), in the vast majority of cases, a pathology referral/request from a doctor is required.
Will I need to pay the laboratory for a blood test?
The Australian healthcare system subsidises the cost of most common pathology tests for Australians who have a Medicare card. Therefore, your Medicare details should be included on the pathology request form. This is to encourage people to speak to their doctor about their health concerns, and to ensure that taxpayers’ money is being used wisely.
Are all pathology tests covered by Medicare?
It’s important to note that some tests are NOT covered by Medicare, or will only be covered a certain number of times per year- your doctor will usuallly flag this with you in advance, and the pathology collection centre will generally draw your attention to this too.
Will I need to pay for a blood test if I don’t have Medicare?
If you don’t have Medicare, you can still get tested using a pathology request form, but you will be invoiced by the pathology laboratory afterwards (be sure to enquire about the cost beforehand). In this case, you may be covered by health insurance and can claim it back- check your policy.
How to get a valid pathology referral
A pathology referral can be obtained by speaking to a registered Australian doctor- this can be a face to face consultation or a telehealth appointment via phone call or video call. Some online providers only assess people via an online questionnaire or SMS, without a phone/video call- this is not best practice and may lead to issues with your Medicare rebates down the track- that’s why it is important to stick with providers who conduct a proper telehealth consult (as Qoctor does).
Self requesting blood tests/pathology tests
Most labs do not offer testing based on “self referral” because tests are expensive, and results are often complex to interpret. However there are some limited exceptions:
Dorevitch– No self-referral for blood tests
Australian Clinical Labs– No self-referral for blood tests.
QML Laboratories: Self referral/self request available for Blood Group, Hepatitis serology, MMR (measles mumps rubella) serology, Varicella (Chicken Pox) serology, Quantiferon Gold, Mantoux test, drug screening, alcohol breath test, COVID-19 swab.
4Cyte Laboratories No self-referral for blood tests
Please note that labs may change their policies over time, and the above is a guide only. Check with your local lab for further details.
With Qoctor, you can request a blood test to screen for HIV, Hepatitis B & C, and Syphilis. These are all serious bloodborne infections, and require specialist treatment if detected. Many people wish to have these tests performed at the same time they are having their urine test for more common sexually transmitted infections such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Mycoplasma Genitalium.
If you receive a pathology request form from Qoctor, you can download it from your Qoctor account, print it and take it to any accredited pathology collection centre of your choice. Your test results will get sent to us by the relevant pathology laboratory, usually a few days after you have the test. Once available, we will display your results on your Qoctor account. For privacy and security, you will need to log in to view results.
Approved Pathology Collection Centres (APCCs)
APCCs are facilities to where patients can take their pathology request form to have their sample/specimen collected for testing in a pathology laboratory. They are linked to accredited pathology laboratories and are subject to ongoing monitoring processes, ensuring the quality of pathology collection services. If you are unsure whether your Pathology Collection Centre is linked to an accredited laboratory, you can look for the NATA/RCPA logos or endorsement certificates, or ask the staff if the lab they work with has NATA/RCPA accreditation. Patients can also refer to the NATA website which lists all Medical Testing laboratories currently accredited in Australia (bearing in mind, the lab may not be in the same physical location as the collection centre).
With Qoctor, you can request to have a urine test for STIs, which checks for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Mycoplasma Genitalium. The consultation fee is $39.99. Results are displayed and viewable on your Qoctor account, once the laboratory makes them available to us. The consultation fee includes a follow up doctor’s consultation with Qoctor within 30 days, if you wish to discuss your test results or if the results are abnormal in any way. If you would also like to have blood tests to screen for HIV, Hepatitis B&C and Syphilis, the consultation fee is slightly higher, at $42.99. Again, a follow up visit is included if you wish to discuss your results or if anything comes back abnormal.
- Simple (urine) UTI test $39.99. Tests for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Mycoplasma Genitalium.
- Extended (urine and blood) STI test $42.99. Tests for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Mycoplasma Genitalium, HIV, Hepatitis B&C and Syphilis.
STI Screening with Qoctor can involve tests for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Mycoplasma Genitalium (urine test). Blood tests for Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV are also possible. “Screening” is when you get tested for something when you don’t have symptoms. If you are already unwell or have symptoms suggestive of an STI, you should attend a GP or sexual health clinic in person- requesting a test online is not suitable in those circumstances. But, if you just want a test to ensure you don’t have a silent STI infection, online assessment can be a convenient. effective and affordable option for many people. In Australia, pathology tests generally require you to have a request form from a registered doctor. So, once the doctor has carried out a brief consultation and provided a request form, you can print it and take it to your local pathology collection service. The test results, once made available to Qoctor by the laboratory, can be viewed on your Qoctor account, and/or you can speak to one of our doctors if you need to.
It is not necessarily possible to entirely avoid getting sinusitis, but some strategies that may help include:
- avoid smoking/smoke exposure/air pollution exposure
- proactively manage any hay fever or dust allergies with appropriate treatment- get advice from your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
- avoid exposure to respiratory viruses, stay away from people who are known to be unwell with common colds/flus.
- some people find using an air humidifier in their living space can help, particularly if their home heating/air conditioning system causes the air to be very dry. Humidifiers need to be properly cleaned/ maintained, to avoid mold developing.
If you are getting frequent sinus infections despite taking the above steps, speak to your doctor for advice.
In most cases, sinusitis gets better by itself, after a few days/weeks. Supportive treatment can include:
- saline nasal sprays
- decongestant sprays (for a limited period of time- always read the label! Overuse can lead to “rebound” or worsening symptoms.)
- anti allergy nasal sprays (which may contain corticosteroids and/or an antihistamine)
- simple over the counter analgesia (painkillers) from the pharmacy
- antihistamine medications (if allergies are contributing to your symptoms)
Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed where it appears there may be a bacterial sinus infection that is not getting better by itself.
In most cases, sinusitis follows on from a common cold or flu like illness. However, some other conditions can make sinusitis more likely to occur, such as:
- hay fever
- smoking or passive smoking
- physical abnormalities in the nose/sinuses that affect drainage- e.g. a deviated septum or polyps.
- a compromised immune system
- a medical condition such as Cystic Fibrosis
In some cases, a bout of sinusitis can continue for more than 3 months- this is known as chronic sinusitis. Some people who suffer from chronic sinusitis continue to have mild symptoms on an ongoing basis, with flare ups of acute sinusitis from time to time. Serious complications of acute sinusitis are rare, but can include meningitis, cellulitis (skin/soft tissue infection), and spread of bacterial infection to other parts of the body.
In the majority of cases, sinusitis can be diagnosed based on the history of your symptoms. Sometimes a doctor may recommend further testing, such as a scan/imaging, if symptoms are continuing for months. If you have ongoing or frequently recurring symptoms, you may also need to be referred to an Ear Nose and Throat specialist who may wish to perform a camera test (nasal endoscopy), to take a closer look at your nasal passages and sinuses. A nasal swab to test for certain infections, or tests to check for allergies may also be occasionally considered in such cases.
Yes, in most cases, acute sinusitis gets better after a few weeks, with simple, supportive treatment, such as rest, fluids and over-the-counter nasal sprays/painkillers, However, in some cases, if it is getting worse or not settling in the expected timeframe, a doctor may consider prescribed treatments.
Sinusitis that lasts longer than 12 weeks is said to be “chronic”. Some people suffer from mild chronic sinusitis and experience flare ups where it becomes “acute” and more symptomatic.
The most common symptoms of acute sinusitis are:
- facial pain or pressure that feels worse when you lean forward/bend over.
- congested or stuffy nose
- nasal discharge which may be yellow/green
Other symptoms include:
- A sense of pressure in the ears
- Headache
- Impaired sense of smell
- An ache in your teeth
- Cough
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Fatigue
- Fever
Most sore throats are mild and get better by themselves. However, in some cases, more serious complications can develop. If you feel particularly unwell or are unable to swallow fluids (including your own saliva or spit), you should see a doctor immediately.
Here are some key warning signs that you should seek urgent medical attention for your sore throat:
- Severe pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing saliva or water
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Chest pain, particularly when lying flat
- A persistent fever (raised temperature)
- Feeling very unwell, weak and/or dizzy.
If you have any of these symptoms, you may have a more serious reason for your sore throat, and you should see a doctor/attend the local emergency room as soon as possible.
The online doctors at Qoctor can provide a video consultation to discuss your options with regard to smoking cessation. As well as general support from a health professional, treatment used in quitting can include nicotine replacement therapy (e.g. patches), and/or prescription-only medicine. These treatments, along with behavioural supports and other positive health steps, can boost your chances of quitting successfully.
A telehealth doctor consultation with Qoctor costs $24.99.
If a prescription is issued, you can have it posted to you, or sent electronically to your local pharmacy.
A telehealth appointment with an experienced AHPRA-registered, Australian doctor, to request assessment/treatment online, costs $26.99 (plus delivery, where applicable). Same day appointments are usually available.
First, you’ll answer some online questions, then you’ll have a telehealth or phone consultation with one of our doctors. The doctor will ask some questions to establish a diagnosis and to ensure that:
- you are otherwise well, with no signs of serious illness
- there are no symptoms of pelvic infection
- there are no contraindications to treatment
Following your appointment, if a prescription is issued, it can be sent to your pharmacy. Or you can request for a paper prescription or the medication itself to be posted to you. Please note, all treatment and advice is issued subject to your consultation and doctor’s assessment.
Yes. Qoctor can provide assessment for suspected Bacterial Vaginosis online, if you have previously been diagnosed with BV and are having a recurrence of the same symptoms.
First, you’ll need to have a telehealth or phone consultation with one of our doctors. The doctor will ask some questions to establish the diagnosis and to ensure that:
- you are otherwise well
- there are no symptoms of more serious pelvic infection
- there are no contraindications to treatment
Following your appointment, if a prescription is issued, it can be sent electronically to your pharmacy. Or you can request for a paper prescription or the medication itself to be posted to you.
To book an appointment with an AHPRA registered, Australian doctor, to request BV treatment start <HERE>. Same day appointments are usually available, from $26.99..
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) occurs when the balance of the bacteria normally present in the vagina (particularly lactobacilli) is disrupted. It affects around 1 in 10 women at some point in their lives. In BV, there is an overgrowth of other bacteria. It is not clear how women get Bacterial Vaginosis, but there are some factors that seem to contribute:
- It is more common in women who are sexually active.
- It sometimes develops after intercourse with a new partner.
- Women who have female sexual partners may be at higher risk of BV than women who have sex with male partners only.
- Some evidence suggests that the use of condoms may reduce the risk of BV.
- around 50% of women who get BV will get a recurrence within six to 12 months
- treating the male partner of a woman who has BV does not seem to reduce the risk of recurrence, but further research is being done on this.
If you have asthma or hay fever you may be at risk of thunderstorm asthma- particularly in spring and summer. Thunderstorm asthma can be very dangerous, leading to severe difficulty breathing. It can be life-threatening, even in people who do not usually get asthma. If you have asthma or hay fever, you should speak to your doctor about how to protect yourself, in advance of thunderstorm season.
What causes Thunderstorm Asthma?
It is thought that thunderstorm asthma events are triggered by a combination of high grass pollen levels in the air and a certain type of thunderstorm. Pollen grains get swept up and carried long distances. Pollen grains can burst apart in these conditions, releasing tiny particles that can get deep into a person’s airways, triggering asthma symptoms.
Some steps to take to protect yourself against Thunderstorm Asthma:
- Make sure your asthma is properly controlled (see below). If it is not, speak to your doctor. You can also take an Asthma Control Test , available on the Asthma Australia website – and see your doctor urgently if your score is under 20.
- Discuss treatment of asthma and hay fever regularly with your doctor, particularly if you have symptoms or if there is high risk weather coming. Have an asthma action plan.
- Use your asthma preventer inhaler every day during high risk weather, even when well.
- Carry an asthma reliever puffer with you at all times
- If you have hay fever, use a steroid nasal spray every day when the pollen count is high.
- Follow your local weather forecast for warnings about high thunderstorm asthma risk levels (For VIC, NSW, ACT and QLD go HERE to monitor the pollen forecast, and for TAS go HERE).
- Stay indoors with windows shut on days the pollen count or thunderstorm asthma risk is known to be high.
See a doctor immediately or call Triple Zero (000) if you experience difficulty breathing.
Signs of Good Asthma Control
Asthma is well controlled if :
- most days, you don’t have any breathing difficulties, cough or wheeze.
- you generally sleep through the night, without waking due to asthma symptoms like cough, wheeze, or chest tightness
- you can exercise without getting asthma symptoms (some people need to use their reliever beforehand, to achieve this)
- you don’t miss work or school due to asthma
- you do not need to use your reliever inhaler more than 2 times per week (except for exercise)
Asthma control can also be checked by having a breathing test (spirometry).
There are many reliable sources of information about asthma in Australia. If you need one to one assistance, you can also make an appointment to see your GP, practice nurse, or speak to your local pharmacist.
- The Royal Children’s Hospital website has some great content relating to asthma in kids. Start HERE.
- The National Asthma Council has videos teaching you how to use your specific inhaler correctly, as each brand and model has its own special technique ( a majority of people get it wrong, even people who have used a puffer for many years!). Start HERE.
- The Australian government also provides reliable, accurate up to date advice about many health conditions, including asthma on the Health Direct website. Start HERE.
- Asthma Australia, is a consumer organisation that provides support and education about asthma. They can offer free telephone sessions with an asthma educator- this can be really useful if you need advice about your asthma management. Start HERE.
There can be many reasons for poor asthma control- here are some common ones:
Some possible reasons for bad asthma control
- Not using the right medication to treat your asthma. Understanding the different types of inhalers (puffers) and when to use them is key to good asthma control- speak to your doctor or pharmacist if your are not 100% sure about when to take which inhaler.
- Incorrect inhaler technique (using your puffer the wrong way) is very common- in fact most people with asthma do not use their inhaler(s) correctly! This means you don’t get the full dose of medication into your lungs each time, which can lead to poor asthma control. A GP, pharmacist or practice nurse can usually help to improve your technique. There are also good educational resources available to help. The Australian National Asthma Council has “how to” videos for every type of inhaler. Check it out here.
- Forgetting to take your “preventer” inhaler regularly.
- Exposure to triggers such as dust, pollen, smoke, fumes etc. You can work with your doctor to try to work out your triggers and how to avoid them, where possible.
- Relying too much on your “reliever” inhaler. If you are using your reliever puffer more than twice a week, you should speak with your doctor about your asthma control.
- Not having (or following) an Asthma Action Plan when your asthma symptoms are worsening.
If you think you have poor asthma control your should speak to your doctor- they can look for the causes and help you improve your asthma management.
To get your regular asthma prescription online with Qoctor, start HERE.
To get an asthma action plan online, from an AHPRA registered Australian doctor, start HERE.
Asthma is a lifelong (chronic) condition. It is important to make sure your asthma is well controlled, to reduce the risk of dangerous asthma attacks, and long term damage to your lungs. Whilst there is no permanent cure for asthma, you can reduce or eliminate symptoms by knowing your triggers, and understanding how to treat worsening asthma. Studies show that while many people think that their asthma is well controlled, a majority don’t actually have good control!
Signs of Good Asthma Control
Asthma is well controlled if :
- most days, you don’t have any breathing difficulties, cough or wheeze.
- you generally sleep through the night, without waking due to asthma symptoms like cough, wheeze, or chest tightness
- you can exercise without getting asthma symptoms (some people need to use their reliever beforehand, to achieve this)
- you don’t miss work or school due to asthma
- you do not need to use your reliever inhaler more than 2 times per week (except for exercise)
Good asthma control can be measured by having a breathing test (spirometry)
Signs of Poor Asthma Control
Asthma is poorly controlled if you:
- have frequent breathing difficulties, coughing or wheezing most days
- experience disturbed sleep due to asthma
- can’t exercise or exert yourself physically without experiencing breathing difficulties, cough and/or wheeze
- often miss work or school due to asthma
- use your reliever medication more than 2 times per week.
If you do not have an asthma “action plan” or if you are unsure whether you have good asthma control, you should speak to your doctor.
Yes. Qoctor can provide assessment for your usual asthma treatment online, if you have previously been diagnosed with asthma and are already using an inhaler (puffer).
First, you’ll need to have a telehealth consultation with one of our doctors. The doctor will ask some questions to confirm the diagnosis and to ensure that:
- your asthma is stable and well-controlled.
- there are no other significant health issues present.
- you are not getting any side effects from your current treatment.
If a prescription is issued, we can send a prescription immediately to your pharmacy. Or you can request for a paper prescription or the medication itself to be posted to you.
To book an appointment with an AHPRA registered, Australian doctor, to request your asthma inhaler start <HERE>. Same day appointments are usually available. A telehealth consultation for asthma treatment costs $26.99 (plus delivery).
Please note, all treatment and advice is issued subject to your consultation and doctor’s assessment.
Qoctor can provide assessment for your asthma, and may be able to issue your usual asthma treatment online, if you have previously been diagnosed with asthma and are already using an inhaler (puffer).
First, you’ll need to have a telehealth consultation with one of our doctors. The doctor will ask some questions to confirm the diagnosis, and to ensure that:
- your asthma is stable and well-controlled.
- there are no other significant health issues present.
- you are not getting any side effects from your current treatment.
If a prescription is issued, we can send a prescription immediately to your pharmacy. Or you can request for a paper prescription or the medication itself to be posted to you.
To book an appointment with an AHPRA registered, Australian doctor, to request your asthma inhaler start <HERE>. Same day appointments are usually available. A telehealth consultation for asthma treatment costs $26.99 (plus delivery, if applicable).
Please note, all treatment and advice is issued subject to your consultation and doctor’s assessment.
If you need to request an asthma action plan, an allergy action plan or an anaphylaxis action plan from Qoctor, you’ll usually be able to book your video appointment and, if approved by the doctor, get your document downloaded- all within a few hours. Occasionally, if you happen to be booking late in the day, you may need to wait till the following morning for the next available consultation.
Once your consultation is complete and the doctor has approved the action plan, the document can be downloaded immediately, so you’ll be able to provide it to your child’s school or childcare provider as soon as possible.
Qoctor can provide consultations for asthma, allergy and anaphylaxis action plans to children aged 3 years and above, subject to the online assessment with the doctor.
Please note, if your child has poorly managed symptoms and/or is having a lot of episodes of their asthma/allergy/anaphylaxis, it is likely that you will be advised to see a doctor in person instead, in which case a refund can be offered.
- For insect allergy – flick out sting if visible
- For tick allergy seek medical help or freeze tick and let it drop off
- Stay with person and call for help
- Give antihistamine (if prescribed)
- Phone family/emergency contact
SIGNS OF MILD TO MODERATE ALLERGIC REACTION include:
• Swelling of lips, face, eyes •Tingling mouth
• Hives or welts • Abdominal pain, vomiting.
Note that abdominal pain and vomiting can be signs of anaphylaxis for insect allergy.
1- LAY THE PERSON FLAT – do NOT allow them to stand or walk
• If unconscious or pregnant, place in recovery position- on left side if pregnant
• If breathing is difficult allow them to sit with legs outstretched
• Hold young children flat, not upright
2 GIVE ADRENALINE INJECTOR
3 Phone ambulance – 000 (AU) or 111 (NZ)
4 Phone family/emergency contact
5 Further adrenaline may be given if no response after 5 minutes
6 Transfer person to hospital for at least 4 hours of observation
IF IN DOUBT GIVE ADRENALINE INJECTOR
Commence CPR at any time if person is unresponsive and not breathing normally
ALWAYS GIVE ADRENALINE INJECTOR FIRST, and then asthma
reliever puffer if someone with known asthma and allergy to food, insects or
medication has SUDDEN BREATHING DIFFICULTY (including wheeze, persistent
cough or hoarse voice) even if there are no skin symptoms
Common symptoms of mild to moderate allergies include:
- Swelling of the lips, face, eyes
- Tingling mouth
- Hives or welts on the skin
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
However, abdominal pain and vomiting are deemed a sign of anaphylaxis if related to an insect sting/bite.
More severe allergy symptoms associated with anaphylaxis include:
- Difficult or noisy breathing
- Swelling of the tongue
- Swelling or tightness in the throat
- Wheeze or persistent cough
- Difficulty talking or hoarse voice
- Persistent dizziness or collapse
- Pale and floppy (young children)
Symptoms & signs of anaphylaxis include
- Tight or constricted breathing
- Swelling of the tongue
- Difficulty speaking and sometimes a hoarse voice
- Swelling or tightness in the throat
- Rapid heart rate and low blood pressure
- Loss of consciousness/collapse
- Pale appearance and floppiness in small children or babies
Sometimes there may be milder signs of allergy before the above symptoms start, which can include:
- A tingling sensation around the lips or mouth.
- Hives or welts
- Abdominal pain and vomiting (although these are viewed as signs of anaphylaxis in the case of insect allergy)
In around 1 in 5 cases, there may be a second bout of anaphylaxis within 12 hours of the first. This is called biphasic anaphylaxis.
Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) was established in 1990 as the peak professional body of clinical immunology/allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand. ASCIA action plans are standardised documents that allow parents, carers and teachers to take the correct steps to recognise and treat allergies and anaphylaxis affecting children under their care.
Allergic diseases are amongst the fastest growing chronic disease and public health issues in Australia, affecting around 20% of the population. They include food, insect and drug allergies, asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and eczema. The most severe type of allergic reaction is known as anaphylaxis, which is potentially life threatening.
Adrenaline autoinjectors are designed to be given by non-medical people, such as parents, school and childcare staff, friends, passers-by or the allergic person themselves (if they are well and old enough). Adrenaline autoinjector devices contain a single, fixed dose of adrenaline that works rapidly to reverse the episode of anaphylaxis. Instructions regarding correct use are included on the device labels, and on ASCIA Action Plans
No, unfortunately Qoctor cannot offer a Medicare rebate for telehealth. This is due to Medicare regulations in place since early in the COVID-19 pandemic, which state that a patient must have seen a doctor in person within the past 12 months for a Medicare rebate to be applied to most telehealth appointments. Therefore, as a fully online telehealth service, Qoctor can not offer Medicare rebates. However, Qoctor aims to keep services as affordable and accessible as possible, providing same day appointments in most cases.
The cost of a telehealth appointment to discuss an ASCIA allergy or anaphylaxis action plan (including the video consultation with the doctor) is $31.99.
If a patient wishes to also get a prescription for a new adrenaline autoinjector (Epipen) at the same time as the action plan, the total cost is $36.99.
It is a fully private service. Unfortunately Qoctor is unable to offer bulk-billing for telehealth consultations, as Medicare rules dictate that the doctor must have seen the patient face to face within the previous 12 months for a rebate to be applied for most telehealth services. This is obviously not possible for a fully online telehealth provider such as Qoctor. However, we strive to keep our service accessible and affordable for all.
ASCIA Action Plans do not expire- the plan is actually still valid beyond the “review date”, which is just a guide for patients to see their doctor. Ideally, ASCIA Action Plans should be reviewed when patients are reviewed by their doctor and/or each time they obtain a new adrenaline autoinjector (Epipen) prescription, which is generally every 12 to 18 months. If there are no changes in a person’s condition or treatment, the medical information on the ASCIA Action Plan may not need to be changed. However, if the patient is a child, the photo should be updated regularly, so they can be easily identified.
For more information on anaphylaxis and action plans, check out the ASCIA website.
ASCIA Action Plans were first developed in 2003 to standardise the recognition of signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and provide easy to follow steps for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. They continue to be used as the standard action plans throughout Australia and New Zealand. The content is regularly reviewed by experts and updated as necessary.
Qoctor uses up to date ASCIA templates for all action plans.
Common anaphylaxis triggers include
- Foods such as peanuts, tree-nuts, fish, shellfish and others
- Medications- such as antibiotics, aspirin, intravenous contrast
- Insect stings and bites- from wasps, bees, fire ants, hornets, yellow jackets
- Latex
- Rarely, exercise is a cause of anaphylaxis- in some cases, exercise after eating certain foods or exercising in certain temperatures.
- A history of certain medical conditions can increase the risk of having anaphylaxis, including the presence of other allergies and asthma.
Anaphylaxis is a severe life-threatening allergy. Normally, the immune system defends the body against threats such as bacteria and viruses. An allergy is when a person’s immune system reacts abnormally to something it’s exposed to- for example, food, pollen, animal dander, insect bites or medication. The immune system releases chemicals in response to the trigger. Mild allergy leads to symptoms such as itchy eyes, hives and a runny nose. However, in anaphylaxis the allergic reaction is much more severe and can happen within moments of exposure to a trigger- a wave of chemicals is released by the immune system, quickly affecting a person’s breathing and circulation. It is a medical emergency and usually requires urgent treatment with an adrenaline injection (such as an Epipen).
Qoctor can provide assessment for action plans for children aged 3 years and above. We recommend seeing your regular GP or paediatrician to obtain action plans for children younger than three years. This is because other conditions commonly present in children in this younger age group, that can mimic asthma or may occur with asthma.
- Rhinitis
- Respiratory tract infections such as bronchiolitis and RSV infection (respiratory syncytial virus)
- Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
- Other airway abnormalities or breathing dysfucntion
In most situations, Qoctor can provide assessment for an asthma action plan- however, we will recommend that you see a local doctor in certain situations, including:
- if your child’s asthma is not well controlled
- if your child is acutely unwell with respiratory symptoms
- if your child has had 2 or more hospital admissions due to asthma in the past 12 months
- if the diagnosis of asthma is not certain
- if your child is aged 3 or younger
You will be refunded in full if the action plan cannot be completed for any of these reasons.
Treatment and advice is issued subject to the consultation and doctor’s assessment.
The purpose of the video consultation is to prepare an asthma action plan. Qoctor generally recommends that prescriptions for ongoing asthma preventer inhalers in children should be organised by their regular doctor, because a physical check up may be required for your child.. If your child is running short in their preventer inhaler, you may be able to get a “bridging prescription” from your pharmacist in the meantime. Reliever inhalers (most commonly the blue “Ventolin” inhaler”) are available over the counter from pharmacies, without prescription. Always make sure you use a spacer with your inhalers, where possible, as this provides the best delivery of the medication into the lungs. Your pharmacist can advise you on spacer devices. As always, if your child is unwell or has a lot of asthma symptoms, such as wheeze, cough or chest tightness, you should seek medical attention.
No, unfortunately Qoctor cannot offer a Medicare rebate for telehealth. This is due to Medicare regulations in place since early in the COVID-19 pandemic, which state that a patient must have seen a doctor in person within the past 12 months for a Medicare rebate to be applied. Therefore, as a fully online telehealth service, Qoctor can not offer Medicare rebates. However, Qoctor aims to keep our services as affordable and accessible as possible, and we continue to provide same day appointments in most cases.
The cost of an appointment to request/discuss an asthma action plan with Qoctor is $31.99. If approved by the doctor, the action plan can be downloaded immediately after the video consultation. In most cases it is possible to get a same day appointment- so you can avoid long waiting times for local clinics, and get what you need today.
All treatment and advice is issued subject to your consultation and doctor’s assessment.
There are many excellent asthma action plan templates available in Australia, created and recommended by doctors, expert bodies and patient groups.
If issuing an action plan, Qoctor doctors currently use a template designed by Asthma Australia, which is designed for use in schools or childcare settings. It includes a clear set of guidelines for dealing with severe asthma.
Further information about asthma, and support for patients and carers is available at:
An asthma action plan is a written plan that you create with a doctor to help manage your child’s asthma.
The goal of an asthma action plan is to reduce or prevent asthma flare ups, and to avoid the need for hospital attendances. Following a written asthma action plan can help a child to experience fewer asthma symptoms, and to fully enjoy their normal everyday activities. An action plan also allows adults who provide education or care to children to take the correct steps when asthma symptoms occur.
A medical clearance is a document stating you are fit to return to work or usual activities. In the past, medical clearances were not generally required for return to work following illness. However, if infected with COVID-19, employees may be requested by their employer to obtain a medical clearance before they resume working, in the interest of public health. In New South Wales, there is a specific form for this purpose – a “medical clearance notice”
Qoctor can provide assessment for medical clearances for people who have:
- tested positive for COVID-19 on a PCR test or RAT (rapid antigen test).
- recovered from symptoms
- completed any mandatory isolation period as per local state or territory requirements.
Medical clearance notices for residents of NSW can also be completed by our doctors, subject to doctor’s assessment.
The isolation requirements following infection with COVID-19 may depend on where you live, and are subject to change over time, as the pandemic unfolds. It is therefore important that you check your local state or territory requirements.
To check your area, you can view the following government websites for further information.
General Advice
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-information-by-state-and-territory
State and territory COVID-19 information
Yes, our doctors are highly experienced and work in regular clinics, as well as offering telehealth consultations via Qoctor. They are all AHPRA-registered and based in Australia. Their professional details and signature appear on each document issued. So, it is similar to having a telehealth appointment with your own GP!
Qoctor has been offering Australians quality, affordable telehealth to people all over Australia since 2015. Our medical certificates are accepted by employers across all industries and workplaces.
Simply select “certificates” on the Qoctor home page
Then choose “COVID-19 medical clearance”. Complete the online questionnaire. We will ask about your symptoms and isolation period, as per local state or territory requirements.
Then you will need to have a video consultation with one of our doctors at a time of your choosing, who will assess your symptoms, and whether a medical clearance is appropriate.
If approved, a medical clearance can be sent to you via email immediately after the appointment, and will also appear on your Qoctor account as a downloadable PDF.
If you are having any difficulties booking your appointment, our customer service team are available to help via live chat from 9AM to 9PM. If they are busy, just leave a message and they’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
No, Qoctor can not offer bulk-billing. Medicare regulations require that a patient must have seen the doctor in person within the past 12 months to avail of bulk-billing or Medicare rebates. As Qoctor is exclusively a telehealth service, we are obviously unable to meet this requirement. However, we strive to keep our price points as low as possible, and offer you the convenience of an online appointment in the comfort of your home. Also, we’ll almost always be able to offer you an appointment the same day, or early the following day (depending on when you book), thereby avoiding the prolonged wait times in local medical centres.
A consultation to request a COVID-19 medical clearance with Qoctor costs $31.99 out of pocket.
To get a COVID-19 medical clearance, you will need to complete an online questionnaire and a video consultation with a doctor. This consultation costs $31.99 out of pocket. If approved by the doctor, you can receive your medical clearance immediately into your email inbox, following the appointment. The issuing of the certificate is at the doctor’s discretion. Please note, there is no bulk-billing available, as Medicare does not allow bulk-billing for telehealth services (unless you have seen the doctor in person, in the preceding 12 months).
- UTI stands for Urinary Tract Infection (also referred to as a bladder infection or cystitis).
- UTIs are common, particularly in women.
- Most UTIs are caused by bacteria that live harmlessly in your gut but cause inflammation if they get into your urinary tract. It often stings as urine passes the inflamed area.
- It is important to treat UTI quickly, as the infection can sometimes spread from the bladder to the kidneys (causing a kidney infection, also known as “pyelnonephritis”), which can make you extremely unwell.
Up to 50% of women will experience 1 or more UTIs in their life. However, UTIs are much less common in men. Any woman who gets recurring or repeated UTIs within a few months of each other (eg, 3 or more in a 12 month period), should be assessed by a doctor as this may mean there is an underlying cause. All men presenting with UTI symptoms need to be assessed as soon as possible, and will usually need further tests such as urine tests, blood tests and an ultrasound scan of the abdomen/urinary tract.
Symptoms of a UTI usually include
- Burning or stinging when you pass urine (dysuria)
- Passing urine more frequently (frequency) or urgently (urgency) than normal
- Cloudy or smelly urine
- The feeling that the bladder is still full after urinating
However, elderly people may not have typical symptoms- and may just present with fatigue, fever, confusion or general unwellness. Similarly, symptoms in infants and children may be less typical.
Certain symptoms may indicate the presence of a more serious infection, including:
- Pain in your tummy (abdomen) or low back (loins/flanks)
- A fever (high temperature) or chills (rigors)
- Passing larger amounts of urine than normal (polyuria) & excessive thirst (polydipsia)
- Blood in the urine (haematuria)
- Headache/vomiting/flu-like symptoms
- Offensive vaginal discharge
Anyone experiencing the above symptoms should see a doctor in person, as soon as possible.
A UTI is usually treated with oral antibiotics. There are several antibiotics commonly used- the one chosen by the doctor will depend on local factors (such as bacterial resistance to certain antibiotics in your area), your medical history, and whether you have any allergies to medications. If there is no improvement of your symptoms within 2 days of starting an antibiotic, you should speak to your doctor as soon as possible- as it may be necessary to change to a different antibiotic, and/or to have further tests.
Sometimes the symptoms of a UTI can be similar to other conditions, for example:
- A sexually transmitted infection, eg. Chlamydia
- Diabetes (passing larger amounts of urine than normal & excessive thirst)
- Kidney stones (spasms of pain in the back or groin)
- Thrush (itchy vulva, sometimes a discharge or odour)Recurrent UTI (3 or more UTIs in 1 year).
A kidney infection is more serious than an uncomplicated UTI, and may present with fever/chills, flu-like-symptoms, tummy pain, back pain.
And anyone experiencing 3 or more UTIs in a 12 month period, will need to have further tests, as it may indicate an underlying cause.
If you’re worried about any of the above issues, it is best to see a doctor in person.
Qoctor strongly recommends that you attend your own GP to request a certificate to seek exemption from jury duty or a court appearance. In these circumstances, it is best to see your usual doctor, who can vouch for your symptoms or any long term health issues, and can provide necessary updates or extensions to your certificate as and when required.
Most prescriptions are valid for 12 months from the date of issue (which means that you have up to 12 months to order any repeats on your prescription).
This means if a prescription was issued more than12 month ago, you would need to see a doctor to request a new one- even if there were “repeats” outstanding on the original one. However, under state or territory laws some prescriptions are only valid for 6 months (this may apply to certain Schedule 8/controlled drugs).
For more information about prescription requirements, go to Services Australia.
It is possible to request a medical certificate online in Australia. Telehealth doctors need to be fully registered with AHPRA .These days it is quite common for Australian GPs and specialists to assess their patients via video consultation, for all sorts of health issues. You should expect the doctor to ask you some questions about your medical history and your symptoms, just as they would in a regular clinic. A medical certificate can relate to a previous day or days, subject to assessment, and provided the period of sick leave is very recent, e.g. within the past few days. However the date of the consultation always appears at the top of the certificate, with the relevant dates of sick leave stated in the certificate also.
A medical certificate issued via an appropriately conducted online assessment is a legal document, just the same as one you’d receive in a clinic. For more information on your rights as an employee go to www.fairwork.gov.au .
It is also important to note that an online doctor may occasionally advise you to see a doctor in person instead, for example, if they assess that you are more significantly unwell and a physical examination is needed.
If you have a consultation with Qoctor, the doctor may issue a prescription as part of your management. As Qoctor is an online doctor service, we do not stock or sell prescription drugs. However, we can facilitate you by forwarding the prescription to a pharmacy of your choice. You can select to have your prescription:
- sent electronically to your chosen local pharmacy OR
- sent to a Qoctor partner pharmacy who can arrange home delivery of the medication for you. If you choose this option it means Qoctor will forward your prescription to an independent pharmacy that is set up to efficiently dispense and dispatch prescription medicines. This is available for a limited range of treatments, and is displayed as a delivery option when booking
- sent to you at your home/work address- i.e. a paper prescription.
For most people, our Pharmacy Concierge Service, at $8.99, is the cheapest and quickest delivery option- it means we will send a prescription electronically to your local pharmacy immediately, and you can have your medication in your hand within a few hours.
- If you choose mail delivery instead your order will be delivered via Australia Post, and you will receive a tracking number so you can follow it.
- Delivery times may be affected by factors such as covid-19, weekends and public holidays.
- Standard Delivery costs $11.99 and normally takes 5 to 7 business days
- Express Delivery costs $14.99- if you place your order before 1pm AEST, your order will arrive the next business day. If you place your order after 1pm AEST, your order will arrive within 1-2 business days. **Please note covid-19 restrictions may impact Australia Post timelines**
- If you have queries about your order at any point, email us at info@qoctor.com.au.
- Our customer service team is also available via live chat from 8:30am to 9pm, 7 days a week.
- This depends on whether you have chosen standard post or express delivery.
- If you paid for express post to be delivered to QLD, WA or NT, your order will be “pending” until it arrives in your state (Australia Post terms & Conditions). If your order has exceeded the expected delivery time frame provided please email info@qoctor.com.au
- If you ordered by standard post, your order will be “pending” until it is due to be delivered. Often this is closer to the 5th-7th business day. If your order has exceeded the expected delivery time frame of 5-7 business days provided please email info@qoctor.com.au
- Please note that covid-19 may impact Australia Post timelines.
- To avoid postal delays, we recommend you select our pharmacy concierge service as your preferred delivery option instead- then we can send your prescription electronically to your local pharmacy, so you can have your medication in your hands within a few hours (Monday to Friday)
Malaria is a potentially life-threatening infection caused by a parasite (called Plasmodium) which is passed to humans by mosquito bites. It infects red blood cells and the liver, and can cause serious illness and death.
The Malaria parasite (plasmodium) is carried by the Anopheles mosquito, which tends to bite in the evening. The parasite is passed from the insect’s mouth into the human body, and enters the bloodstream, soon making its way to the liver. After 1-2 weeks in the liver (the duration depends on the strain of Malaria parasite), it re-enters the bloodstream, invades red blood cells, multiplies and bursts out of them, thus continuing the cycle. It usually takes 1-4 weeks for symptoms of Malaria to appear- again, this depends on the strain of Malaria parasite.
There are 5 types of Malaria, caused by different forms of the Plasmodium parasite.
- Plasmodium falciparum
- Plasmodium ovale
- Plasmodium vivax
- Plasmodium malariae
A fifth form known as Plasmodium knowlesi primarily affects monkeys. Plasmodium vivax and falciparum are the most common, with Plasmodium falciparum being the most dangerous form. Plasmodium vivax and ovale parasites can lie dormant in the liver- there have been cases where Malaria “reactivates” many years later.
Australia was declared free of Malaria in 1981, but a few hundred cases happen here each year, as people return from travel abroad. There have also been some cases in the Torres Strait Islands. It is widespread in large parts of Africa, Asia, South America, the Pacific Islands and other places. When intending to travel, it is important to find out about the risk of Malaria at your destination(s) in advance.
Symptoms of Malaria include:
- Fever
- Chills & sweats
- Aches & pains
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
Life-threatening complications of Plasmodium falciparum infection include:
- Jaundice (yellow discoloration of the eyes & skin)
- Abnormalities in blood clotting
- Kidney Failure
- Liver Failure
- Haemolytic Anaemia (a low blood count due to breakdown of red blood cells)
- Rupture of the spleen
- Shock (a dangerous drop in blood pressure leading to poor blood circulation)
- Pulmonary Oedema (fluid in the lungs)
- Confusion and coma (caused by cerebral malaria- i.e inflammation of the brain)
It’s essential to avoid getting mosquito bites in the first place:
- try to stay indoors at times of the day when mosquitoes are most active
- ideally, stay in an air-conditioned room with insect screens, and/or sleep under a mosquito net that’s been treated with Permethrin.
- apply appropriate mosquito repellent to your body and spray it on your clothing too
- wear long sleeves and trousers, particularly at times when mosquitoes are active
- burn mosquito coils in outdoor areas
Preventive medication is also recommended in areas with high malaria risk.
Malaria may be suspected due to symptoms during or after travel to a malarial zone. It’s possible to get Malaria even if you’ve taken preventive medication- so anyone with suspicious symptoms should see a doctor for assessment. The diagnosis can be confirmed by a blood test
Treatment for Malaria usually requires an admission to hospital. There are different treatment options- the choice of medication will depend on the location and the particular strain. The parasite has become resistant to some commonly used medications. This drug resistance varies from region to region, and can change over time. Therefore, it’s vital that the most up-to-date treatment advice is available, for the location in question.
A medical certificate issued by a telehealth doctor is a legal document and contains all the appropriate information you’d expect- including relevant dates, full professional details of the doctor, and their signature. Qoctor has conducted thousands of telehealth appointments over the past few years. Our service is supported by employees and employers alike.
Jet lag refers to symptoms arising from crossing several time zones, particularly following rapid travel.
Common symptoms of jet lag include:
- Feeling tired or exhausted
- Difficulty staying awake
- Sleeping excessively
- Disturbed sleep
- Poor concentration
- Reduced coordination
- Irritability
- Changes in appetite
- Altered bowel habit (constipation or loose stools)- may be related to change in meal times or reduced fluid intake on flights
Common symptoms of jet lag include:
- Feeling tired or exhausted
- Difficulty staying awake
- Sleeping excessively
- Disturbed sleep
- Poor concentration
- Reduced coordination
- Irritability
- Changes in appetite
- Altered bowel habit (constipation or loose stools)- may be related to change in meal times or reduced fluid intake on flights
The circadian rhythm is the normal cycle of being awake during the day and sleeping at night and generally dictated by the cycle of daylight and darkness. When we travel, the differences in time at our destination cause a disturbance of our normal circadian rhythm.
Melatonin is produced naturally in the body- it is a hormone made by a part of the brain called the pineal gland. Basically, it is “nature’s sandman”- telling the brain and body that it’s time to go to sleep. Darkness triggers a natural release of Melatonin into the bloodstream, while daylight reduces Melatonin levels.
When we travel across different time zones, it may take a period of time for our Melatonin production to adjust and help correct our sleep cycle,
Travelling across multiple time zones and travelling east to west tends to increase the effects of jet lag.
Once your body eventually adapts to the time at your destination, the Jet Lag symptoms usually subside but this may take a few days.
There are some tips that may help reduce the effects of jet lag:
- Adapting your schedule to the new time zone is critical- e.g. not sleeping until it is reasonably close to your usual bedtime in the new time zone
- Adapting your sleep schedule prior to travel may help i.e. sleeping towards your destination time zone times
- Try not to oversleep- set alarms accordingly to prevent this
- Exposure to daytime in your destination can help to reset your internal body clock
- Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake during travel
- Staying well hydrated
- Medication- subject to your doctor’s advice
Diarrhoea is 3 or more loose bowel motions per 24 hours. Traveller’s Diarrhoea is Gastroenteritis (“gastro”) that develops shortly after or during travel abroad. It can range from a tummy upset for a day or two, with mild diarrhoea, to more severe diarrhoea, tummy cramps, vomiting, fevers and dehydration lasting several days or longer.
Traveller’s Diarrhoea is caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with germs (bacteria, viruses or parasites) or their toxins. It can be spread by contact with an infected person. The commonest germs include:
Bacteria
- Escherichia coli (E Coli) – found in undercooked beef, unpasteurised milk and juice, sprouts and contaminated water.
- Campylobacter- found in raw & undercooked poultry, unpasteurised milk and contaminated water.
- Salmonella- found in undercooked poultry, raw egg, mayonnaise, sprouts, tahini.
- Shigella- often spread by an affected individual preparing food after not washing their hands thoroughly. It can also be contracted by swimming in a pool used by somebody with the infection.
Viruses such as Norovirus and Rotavirus are transmitted when an infected person handles food that somebody else then eats, or by direct contact with an infected person.
Parasites including Giardia, Cryptosporidium and Entamoeba Histolytica are important but less common causes of Traveller’s Diarrhoea.
Symptoms (other than diarrhoea) may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea (feeling sick) and/or vomiting
- Fevers
- Aches
The risk depends on where you travel to:
- High-risk areas: South and Southeast Asia, Central America, West and North Africa, South America, East Africa.
- Medium-risk areas: Russia, China, Caribbean, South Africa.
- Low-risk areas: North America, Western Europe and New Zealand.
Fluid replacement is the most important element of treatment. While water is often enough, oral rehydration salts (such as Hydrolyte) can help to increase rehydration and replace electrolytes lost through vomiting and diarrhoea. In milder cases, rehydration is all that’s required. However, other treatments such as anti-diarrhoea medications, anti-emetic (anti-nausea) medications and antibiotics may be appropriate in certain situations, subject to doctor’s assessment.
Most people have mild symptoms that may not need treatment other than resting and drinking plenty of fluids. However you should see a doctor if you:
- have a fever (high temperature) above 38.5C.
- have blood in your diarrhoea or vomit.
- are becoming dehydrated- ie. passing less urine, dry mouth, feeling dizzy/light-headed, headaches, weakness/fatigue etc.
- have severe abdominal (tummy) pains.
- have symptoms lasting longer than 3 days.
- feel your symptoms are worsening.
- are pregnant.
- are elderly or have an underlying health problem such as diabetes, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease or other chronic health problems.
- have a weakened immune system (for example, due to cancer, chemotherapy, long term steroid treatment, HIV infection).
An employee must inform their employer if intending to take sick leave or carer’s leave. This has to be done as soon as possible, but can be after the leave has started. It should be specified how long the absence from work will be, or is expected to be.
An employer can ask an employee to give evidence that confirms they took leave because they were unable to work because of an illness or injury, or needed to care for an immediate family or household member who was experiencing illness, injury, or unexpected emergency.
Employers are entitled to ask employees for evidence for as little as 1 day or less off work.
An employee who does not provide their employer with evidence when asked may not be entitled to be paid for sick leave or carer’s leave.
An award or registered agreement can specify the circumstances in which an employee must give evidence to their employer and what type of evidence is required. The type of evidence requested must be reasonable in the circumstances.
Medical certificates and statutory declarations (stat decs) are considered acceptable forms of evidence. Although there are no strict rules on what type of evidence should be provided by an employee, the evidence has to convince a reasonable person that the employee was genuinely entitled to the leave.
What about medical appointments and planned surgery?
Medical appointments and elective surgeries that are pre-arranged can only be covered by sick leave if an employee is unable to work because of an illness or injury. It will depend on each individual circumstance. An employer can ask for evidence from an employee to confirm that they were unfit for work. This can help decide whether an employee should be paid sick leave or a different type of leave/entitlement.
Employers attending medical appointments
It is not considered reasonable for an employer to attend a medical appointment with an employee, unless the employee requests it. It is also not considered reasonable for an employer to contact the employee’s doctor to obtain information.
Further information about Australian law relating to sick leave and your rights as an employee can be found at www.fairwork.gov.au
If you are travelling in an area where there is a risk of Traveller’s Diarrhoea:
- Only eat food that is freshly prepared, cooked and served piping hot, or fruit that you have peeled yourself.
- Only drink bottled water (ensuring the seal is unbroken) or cooled boiled water.
- Use bottled or boiled water to brush your teeth. Do not use tap water.
- Wash your hands frequently using soap and water, or else use a hand sanitiser.
- Wash your hands or use hand sanitiser before preparing food, eating or drinking, and after using the toilet.
- Avoid:
- Tap water
- Uncooked food such as salads
- Raw or undercooked meat or shellfish
- Uncooked eggs
- Unpasteurised milk and cheese
- Ice cubes (to keep drinks cold, put the container or glass on ice. Do not put ice in your drinks).
- Ice-cream products
- Be careful where you swim as swimming in contaminated water can lead to Traveller’s Diarrhoea
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- The cause of premature ejaculation isn’t fully understood.
- For a long time it was thought to be purely psychological, but now we know there can be physical factors too.
- Psychological factors include poor self esteem or body image , depression, stress, anxiety, guilt, relationship problems, or a history of early or abusive sexual experiences.
- If a man is worried about previous premature ejaculation, this can also increase the likelihood of it happening again. And if a man has a history of erectile dysfunction, he may tend to rush things at times, leading to premature ejaculation on other occasions.
- Physical causes can include abnormalities of certain hormone levels, as well as infection or inflammation of the urethra or prostate gland.
Erectile Dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection hard enough for penetration during sexual intercourse. Premature Ejaculation is when a man “comes” sooner than he and/or his partner would like during intercourse. Though they may seem like two very different problems, some men may experience both issues at various times.
Yes, if a man experiences erectile dysfunction at times, he may tend to rush intercourse or find it difficult to pace himself as well as he’d like- potentially leading to premature ejaculation on other occasions.
It’s important that any underlying causes leading to Premature Ejaculation are considered and dealt with as appropriate-such as stress and relationship problems, or physical health issues. A doctor may also suggest medication for men who suffer from premature ejaculation.
- Yes, there are different forms of cholesterol.
- LDL cholesterol is sometimes known as “bad cholesterol” as it is linked to a higher risk of vascular disease, such as heart attack and stroke. This is because high LDL cholesterol (along with other risk factors such as smoking and high blood pressure) can lead to blockages in blood vessels.
- HDL cholesterol is also known as “good cholesterol” as it helps to transport cholesterol out of the bloodstream- higher levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
- If you have a blood test to check your cholesterol (also known as lipids), the results will usually include measurement of total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides.
There are a few factors:
- Genetics- high cholesterol tends to run in some families.
- Diet- certain foods can cause increases in LDL cholesterol
- fatty or processed meats
- biscuits, cakes & pastries
- snack foods like chips
- deep-fried foods
- many types of takeaway foods
- eggs and dairy foods in excessive amounts may be problematic for cholesterol, but many experts now advise that eggs and dairy eaten in moderation can benefit health in a variety of ways, and should not be eliminated altogether.
- Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (sometimes known as “bad cholesterol) tend to be the focus of discussion when blood tests are done.
- Normal total cholesterol is less than 5mmol/L
- Normal LDL is less then 3mmol/L, but basically, the lower the better.
- However, in people who have other risk factors (for example, diabetes), the ideal or target levels for total and LDL cholesterol are lower.
- HDL cholesterol should ideally be above 1.6mmol/L
- Australian guidelines state that it’s advisable to have a blood test to check your lipid (cholesterol) profile every 5 years, from the age of 45.
- Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginal peoples should be tested every 5 years from the age of 35, as they have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
- How often you get retested after that depends on your results, and your other risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Lifestyle changes are aimed at reducing all risk factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease, and include the following:
- Quit smoking. Smoking allows LDL cholesterol to enter blood vessel walls more easily and cause damage.
- Healthy eating
- Increase exercise. Regular exercise appears to increase HDL levels while reducing LDL and triglycerides.
- Ensure blood pressure is normal
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Look after your mental health- people who have depression or who are socially isolated may have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease- speak to your GP if you think this applies to you.
- If you have diabetes, ensure that your blood glucose control is good, and attend your doctor for regular check ups.
- The decision to start a medication depends on a person’s overall risk of heart disease and stroke (cardiovascular disease)- it’s different for different people.
- A cardiovascular risk calculator can be used to figure out your risk of getting a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years, based on your cholesterol results and other risk factors- this can help your doctor to decide if you’re low, moderate or high risk.:
- Low risk: If risk is low (less than 10% risk of heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years), then it’s reasonable to try lifestyle changes (see below) and retest in 5 years
- Moderate risk: If risk is moderate (10-15% risk of heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years), then lifestyle changes can be tried at first- if there is no significant improvement in cholesterol levels after 6 months of healthy lifestyle changes, medication may be considered. However, a decision may be made to go straight for medication if a person is in a high-risk group- for example if they are of South Asian, Pacific Islander, Maori, Middle Eastern, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, or if they’ve a strong family history of heart attack or stroke in younger people. Lipids (cholesterol) blood tests should be repeated every 2 years in this group.
- High risk: If risk is high (over 15% risk of heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years), then both lifestyle changes AND medication should be considered. A lipid profile (cholesterol) blood test should be repeated every year.
- However, it’s important to note that some people are “high risk” purely because they have certain health issues, and may be advised to start cholesterol-lowering medication on this basis- for example if they have significant chronic kidney disease, complications from diabetes, high blood pressure (above 180mmHg systolic), familial hypercholesterolaemia, or total cholesterol above 7.5mmol.
- The mini pill (progesterone only pill) works by thickening the mucus in the cervix, preventing sperm from getting through to fertilise the egg. In some women, it also prevents ovulation.
- It must be taken every day during the same 3 hour period, otherwise pregnancy may occur.. There are no inactive or sugar pills, so unlike the combined oral contraceptive pill, there are no breaks- you take a pill every day.
- Most women get no side effects
- Some women get side effects such as irregular bleeding, headaches, acne, breast tenderness or changes in mood.
If used perfectly it is more than 99% effective, though with typical or “normal” use, it is about 91% effective
Yes, it can be used when breastfeeding, as it does not affect the flow of milk (whereas the combined oral contraceptive pill may reduce breast milk supply)
The POP is not usually the first choice if a woman wants to regulate her menstrual cycle. This is because the POP has different effects in different women- some may get irregular bleeding, others may get no period at all. So, whilst it may work out well for some users, it is not predictable (unlike the combined oral contraceptive pill or COCP, which tends to give a regular bleeding pattern).
Whilst there is evidence that the combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) appears to cause a slight increase in breast cancer during use and for 5-10 years after stopping, the POP has not been connected to any increase in breast cancer.
Whilst the combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) is known to increase a woman’s risk of developing a clot, the risk of having a clot when using the POP is much lower.
As per Australian guidelines, the standard requirements for a medical certificate are:
- Name and address of the doctor issuing the certificate
- Name of the patient
- Date on which the examination took place
- Date on which the certificate was issued
- Date(s) on which the patient is or was unfit for attendance
- A diagnosis is not usually required. If it is a requirement for a diagnosis to be provided, the doctor should inform the patient and only proceed to include the diagnosis following the express consent of the patient.
No, if you wish to become pregnant, there is little or no delay to return to fertility when you stop taking the progesterone only pill.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a common, long term medical condition that affects the airways (the breathing tubes that carry air into the lungs), causing them to become narrowed and inflamed. Around 1 in 20 people are affected by Asthma, including adults and children.
People with Asthma sometimes find it harder to breathe in and out, because their airways become narrower or constricted. They also may produce more mucus. This can lead to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing ( a whistling sound when breathing out), shortness of breath and a sense of chest tightness. These symptoms may be worse at night, leading to difficulty sleeping.
Asthma may be triggered by different things in different people, such as viral infections, exercise, dust, pollen, cold air, animal dander, fumes or chemicals.
It is not clear why some people develop Asthma and others don’t, but some factors that increase the risk of getting Asthma include:
- family history of Asthma
- being born premature or low birth weight
- if your mother smoked during pregnancy
- exposure to air pollution or smoke in childhood
There is no cure for Asthma, but it can usually be well controlled with the right treatment and action plan. Most people with Asthma can stay active and lead a normal, healthy life.
For good control of Asthma, you need:
- inhalers – taken in the right way, at the right time
- regular check-ups with your doctor, particularly if you have worsening symptoms
- information about managing asthma correctly
- an asthma action plan, so you know exactly what to do when symptoms flare up.
Severe Asthma
Severe Asthma attacks can be dangerous- even life-threatening, and if you have symptoms of severe Asthma you should seek immediate medical attention, as well as taking your reliever inhaler. Having an Asthma action plan means you’ll know what to do if severe Asthma occurs.
Signs of an Asthma emergency include:
- Rapid worsening of shortness of breath and wheezing
- No improvement in symptoms, even after using your “reliever” inhaler (for most people this is a “blue puffer”, also known as Ventolin or Salbutamol.
- Shortness of breath on minimal physical exertion
The doctors at Qoctor can provide assessment for Asthma, in people whose Asthma is stable and controlled, and who wish to request ongoing treatment. Following a video consultation, if a prescription is issued, it can be sent to your local pharmacy, or you can have the medication delivered. Start HERE to request an assessment.
Further asthma resources:
The main 4 symptoms of Asthma are:
- cough
- wheeze (a high-pitched, whistling sound when breathing out- this is a common feature of Asthma in children)
- chest tightness
- difficulty breathing/ shortness of breath
Asthma is often worse at night, which can lead to poor sleep and tiredness.
Asthma symptoms are commonly brought on by specific triggers, though these can vary from person to person.
Common triggers of Asthma symptoms include:
- respiratory viruses (such as the common cold, influenza, COVID-19 etc )
- cold air
- exercise
- pollen
- dust
- mould
- animal dander
- smoke
- chemicals or fumes
What are the symptoms of severe Asthma?
- Shortness of breath
- Unable to speak in full sentences
- Chest tightness
- Feel breathless even when resting
- A blue colour around the mouth/lips
- Feeling restless, confused or difficulty concentrating
- A feeling of strained muscles in your tummy and neck
- Feeling that you need to stay upright to breathe more easily
Cough and wheeze are not always present in severe Asthma.
Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance if symptoms of severe asthma are present, and you are not responding to your usual inhalers.
Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children.
- Asthma can start at any age but it most commonly starts in childhood.
- Approximately 1 in 10 Australians have Asthma.
- People with a family history of Asthma or allergies may be at higher risk of developing Asthma.
- Asthma is also more common in people who were born premature, had low birth weight or whose mother smoked during pregnancy.
- Exposure to smoke or air pollution in childhood also increases the risk of Asthma.
- Indigenous Australians were 1.6 times more likely than the rest of the population to report having Asthma, in recent studies.
Asthma more commonly affects boys in childhood, but tends to affect more females later in adulthood.
Asthma symptoms may flare up at any time.
Common triggers for Asthma include:
- Infections
- Hay fever/pollen
- Exercise
- Smoking
- Allergies to animals
- House dust mite exposure
- Fumes or chemicals
- Medications including:
- Aspirin
- Anti-inflammatories (e.g Ibuprofen, Diclofenac)
- Beta-blockers (e.g Propranolol, Atenolol)
- Your doctor can usually diagnose Asthma based on the history of your symptoms and by performing a physical examination.
- Usually no tests are required but further tests can be arranged if required.
- These include peak flow assessment or spirometry (lung function testing).
- Asthma is usually treated with inhalers which deliver medication directly into the lungs.
- Inhalers are often more effective if used with a spacer device, though some have an in-built delivery system and a spacer is not needed- it’s worth checking with a pharmacist if you’re unsure..
- An oral medications may also be used as a preventer.
- The treatment is categorised into Preventers (stopping you from getting asthma symptoms) and Relievers (treating Asthma symptoms when present):
Relievers:
- These are taken to relieve symptoms when they occur. They help to open up the airways and are also called bronchodilators
- If you have mild Asthma then this may be the only treatment you require.
- If you are need to take your reliever inhaler more than three times a week, then you may require treatment with a preventer inhaler.
Preventers:
- These are taken regularly to prevent symptoms of Asthma.
Steroid inhalers
- The most commonly used preventer is a steroid which works by reducing the inflammation in the airways.
- It may take up to 2 weeks for the steroid to build up their effect.
- They should be taken regularly to control your asthma.
- You should always rinse your mouth after taking your steroid inhaler.
- Long term use of steroid inhalers can cause low bone density.
Long acting bronchodilators
- These relieve symptoms for up to 12 hours after each dose has been taken.
- A long-acting bronchodilator may be needed if symptoms are not fully controlled by the steroid inhaler alone.
Combination medications
- Some inhalers may contain both steroid and long acting bronchodilators.
Leukotriene receptor antagonists
- These block the effect of chemicals called leukotrienes which trigger asthma symptoms.
- This medication needs to be taken regularly to prevent Asthma.
If your Asthma remains poorly controlled then your doctor may refer you to a specialist for further assessment and management.
- Migraine is a common cause of headache, affecting around 1 in 5 Australians
- But it’s more than just a headache- there are particular criteria needed to make the diagnosis, so it’s important to see a doctor to be certain
- Common symptoms include a recurring severe throbbing headache that lasts between 4 and 72 hours. It tends to involve one side of the head (though it can involve the entire head) and is often made worse by movement or routine daily activities. Nausea, vomiting, and an aversion to light (photophobia) or sound (phonophobia) are common symptoms, and some people also get an “aura” before the headache starts
- Migrainous headaches may vary in severity, frequency and can have a major impact on daily life
- The cause is not entirely clear.
- However, a common theory is that blood vessels in parts of the brain become narrower (go into spasm) which causes the aura.
- The blood vessels are then thought to open wide (dilate) soon afterwards, which accounts for the headache.
- There may also be a genetic factor involved as it often occurs in several members of the same family.
- The diagnosis is usually made by a doctor on the basis of typical symptoms and clinical examination.
- There are no specific tests
- Further investigations such as a brain scan and blood tests may be organised to rule out other causes.
- The diagnostic criteria for classical migraine are:
- (A) at least 5 attacks must have occurred over time, fulfilling B-D below
- (B) attacks last 4 to 72 hours (this includes episodes treated with medication or untreated)
- (C) Headaches have at least two of the following features:
- involve one side of the head
- pulsing or throbbing
- moderate to severe pain
- headache is worsened by routine physical activity
- (D) at least one of the following symptoms comes with the headache
- nausea and/or vomiting
- sensitivity to light (photophobia) or sensitivity to noise (phonophobia)
- (E) no other cause can be found for the headache
- The diagnostic criteria are a little different for other types- e.g if there is an aura, or the rarer Basilar, Hemiplegic and Ocular forms.
It’s not always possible to identify a trigger, but the following things may cause migrainous headaches in some people:
- Dietary factors- cheese, chocolate, red wine, citrus fruits, and foods containing an additive called tyramine.
- Excessive dieting.
- Psychological factors- stress/anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances.
- Environmental triggers- bright lights, loud noises or strong smells.
- Medications- for example HRT and the contraceptive pill.
- Menstruation and the menopause.
- Aside from avoiding triggers, sufferers may get relief from medications such as painkillers and triptans.
- However, if attacks are happening several times a month, a daily preventive medication may be recommended by your doctor.
Yes, there are various types, which have typical symptoms:
- Migraine without aura- ‘common migraine’
The most common type consists of a severe throbbing one-sided headache. There may be associated symptoms of nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity and blurred vision.
- Migraine with aura- also called ‘classical migraine’
Similar to a common Migraine but the headache is accompanied by an aura which occurs up to 60 minutes before the headache.
- Menstrual Migraine
This may occur with or without aura, and is associated with menstruation
- Abdominal Migraine
This usually occurs in children and consists of recurrent abdominal pain in children who may or may not have an associated headache. Commonly, children who have Abdominal Migraine go on to develop migraine in their teenage years.
- Hemiplegic Migraine
This is associated with weakness in the arm and leg on one side of the body. It may look very similar to a stroke- so if it happens for the first time, or the diagnosis is not certain, immediate medical attention should be sought.
- Ocular Migraine
This causes temporary loss of all or part of the vision in one eye with or without the presence of a headache. You should call an ambulance if you get a sudden loss of vision (particularly if it occurs for the first time) as there are various serious conditions that need to be ruled out.
- Basilar Migraine
This is rare-symptoms include headache at the back of the head with associated visual disturbance, dizziness, loss of balance, jerky eye movements, trouble hearing and slurred speech
You should call an ambulance if you get these symptoms as there are various serious conditions that need to be ruled out.
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to sounds (phonophobia)
- Aura – this is a group of symptoms that may happen before a migrainous headache/attack.
- Common aura symptoms may include:
- Visual disturbances such as zig zag lines, flashing lights, shimmering or flickering spots, or even blind spots.
- Sensory disturbances such as olfactory hallucinations (experiencing a smell that isn’t there); numbness affecting the face, arms or legs; rarely weakness down one side of the body or speech disturbances. Anyone who experiences these symptoms for the first time should seek emergency medical attention as it could be a stroke.
An attack may consist of defined phases:
- A warning or prodromal phase may occur – there may be sensations or signs that a migraine is about to happen. Changes in mood and appetite may occur, as well as nausea, fatigue, yawning, difficulty finding words, diarrhoea or constipation.
- About 20-30% of people may experience an aura. The most common aura symptoms are visual disturbances such as bright zigzag lines, blind spots that may move or gradually expand, flashing lights. Aura affects vision in both eyes (though it may seem to affect one only) and can last from 5 to 60 minutes. Less commonly, an aura can affect sensation in the face or limbs, or speech.
- A headache phase.
- A resolution phase as the headache gradually fades.
Migrainous headaches are usually severe and throbbing. They tend to involve one side of the head (though not always) and last between 4 and 72 hours. They are often worsened by movement or routine physical activity.
Using pain relief or triptans too often may cause medication overuse headache.
If you take pain relief or triptans on most days, this may be a factor in your headaches and you should see your doctor for further assessment.
The contraceptive pill is a reliable form of birth control if it’s used correctly. However, with typical use, women tend to miss pills from time to time, which reduces the overall reliability.
- Around 0.3% of women who use the pill perfectly will become pregnant each year
- Around 9% of women will become pregnant if they take the pill correctly most of the time.
- More than 80% of sexually active women will become pregnant within a year if they do not use the contraceptive pill or any other method of birth control.
The pill should not be taken in the following circumstances ( there’s quite a lot of information here, but it’s important!)
Increased clotting risk:
- obesity with body mass index (BMI) more than 35
- a history of blood clots in your legs (also known as DVT/deep vein thrombosis), in your lungs (pulmonary embolism) or in your eyes.
- if a first degree relative (parent, brother or sister) had a blood clot before the age of 45.
- any condition (or a family history of any condition), which may put you at an increased risk of blood clots, for example Factor V Leiden.
- A significant reduction in your mobility for any reason, for example illness, or recent major surgery wheelchair use.
Increased risk of heart disease or stroke:
- if you have a first degree relative (parent, brother or sister) who has had a stroke, heart attack or arterial disease before the age of 45.
- if you have more than one risk factor for heart disease (such as smoking, being overweight, diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease)
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- a history of migraine with aura, even if only one previous episode
- if you have ever had a heart attack, heart disease, stroke, mini-stroke/TIA, atrial fibrillation (A.F) disease of the heart valves or blood vessels
- diabetes which has affected your blood vessels, kidneys, eyes or nerves
- unexplained headaches or new onset of migraine since starting the pill
Increased risk of breast cancer:
- breast cancer- now OR in the past
- a breast lump that has not yet been assessed by a doctor
- a strong family history of breast cancer
- if you are a carrier of a breast cancer gene such as BRCA1 or BRCA2.
Other reasons to avoid the pill:
- allergy to any of the ingredients contained in the pill (check the leaflet in your pack)
- history of weight loss (bariatric) surgery
- unexplained/irregular vaginal bleeding
- breast-feeding, pregnancy, or if you suspect you may be pregnant
- cancer of the uterus (womb), cervix or vagina
- liver disease, e.g. cirrhosis, hepatitis, jaundice, liver tumours
- current gallbladder disease
- organ transplant complicated by rejection
- inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
Some other conditions MAY mean the pill is not a suitable form of birth control for you-if you have any of the following, you should consult a doctor prior to taking the pill:
- diabetes
- high cholesterol or triglycerides
- obesity with BMI between 30 and 35
- history of organ transplant NOT complicated by rejection
- history of high blood pressure in a previous pregnancy
- if you have a parent, brother, sister or child who had a blood clot after the age of 45.
- migraine
- epilepsy
- rheumatic disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus (SLE)
- kidney disease
- sickle cell disease
- history of organ transplant (not complicated by rejection)
- conditions causing malabsorption (i.e. the gut does not absorb food & medicines properly), such as coeliac disease or ulcerative colitis.
If you take the contraceptive pill and any of the issues above concern you, it’s advisable to speak to your doctor.
The contraceptive pill increases your risk of getting a blood clot, as compared to a woman who is not on the pill.
- We know that women who use the pill for birth control have a higher risk of developing blood clots
- Some forms of the contraceptive pill cause a higher risk of clots than others-depending on the type of progesterone.
- If your contraceptive pill contains the following types of progesterone, there is a higher clotting risk : desogestrel, drosperinone, gestodene, & norgestimate.
- Therefore, if possible, it is safer to take a pill containing a lower risk progesterone: levonorgestrel, norgestrel or norethisterone.
- If you smoke whilst taking the pill, your risk of a clot is elevated further.
- In the rare event of a clot, a blood vessel can be blocked, leading to stroke, heart attack , DVT or pulmonary embolism. These conditions may be fatal.
- However, it’s important to remember that your risk of developing a blood clot when taking the pill is still lower than the risk of developing a clot when pregnant.
- Long haul flights can also increase the risk of clotting- women who take the pill should watch for symptoms of a clot in the days and weeks after a flight.
- Symptoms of a clot include the following:
- Pain or swelling in the leg
- Sharp chest pain worse on taking a deep breath, unexplained shortness of breath, and/or coughing up blood
- Numbness or weakness of an arm or leg, or sudden problems with speech or eyesight
If you use the contraceptive pill for birth control and are concerned about the risk of a blood clot, we advise that you speak to your doctor
- Taking the pill increases the risk of some types of cancer but may protect against others
- Your overall risk of cancer is lower if you take the pill
- Breast cancer occurs more often in women who take the pill- all women are advised to check their breasts regularly, and see a doctor if they notice changes
- Women who use the pill for birth control may also have a small increase in risk for cervical cancer. It is therefore important to have regular pap smears.
- However, the pill may reduce your risk of cancer of the uterus, ovary, and bowel
Most women who use the contraceptive pill for birth control do not get any side effects. Serious side effects from the contraceptive pill are very uncommon. However, from time to time, side effects can arise.
- The contraceptive pill may cause high blood pressure. You should have your blood pressure checked at least once a year if you take the pill.
- Temporary side effects include breast tenderness, nausea, acne, skin pigmentation changes and headaches.
- If side-effects don’t settle within 2 to 3 months you should consider trying a different form of birth control.
Weight-gain is not a proven side-effect of the contraceptive pill, and there is no convincing evidence that the pill causes mood changes.
- If you are breastfeeding, the pill is not recommended as birth control because theoretically it might reduce the flow of milk.
- There are other more suitable types of birth control available such as the mini pill.
It used to be advised that antibiotics reduce the reliability of the contraceptive pill,in terms of birth control. However, we now know that most antibiotics have no effect on the pill- the exceptions are some uncommonly used antibiotics such as Rifampicin and Rifabutin. For most commonly used antibiotics, there is no impact on birth control, and added precautions are not needed.
Yes. If you miss a pill and are worried your birth control has been interrupted, it’s possible to take the morning after pill. Speak to your pharmacist or doctor, and follow the instructions carefully.
There are two types of emergency contraceptive pill in Australia
- Levonorgestrel (brands include Levonelle, Postinor, Postella, Postrelle and Norlevo ) is taken as a single dose within 72 hours of sex, and is available from a pharmacy without a prescription.
- A newer option is Ulipristal Acetate (the brand name is EllaOne) can be used up to 5 days after sex, but requires a prescription from a doctor and is usually a little more expensive.
- Cold sores are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1, otherwise known as HSV1.
- HSV2 is a similar virus which usually causes genital herpes, but rarely can also cause cold sores around the mouth.
- Cold sores are spread by skin to skin contact, such as kissing someone who has an active cold sore.
- The first infection may not cause any symptoms, but may be triggered later.
- Cold sores can be triggered by stress, fatigue, viral illness, strong UV/sunlight exposure or during menstruation.
- Cold sores are spread by skin to skin contact
- If you have active cold sores you should avoid newborn babies, elderly, or anyone with a weak immune system (e.g on chemotherapy)
- If you have no active cold sores, you’re not usually infectious to others.
- No, usually you do not need any tests to diagnose cold sores.
- The diagnose tends to be obvious, based on history and the appearance of the lesions
- However, if there’s any doubt, your GP can perform a swab and send it to the laboratory for analysis for HSV1.
• People with recurring cold sores occasionally worry that there’s something wrong with their immune system, or that they’re deficient in a vitamin or mineral. But cold sores are very common, and most people who get them are otherwise perfectly well.
• Sometimes tiredness or another viral illness can make you more prone to cold sore flare ups
• If you’re worried, speak to your doctor- they may recommend some general blood tests to check for an underlying cause.
• Usually no particular medication for cold sores is recommended- they naturally get better over 7-10 days.
• There is some general advice when you have active cold sores, such as avoid touching the cold sores; wash hands regularly especially after applying creams or before putting in your contact lenses; and don’t share lip balm or sunscreen.
• Over the counter painkillers like Panadol and Nurofen, or topical anaesthetic gels (e.g Lidocaine) may be helpful for pain/discomfort.
• Antiviral Creams can be bought at your pharmacy- these do not kill the virus but prevent it from multiplying which may reduce symptoms a little.
• Oral antiviral medication may be prescribed to reduce the severity of symptoms, in some suitable cases. This approach may be appropriate if you have severe or frequent cold sores, or a weakened immune system for some reason- speak to your doctor for further advice.
Once you’ve been infected, HSV1 stays in your body. In some people it means cold sores flare up from time to time, in others HSV1 lies dormant, and flares up rarely or not at all.
- Acne is a common skin condition which leads to spots on the face, back and chest- it is most common in the teens and twenties, though some people also get it later in life.
- Normal skin has “sebaceous glands” which produce natural oils.
- During puberty, the skin produces more of these oils, which may cause blockage of the sebaceous glands.
- The trapped oils in the glands allow bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) to multiply. Dead skin cells may also build up in the pores.
- This in turn results in an immune reaction, inflammation and infection in the skin.
- Experts are not sure why some people get acne while others don’t, but there seem to be some factors involved, including: hormonal changes during puberty, PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), other hormonal disorders, smoking, stress, exhaustion, using oily skin products, family history of acne.
- Some medications may make acne worse, such as progesterone only contraceptives, steroid creams (used in eczema), anabolic steroids, Lithium and some antiepileptic medications.
- It is not certain whether diet has any effect on acne, though some people find that cutting down on processed meats and refined carbohydrates may help. Others report that eliminating milk-based products helps, though there is no clear scientific evidence this is effective for most people. There is also no evidence about any benefits from vegan or vegetarian diets, or from taking probiotics.
Acne is common, but only one in five people with acne get scarring. Scarring is caused when the affected skin pore swells and breaks down into the surrounding tissue. The skin responds to repair the area, by forming new fibrous tissue, “collagen”. Scars can form in different ways: if there is a loss of tissue in the area, this can leave an indentation, such as “ice pick scars”, “rolling scars” or “boxcar scars”. A raised scar can form where too much collagen is produced- these are also referred to as hypertrophic or keloid scars.
Regardless of the type of scar, there are treatments available if necessary, so if you are troubled by acne scars you can discuss your options with a GP or dermatologist.
If at any time your acne seems severe or uncontrolled, especially if you have large painful acne cysts, it’s important to speak to a doctor, as you may benefit from a referral to see a dermatologist to get stronger treatment, to prevent further lesions and scarring.
The online doctors at Qoctor can offer assessment for acne that is mild to moderate.
Every person is different. Some people can successfully manage their acne with over-the-counter creams and gels from the pharmacy. Others may need stronger prescription-only creams and gels. These treatments work in a variety of ways, and depending on the type of acne spots, certain ones may be more effective.
Non-inflammatory lesions:
- Whiteheads or “closed comedones”– these are closed, oil-plugged pores.
- Blackheads or “open comedones” -these are open plugged pores — the oil turns brown when it is exposed to air.
Inflammatory lesions:
- Papules- these are small, sore red bumps
- Pustules- these are also known as pimples, and are papules containing pus
- Nodules- these are large, solid, painful lumps under the skin
- Cysts- these are large, painful, pus-filled lumps under the surface of the skin
Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid
The most commonly used over-the-counter cream is Benzoyl Peroxide- a big advantage of this product is that bacteria don’t get resistant to it over time. It can help a variety of the lesions described above, particularly if used with a retinoid cream/gel (see below). It’s also often used with antibiotic creams or pills to stop bacterial resistance developing. Salicylic acid is also present in quite a few over the counter creams, cleansers and face-washes- it breaks down comedones, and may be of some benefit.
Retinoids and Topical Antibiotics
Prescription-only topical treatments known as “retinoids” are used in mild to moderate acne- they can prevent the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads). They may also helpful against inflammatory lesions such as papules and pustules. They may be recommended by themselves for non-inflammatory acne (comedones), but WITH antibiotics if there is inflammatory acne present (papules, pustules). They can be helpful also when oral treatments are being stopped, to try to maintain any improvements achieved. Topical antibiotic preparations are used for mild to moderate inflammatory or mixed acne, but it’s usually recommended they are used along with Benzoyl Peroxide to prevent antibiotic resistance.
Please note, all treatment and advice is issued subject to your consultation and the doctor’s assessment.
Several different oral antibiotics are commonly used for the treatment of mild to moderate acne. These may be tried when topical acne treatment (acne creams and gels) have not worked, or have caused side effects.
Start here to book an appointment with one of our online doctors to discuss management of acne.
In some girls and women the pill (or COCP) can be used in the management of acne. The pill reduces the amount of “androgens” (male sex hormones) circulating in the body. Androgens are present in the female body, and may be associated with acne, as they cause the skin to produce more “sebum” (oils), particularly during puberty. The pill can address this. It is important to note that the “mini pill” or “progesterone only pill” does not reduce circulating androgens, thus does not appear to help acne in this way. Also, different brands and formulations of the COCP exist, and different ones may be more effective than others, in different individuals.
Some women find the pill doubly useful as a way to manage their contraception needs as well as their acne.
To book a consultation with a doctor to discuss the pill, start here.
Please note, all treatment and advice is issued subject to your consultation and the doctor’s assessment.
The online doctors at Qoctor can assess you for suitability to be referred to see a dermatologist for acne assessment and management. Please note, all treatment and advice is issued subject to your consultation and the doctor’s assessment. The fee for a telehealth appointment is $24.99.
What can a dermatologist do for acne?
A dermatologist can assess your acne and may choose to prescribe many of the same treatments (creams, gels, antibiotics) that may be prescribed by a GP, but a dermatologist can also offer additional advice and management options for acne that is not well controlled. Dermatologists can prescribe Isotretinoin (Roaccutane), as well as other specialist treatments for acne scars. It is important to consider seeing a dermatologist if you have bad acne that is not responding to treatment, particularly if scars are occurring.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a general term which encompasses acid reflux, heartburn, indigestion and oesophagitis. It may include one or more of these conditions. It is caused by irritation of the stomach or food pipe (oesophagus) by stomach acid.
The stomach naturally makes acid as part of the normal digestion process. Usually the sphincter at the bottom of the oesophagus acts as a valve and keeps this acid in the stomach. Acid reflux can happen if this sphincter is weak, if there is too much acid made in the stomach, if the stomach is not emptying properly, or if there is increased pressure in the stomach, forcing acid back up into the oesophagus.
Many things can trigger Acid Reflux / GORD including:
- Smoking
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Hiatus Hernia
- Helicobacter Pylori ( a common infection of the stomach)
- Acidic or spicy food and drink
- Large fatty meals
- Obesity
- Stress
- Pregnancy
- Medications (including anti-inflammatories, certain blood pressure medications, sleeping tablets and painkillers)
The main symptom of GORD is heartburn. This is a discomfort or burning sensation which rises from the upper tummy or lower chest up towards the neck. Other common symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Belching
- Indigestion
- An acid-like taste in the mouth
- Persistent dry cough
- A feeling of a lump in the throat
- A burning pain when you swallow hot drinks
Symptoms tend to be worse after or with meals.
If you get any of the following symptoms you should seek immediate medical attention. They may indicate a more serious underlying condition:
- Chest pain or upper tummy pain worse on exertion
- Difficulty swallowing foods or liquids
- Persistent pain on swallowing
- Persistent vomiting
- Vomiting blood or dark brown vomit
- Unexplained weight loss
- Altered bowel habit (diarrhoea or constipation) for more than 6 weeks
- Altered stool (dark or black poo)
- Lump in the abdomen (tummy)
- Unexplained anaemia
- Jaundice
- New GORD symptoms in someone aged 55 years or over
- GORD symptoms with any of the following:
- Family history of stomach or oesophageal cancer in more than two first degree relatives
- Barrett’s oesophagus
- Pernicious anaemia
- Previous stomach ulcer surgery
- Pernicious anaemia
- A previous diagnosis of the following stomach conditions: dysplasia, atrophic gastritis or intestinal metaplasia
Most people are diagnosed with GORD by their GP on the basis of their typical symptoms and their response to treatment. Further tests may be needed if:
- Symptoms are severe
- Do not improve with treatment
- Are not typical of GORD
- There are any red flag symptoms
If further investigation is required a gastroscopy is usually the next step. This is where a thin, flexible telescope is passed down the oesophagus into the stomach. A normal test helps to rule out more serious causes of reflux symptoms, particularly stomach cancer.
Lifestyle changes may help, such as and avoid triggers- for example avoiding smoking, alcohol and weight gain. There are over the counter medications which help to neutralise acid, as well as other medications which may be prescribed by doctors, subject to assessment.
Oesophageal stricture– Acid Reflux / GORD can cause scarring and narrowing of the food pipe called an oesophageal stricture if left untreated. This can lead to difficulty swallowing, and problems eating and drinking.
Barrett’s oesophagus – this is a complication of long standing, untreated Acid Reflux / GORD. The excess acid causes a permanent change in the cells that line the oesophagus. It increases the risk of developing cancer of the oesophagus, and thus needs to be managed and monitored.
But most people with Acid Reflux / GORD do not develop any of these complications. If you have any concerns then you should discuss them with your doctor.
Hay fever (also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis) is caused by an allergy to pollen. Pollen particles are released into the air by flowers, grasses and trees, particularly in Spring and Summer- causing runny nose, sneezing and itchiness of the throat, eyes and ears. It can be severe in some cases, with bouts of repeated sneezing, a constantly streaming nose and inflamed eyes. On a bad day, it can be almost impossible to work, study or socialise. Some people get hay fever symptoms all year round, from dust, moulds or animal hair/dander.
Hayfever happens when a person’s own IgE antibodies attach to an allergen ( i.e. pollen, dust, animal dander or whatever the trigger is for that individual), leading to the release of inflammatory chemicals such as histamine– which in turn cause the tell-tale hay fever symptoms.
- Usually not. In nearly all cases, diagnosis is obvious based on the typical hay fever symptoms, and the fact that these symptoms get better when the trigger is avoided and/or a trial of hay fever medication works.
- Whilst there are skin prick tests and blood tests available, they are not often performed, as they often show false positives, which can be misleading.
- However, if your hay fever symptoms are severe, sometimes your GP or respiratory specialist may feel it’s worth getting such tests done.
- There is no single most effective type of hay fever medication – it varies from person to person.
- Some people find a once daily antihistamine tablet controls symptoms very well.
- However, quite often, drowsiness can be a problem with antihistamines, even the supposedly “non-drowsy” ones.
- Other types of hay fever medication such as steroid nasal sprays can be very helpful for an itchy and runny nose- these take a few weeks of regular use to build up their effect, so it’s important to persist.
- Combination nasal sprays may contain a fast-acting antihistamine and a slower-acting steroid. Even though they may be more pricey than other nasal sprays, the dual action makes it a very popular choice among patients.
- Antihistamine eye drops can effectively target the irritated itchy eyes of hay fever
At peak times it can be hard to avoid pollen, but here are a few sensible tips:
- If possible, try to stay indoors until after midday, particularly when the pollen count is high and on windy days
- Stay indoors during and just after thunderstorms, particularly if pollen counts are high. Information about pollen counts is available at pollenforecast.com.au
- If possible, get someone else to mow your lawn (if you must do it, wear a mask and take an antihistamine beforehand) and stay inside if it’s being mown.
- Keep windows closed both at home and in the car (use recirculating air conditioning in your car if you have it)
- Wear sunglasses when outdoors
- If landscaping your garden select plants that are less likely to trigger hayfever, and make sure none of the more troublesome types are growing near your bedroom window!
- Shower when you get home/after being outdoors
It’s not certain why hay fever happens. But it does seem that there’s a lower risk in people who are exposed to animals early in life, people who grow up on a farm, or those who have lots of brothers and sisters!
- For most people it’s about managing symptoms of hayfever (allergic rhinitis) and avoiding triggers.
- If you’ve got severe allergic rhinitis, it is possible to get a course of immunotherapy via an allergy specialist.
- Immunotherapy involves getting regular injections which, over 3-5 years, may result in desensitisation to the trigger- i.e. a cure, though it does not work for everyone.
Steroid injections used to be given for hayfever. Doctors no longer recommend this option because of the significant side effects of steroid use, and the fact that there are now many other effective, safer hay fever medications available.
When a big event like a wedding or holiday crops up, and your period is due at the same time, it can be very frustrating- it may affect how you feel physically and mentally, what activities you can take part in, and what clothes you can wear. In such situations, women quite often come to their doctor to ask how to stop a period from occurring. So, what are the options and do they work? There are actually a few, depending on the circumstances, the time-frames involved, your preferences and medical history. The three main ways are a progesterone tablet that you just take for a few weeks, the combined oral contraceptive pill, or a long acting contraceptive option. The last two options obviously need to be arranged well in advance, whilst a progesterone tablet can be started just before the expected period. Speak to a doctor to discuss your options.
In most cases your ability to become pregnant returns the moment a contraceptive medication is stopped or withdrawn. However, in the case of the long acting progesterone injection or “Depo injection”, it can take quite a few months for the effects to wear off, and the return to fertility can be delayed for a number of months.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) or impotence is the inability to get or keep an erection which is firm enough for sexual intercourse. Many men experience this issue now and then- for example if they are under stress. However, for some, it can be a more ongoing and troublesome problem, and if this is the case, it’s important to make sure there are no underlying causes.
A variety of issues can lead to erectile dysfunction:
- Reduced blood flow to the penis
This is the most common cause of erectile dysfunction in men over 40 years. The arteries which take blood to the penis can become narrowed and the blood flow may be insufficient to cause an erection. Smoking, raised cholesterol and obesity can be contributing factors to this.
- Damage to nerves supplying the penis
This may be due to a neurological condition, such as multiple sclerosis or stroke, or spinal injury/surgery
- Diabetes
Diabetes is another common cause of ED and can affect the blood flow and the nerves to the penis. If you are concerned about diabetes you should see your doctor for a blood test.
- Alcohol
In the short term alcohol can reduce blood flow to the penis, and in the long term it can reduce testosterone levels and reduce sex drive. Excessive drinking (more than 10 units per week) can have a number of other negative effects on your health.
- Psychological causes
Stress, anxiety and depression are very common, and can cause or contribute to erectile dysfunction. If you feel you may be suffering from any of these problems, you should speak to your GP.
Erectile Dysfunction can be caused by a variety of medical and psychological issues. If you wish to access treatment for Erectile Dysfunction online it is very important to see a doctor first for a proper check-up and physical examination, to rule out any underlying conditions.
Several types of medication can lead to erectile dysfunction- so if you develop problems with getting or sustaining an erection soon after starting a new medication you should speak to your doctor (it’s usually advisable not to stop any medication suddenly, without consulting your doctor). Common culprits include:
- Beta-blockers (eg propranolol, bisoprolol or carvedilol)- often used to treat blood pressure or other heart conditions
- Diuretics- also known as “water tablets” (eg furosemide, indapamide), often used to treat heart conditions
- Antidepressants (eg citalopram, fluoxetine) used to treat depression or anxiety
- Antihistamines (eg promethazine/phenergan, diphenhydramine) used to treat allergies
- H2 blockers (e.g. cimetidine, ranitidine) used to treat acid reflux and heartburn.
Before you seek treatment for erectile dysfunction, you should discuss your health and any medications you’re taking with your doctor.
A normal, healthy vagina is home to a variety of different bacteria. However, in Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) the balance is disturbed, and an overgrowth of some of these bacteria occurs. It’s not entirely clear why this happens. The most common symptom is a change in vaginal discharge, which may become white-grey in colour and may have a fishy smell. However, many women with BV do not have any symptoms at all (up to half of cases).
Bacterial Vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted infection (although using condoms does seem to make it less likely to develop). It can affect all women, whether they have had sex or not, but it is more common in sexually active women. Male sexual partners of women who have BV do not need any treatment, though female sexual partners may.
In women of reproductive age, BV is the most common cause of vaginal discharge.
Women are more likely to get BV if they:
- are sexually active
- have recently changed sexual partner
- have a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- are smokers
- have a copper coil for contraception
- use bubble bath
Women are less likely to get BV if:
- they use the combined oral contraceptive pill
- they have a partner who has had a circumcision
- their partner uses a condom
BV is usually diagnosed on the basis of symptoms, and can be confirmed by taking a vaginal swab, performed by a doctor or nurse. You may also need tests for STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea. If you are pregnant, and suspect you may have BV, it’s important to get tested and treated, as it can increase the risk of pregnancy-related complications.
In most women, BV causes no harm whatsoever, though the discharge may be unpleasant. However, if you have untreated BV during pregnancy, there is a slightly higher risk of premature labour, miscarriage, preterm birth and having a baby with a low birthweight. If you are pregnant and suspect you may have BV, you should see your GP or midwife. BV can also cause complications if you have had recent gynaecological surgery- the chance of developing an infection of the womb is higher.
There is also some evidence that women with untreated BV may be at an increased risk of getting other STIs and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
For women in whom BV has been diagnosed, antibiotics will usually quickly get rid of the symptoms. Treatment for bacterial vaginosis can involve oral antibiotics or topical treatment (an antibiotic vaginal cream). However, in milder cases, there is a good chance that BV will gradually clear by itself, so treatment is not always required.
If BV is picked up on a vaginal swab but a woman has no symptoms, there’s generally no need for treatment at all- it is acceptable to observe, and to treat if symptoms develop. However, exceptions to this include pregnancy, or recent gynaecological surgery- in these cases it’s usually recommended to have treatment, as there may be a higher risk of complications such as pelvic infection if left untreated.
If you wish to speak to a doctor about treatment of BV, you can get started HERE
Telehealth assessment/treatment for BV may be suitable if you have been diagnosed with it before (via a swab), and the same symptoms have come back. If the symptoms are not the same, or you have other unexpected symptoms such as pain, fever or irregular vaginal bleeding, you should see a doctor in person for assessment.
Further testing is not generally needed if your BV symptoms get better. However, if the course of antibiotic treatment does not work, retesting is advisable, in case something else is causing the symptoms or the BV has not responded to treatment. Follow up testing may be recommended in pregnant women who have had BV, to ensure it has fully cleared with treatment. This is because BV in pregnancy can increase the risk of premature birth and low birthweight.
If you’ve had BV diagnosed and successfully treated in the past, but the same symptoms return after a period of time, another course of antibiotics may be considered. Qoctor can provide online assessment in this scenario.
However, if your symptoms did not fully respond to treatment in the first place, if the symptoms are not the same as before OR they come back pretty much immediately after treatment, you should see a doctor in person as you may need some tests make sure there’s nothing else going on.
Any symptoms that do not get better, or are different to previous symptoms, should always be discussed with a doctor.
Although BV is not an STI, if you have a female partner, she should consider being tested if she also has symptoms. However, a male partner does not need to be tested.
The scalp skin normally changes testosterone to another hormone called dihydrotestosterone. In balding men it seems that the hair follicles become too sensitive to dihydrotestosterone and react by shrinking over time. Normally a single hair should last around 3 years, but as hair follicles shrink, the hairs become thinner and shed more often, until they get so short and thin that they no longer grow out through the skin.
At first, the hair recedes or thins around the temples, while also becoming thinner on the top of the head. These areas of hair loss get bigger and join up, leaving a patch of hair at the front of the head, which over time also becomes thinner. Often a narrow band of hair will be left around the back and sides of the head, though this too can be lost, leading to complete baldness.
The length of time it takes to go bald varies widely between men- from just a few years to more than twenty years.
Other conditions can cause hair loss, though in a different pattern to male pattern hair loss. If you think your hair loss is very rapid, unusual, or not in the expected pattern, you should see your doctor. Patchy hair loss can be caused by ring worm, which is a fungal infection. The autoimmune condition Alopecia Areata can cause distinct patches of baldness, and sometimes complete hair loss. General thinning of the hair can be caused by an underactive thyroid gland, low iron, lupus, or a side effect of various medications.
Many men are not concerned by their hair loss, and have no wish to take any action, whilst others may prefer to seek advice and treatment- options include topical lotions, prescription medications, and surgical intervention (hair transplant).
Genital Herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two forms– HSV1 and HSV2. HSV2 usually infects the genital area. HSV1 tends to affect the mouth, as a cold sore, but it can also occur in the genital region.
Around 1 in 8 people carry the genital herpes virus (HSV2) – but 80% may be entirely unaware they have it. It can be difficult to tell when a person first became infected as the symptoms may not start for weeks, months or years- and many people never get symptoms at all.
HSV2 is spread by sexual or skin-to-skin contact, and can be passed on during vaginal, oral or anal sex. It can occur anywhere on the genitals or surrounding areas. A person who has had cold sores on their mouth (HSV1) can cause genital infection in a partner by having oral sex. It is important to realise that HSV2 can be spread when there are no blisters present- this is called viral shedding. The more often a person has flare-ups, the more virus they tend to shed in between the flare-ups.
Many people do not realise they have been infected with genital herpes and are therefore “silent carriers”, with no symptoms. In many people however, the first episode of herpes can cause a lot of pain, with small intensely painful blisters around the genital area- these break down and form shallow ulcers, which scab and heal over the following weeks. The pain can be very sharp (patients often say it feels like “sitting on glass”) and there may be redness and swelling in the genital area. Some people may have difficulty passing urine (if this happens it is important to seek medical attention).
It is easiest to diagnose herpes when the rash is present. A doctor will often be able to tell what it is, simply by looking at the rash. They may also take a swab from the area- results usually come back in a few days. Occasionally, a doctor may decide to do a blood test- this can show up past infection even if there is no rash, but it’s not a very reliable test.
Unfortunately, there is no medication that will completely cure your body of the herpes virus- but there are antiviral treatments that ease symptoms and reduce flare-ups. Ice packs, cool salt water baths and painkillers can be used to help ease symptoms. Local anaesthetic gel (such as Lignocaine gel) can also be used to numb the area-this is available over the counter from your pharmacist.
- Acute attacks or flare ups can be treated with a short course of antiviral medication. Cool baths, topical anaesthetic gels and ice packs may also help to alleviate symptoms.
- If a person gets repeated bouts of Genital Herpes, a daily antiviral tablet may be used as preventive treatment.
- Antiviral medications are prescription-only, and may be prescribed based on a consultation with a doctor.
Using condoms during sex reduces risk of spread in the first place, and using a lubricant with a condom further reduces the risk (as it lessens trauma to the genital skin during sex). Silicone-based lubricants are thought to be best, but they may be less commonly available.
For people who have already been infected and get frequent flare ups, a daily dose of antiviral medication maybe taken as a preventive treatment for Genital Herpes- this can help to reduce the risk of passing it on to a sexual partner- you can discuss this option with a doctor.
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that is spread through sexual contact- oral, anal or vaginal. In most cases it is a silent condition, with no symptoms- this means it’s important for people who are sexually active to have regular testing.
Symptoms of Chlamydia in women
- most women with Chlamydia will have no symptoms- i.e. it is often a silent infection
- a change in vaginal discharge- it may increase in amount, and become yellow-green, brown, and smelly.
- bleeding between periods or after sex
- pain during sex
- pelvic pain
- a burning sensation when passing urine
- pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which may involve fever, pelvic pain and general unwellness
- complications such as reduced fertility and a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy
Symptoms of Chlamydia in Men
- most often there are no symptoms of Chlamydia in men- it is silent
- a burning sensation when passing urine
- pain or ache in the testicles
- a discharge from the penis
- over time, it can reduce fertility (if untreated)
A chlamydia test usually involves a urine sample, or sometimes a swab (of the vagina or urethra). Other tests may be recommended if you have had anal or oral sex. There are a number of other STIs you may wish to be checked for that may involve additional tests. When infection is highly suspected, treatment for Chlamydia should be started without delay before test results are available. Rapid chlamydia treatment reduces the risk of complications in the future.
Chlamydia treatment involves taking an antibiotic. The choice of antibiotic and the duration of the antibiotic course depends on the severity of infection and whether a person has any particular allergies to antibiotics. In uncomplicated or mild infections, the antibiotic course is usually quite brief. A doctor or sexual health clinic can arrange assessment and treatment for Chlamydia if necessary. If symptoms do not get better after taking an antibiotic, or of they go away but then return, it is very important to get reassessed and retested. It is generally recommended to get retested 3 months following treatment, as reinfection is quite common.
Due to the high rate of re-infection, it’s advised to get tested again after 3 months. Anyone who is sexually active should continue to get tested regularly, particularly if you have multiple sexual partners.
If you’ve tested positive for Chlamydia, ideally you should let your recent sexual partners know, so they can be tested and treated too. They may have silent infection but no symptoms of chlamydia, so they may be completely unaware. Even silent infection can cause long term damage and complications. You can arrange contact tracing anonymously if needs be, via www.letthemknow.org.au .
With Qoctor, it is possible to book a same day telehealth appointment. If you wish to request a prescription for a medication you take regularly, you can either search for it by the condition, or by the name of the medication, and then answer some questions about your health.
Telehealth assessments are also available for conditions such as suspected UTI, sore throat, sinusitis. The doctor will ask about your symptoms and will go through your medical history. If a prescription is recommended, this can be sent electronically to your pharmacy, via our Pharmacy Concierge Service- we can coordinate getting your script to your local pharmacy immediately, we’ll check their stock and we’ll contact you once it’s ready to be dispensed. Alternatively you can have a paper prescription sent by Australia Post to an address or pharmacy of your choice. Qoctor can also deliver certain medications directly via post from our Australian partner pharmacies- this will be shown as a delivery option where applicable, and includes the contraceptive pill, medication for erectile dysfunction, hair loss, jet lag, delaying a period, premature ejaculation, genital herpes, bacterial vaginosis and chlamydia treatment.
Please note, all treatment and advice is issued subject to your consultation and doctor’s assessment.
In Australia, in almost all circumstances, a doctor needs to have a consultation with a patient before issuing a prescription. This assessment can take place in person, or via telehealth (using video conferencing or by telephone). This is to ensure the patient’s symptoms and medical history are properly reviewed and discussed, and that the most appropriate treatment option is selected. “Asynchronous” consultations, for example, done via text message or questionnaire, without speaking to a doctor, are generally no longer allowed and in most situations are not covered from a medicolegal perspective.
Delivery options are as follows:
- Standard shipping (5-7 business days) costs $11.99
- Express post (1-2 business days) costs $14.99- note, Australia Post is not necessarily able to guarantee these delivery timelines at present.
- Our Pharmacy Concierge Service fee is less than standard delivery, at $8.99, and means we will immediately send your prescription electronically to your local pharmacy, so you can have your medication in your hands within a few hours. As postal delivery has been less reliable in recent times, we recommend this delivery option.
Please note, all treatment and advice is issued subject to your consultation and doctor’s assessment.
- If you have requested to have medication delivered by post (available for a limited range of treatments, as advised during the booking process), the total cost at checkout will include the doctor’s consultation fee, the price of your medication, plus delivery/postage.
- The price of medication depends of the type and quantity of medication, and may vary subject to market forces which Qoctor can’t control.
- Standard Post is $11.99 and Express Post is $14.99 If you require your treatment more urgently, instead of having medication delivered, you may prefer to try the Pharmacy Concierge Service. For $8.99 (less than standard delivery) we can send a prescription electronically to your local pharmacy, so you can have your prescription in your hands within a few hours. This is usually the fasted and cheapest delivery option.
Qoctor uses Australia Post- following your telehealth appointment, if a prescription medication is issued by the doctor and you choose to have medication delivered, you will receive an email with a link to track your parcel’s location.
Please note, all treatment and advice is issued subject to your consultation and doctor’s assessment.
If a prescription is issued by the doctor:
- you can choose to have a paper prescription posted to you (Australia Post standard delivery $11.99, express delivery $14.99) OR
- For some treatments you can choose to get the actual medication (tablets) posted to you- this includes the contraceptive pill, treatment for erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, genital herpes, chlamydia, bacterial vaginosis, jet lag, hair loss or to delay a period (Australia Post standard delivery $11.99, express delivery $14.99) OR
- Alternatively, instead of having medication delivered, you may prefer to try our Pharmacy Concierge Service as a faster and cheaper delivery option. For $8.99 delivery fee, we can send a prescription electronically to your local pharmacy, so you can have your prescription in your hands within a few hours. This is the most popular delivery option due to speed and cost.
Please note that Australia Post delivery times have become less predictable. In the past, standard delivery was usually said to take 5-7 business days and express delivery was said to take 1-2 days, however these times may vary from time to time. Check the Australia Post website for further information relating to expected delivery times in your state/territory.
Following a telehealth appointment, the doctor may issue a prescription. It is common for doctors to include a number of “repeats” on a prescription, allowing the patient to return to the pharmacy for further supply of the medication. The number of “repeats” included by the doctor depends on several factors, such as the type of medication, the nature of the patient’s condition, the medical history of the patient, and whether the patient needs to have any tests, examination or monitoring before their next prescription.
If you are having a telehealth appointment and a prescription is being discussed, the doctor will usually advise you how many repeats they are intending to include. If you are unsure, just ask the doctor.
In Australia, most prescriptions stay valid for 12 months from the original date of issue. After that, any repeats that have not been used up will expire- i.e. the prescription is no longer active or useable. You need to have a consultation with a doctor to arrange any further prescriptions.
If you have ordered medication delivery (which is available for a certain number of conditions including the contraceptive pill, treatment for erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and hair loss), there may be some repeats available, which you can activate via your Qoctor account. To access these, log in to your Qoctor profile. Alongside previous orders, you may then see an option to order a repeat, if available. There is no additional doctor fee to access this repeat, however there will be a small fee to cover delivery/postage of the medication. Once payment has been completed the medication can be sent by Australia Post. The price of medication may vary from time to time, subject to market forces which Qoctor can’t control.
Also, please be aware that if you got the original (paper) prescription posted to you, or sent to your local pharmacy using the Pharmacy Concierge Service, then any repeats the doctor included at the time would have been present on that prescription. Qoctor does not retain the prescription or the repeats- i.e. the repeats will NOT be available to activate via your Qoctor account, as they are on the original script. Instead, check the paper prescription if you still have it, or speak to your pharmacist if they have retained the prescription for you.
All prescriptions expire after 12 months, and in this case, a new doctor’s appointment is always needed if you want to access a further prescription.
- If, following your consultation with the doctor, a prescription item is recommended and you have chosen medication delivery via Qoctor, this will be delivered from an Australian Pharmacy who is working in partnership with Qoctor. As these pharmacies are independently operated, the price of medications may change from time to time.
- Our pharmacists must adhere to strict national standards, ensuring all medications are genuine and issued with appropriate instructions on use.
If you chose to have medication delivered, you can rest assured this will be dispensed and delivered in Australia, by a fully registered Australian Pharmacist. meeting all Australian regulatory standards. During the booking and assessment process, you will have the option of a choosing between a branded medication and the cheaper generic equivalent. If there are ever supply issues relating to your medication (this can occur from time to time and is beyond our control), the Qoctor customer service team will get in touch with you to discuss any potential suitable alternatives.
Please note, all treatment and advice is issued subject to your consultation and doctor’s assessment.
- Medications can be supplied as either generic or branded medications
- Generic medicines have the same active ingredient as brand-name medicines and work in the same way, but may look different and/or contain different non-active ingredients.
- Generic alternatives are often cheaper than brand-name medicines. This is because the producer of the medicine did not need to invest money in developing and marketing a generic version.
- In Australia, you can only sell a generic medicine if it works the same way as the brand-name medicine.
- Prescribers in Australia must include the name of the active ingredient on prescriptions. This helps you know exactly what you are taking and may help to avoid errors.
Qoctor is able to provide PBS prescriptions. Prescribing criteria apply, which are set out by the PBS, and doctors must adhere to these. Please note, all treatment and advice is issued subject to your consultation and doctor’s assessment. Some medications are available on the PBS for certain conditions but not for others- in such cases, a private (non PBS) prescription may still be possible.
Streamlined PBS authority prescriptions and authority prescriptions can also be issued, in suitable cases.
Qoctor is founded and run by a group of Australian doctors, and we work hard to ensure quality and integrity across out service.
- You can rest assured that every doctor on the Qoctor team is a licensed, registered & fully insured doctor based in Australia.
- Qoctor adheres to high clinical standards.
- Every document you receive from Qoctor will quote the AHPRA registration number of the relevant doctor- so you can easily view the doctor’s registration details on the AHPRA website.
- All certificates issued by Qoctor are provided after an appropriate, detailed telehealth consultation, with a registered doctor based in Australia. Our certificates have exactly the same validity as a certificate issued in person, in a clinic, following appropriate an assessment.
- Online/telehealth services are now commonplace across Australia, and the same professional standards apply to both telehealth and in-person doctors’ appointments.
- If you provide a medical certificate or carer’s certificate to your employer which has been issued by a Qoctor doctor, occasionally they may wish to know more about our service. They can use the ‘contact us’ section from the main menu on the website, or live chat on the bottom right corner of the screen. We’ll be happy to explain our service to them, and how it works.
- Of course, patient confidentiality is paramount- we’ll never share any of your personal information or health details with your employer or any other third parties without your express permission.
- Finally, we have a user friendly “certificate validity checker” for employers, so they can verify that the medical certificate you give them is authentic, if they wish. This can be accessed through the “for employers” section in the main menu, OR start <here>.
- Just follow the website instructions – you can choose a timeslot for your video consultation with the online doctor.
- Ensure you are online on the video platform when your appointment is scheduled (don’t forget there may be a time difference, depending where you live. Our time slots are AEST, i.e. local Melbourne time)
- To get online for your appointment, you should receive an SMS and email 30 minutes prior to your appointment with a link to the video platform. Once your time slot begins, click on this link and you should find yourself in the video waiting room.
- The doctor will connect with you shortly, during the allotted time period. They will ask you questions about your health.
- After your appointment, subject to assessment, your medical certificate can be immediately downloaded from your Qoctor account.
- Please note, if the doctor assesses you and feels you need to see a doctor in person, they may refund you and advise you what you need to do next.
- Click on the link ‘change consult time’ within the confirmation email and then select a time slot of your choice
- Alternatively you can log in to your profile on the website, and click on ‘change consult time’
- This can be done up to 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment slot.
Subject to your assessment, the doctor may decide to issue a medical certificate. If so, your downloadable certificate will appear in your Qoctor profile within moments of your video consultation- simply login to your account to view, download etc.
- We will try to contact you firstly on the video platform and then on your mobile number if there is no answer.
- If we are still unable to get hold of you, we will send you a link via email which will allow you to book another later appointment for free, if you wish. You will have 48 hours to rebook, after which time the link will expire.
- Sometimes, based on your video consultation, the doctor may feel you need to be assessed in person. They may advise you that your symptoms require a physical examination, for safety reasons or some other type of investigation. This may also be advised if you have had multiple medical certificates in a short period of time.
- In that case, the doctor will advise what to do next. A refund is routinely issued in this case.
Can I get a backdated medical certificate?
It is often possible to get a medical certificate to cover recent days, provided certain conditions are met (and depending on the doctor’s assessment). A doctor can certify that a period of illness has occurred prior to the date of your actual appointment/examination, subject to the specific medical circumstances AND provided the sick leave took place within the last few days.
The date of the actual consultation will appear at the top of the medical certificate (this is a legal requirement for all medical documents). The certificate will also state that you were unable to attend work or scheduled activities on the dates in question, due to illness- which may include days in the recent past.
You may find that some other online providers will not provide backdated certificates, or certificates for multiple days- often because they do not actually conduct a proper consultation with the patient to discuss the situation. At Qoctor, a video consultation takes place with every patient. This ensures safety, thoroughness and the flexibility to certify for the dates the patient needs, in a responsible way. It also means employers have more trust in the process.
Employees are sometimes incorrectly advised by their employers that getting a medical certificate relating to previous dates is not allowed. However, Australian employment law clearly states that it is allowable for employees to obtain a medical certificate after the period of sick leave in question. According to www.fairwork.gov.au : “an employee has to let their employer know that they are going to take sick or carer’s leave. This has to be done as soon as possible, and can be after the leave has started. They should also specify how long they will be off or expect to be off work”.
However, when too much time has elapsed since the period of sick leave, a doctor, at their discretion, may determine that they are unable to offer a backdated medical certificate in this case (doctors are duty bound to adhere to guidelines from AHPRA around issuing medical certificates) If the doctor is unable to issue you with a certificate for this (or any other) reason, we will offer a full refund.
Click here to book your medical certifcate consultation.
Qoctor does not currently offer Workcover, Centrelink or TAC Certificates- we recommend you see your regular GP instead, as continuity of care is particularly important for ongoing work related health issues, or certificates relating to ongoing injuries/conditions.
- Most employers will accept a PDF copy of your certificate- and they can go online to check its validity (though patient confidentiality is always maintained, your personal information is not shared).
- Unfortunately we are unable to supply a paper copy of your online certificate, but you can obviously print out the document yourself if necessary. It will contain all the required information, including the doctor’s credentials, AHPRA registration number and their signature.
- All certificates are generated electronically- we are a paperless practice as this improves efficiency and is kinder to the environment.
Yes. In Australia, Medicare card-holders can generally claim a Medicare rebate when they see a specialist doctor, once they have presented a valid specialist referral letter. A valid specialist referral is less than 12 months old, and states the name of the specialist you wish to attend, as well as relevant health information.
The consultation fee with Qoctor is $24.99. As Qoctor is a private telehealth service, there is no Medicare rebate for this online doctor fee. However, as noted above, the specialist referral letter will allow you to claim a Medicare rebate when you proceed to see the specialist.
You will be able to access your downloadable referral letter typically immediately after your appointment.
You will be sent an email with a link- if you follow this link you will be asked to log back in to your Qoctor account. Once logged in to your profile, you’ll see a number of tabs- your referral letter will be visible under the corresponding tab.
If you have any issues locating your letter, our customer service team can assist you- just op on to our live chat and leave a message, or send an email to info@qoctor.com.au
A specialist referral letter:
- makes you eligibility for certain Medicare rebates (if you have a valid Medicare card), so a specialist visit will usually cost you less out of pocket.
- provides key information about your health to the specialist
- gives the specialist details of your regular GP, which makes sure your important health information is stored in one place.
Most specialists in Australia require their patients to provide a new referral letter from a GP every 12 months, when their previous one expires. This makes the patient eligible for certain Medicare rebates. If you do not have an up-to-date referral letter when you see your specialist, the specialist appointment may cost you more.
To request a repeat specialist referral letter, go to the Qoctor specialist referrals page, and select “repeat specialist referral”. A telehealth appointment to discuss a repeat specialist referral letter with Qoctor costs $25.99. You will need to answer a few online questions relating to your health. The doctor will go through this information and will discuss your health issues with you over the phone.
It will usually possible to get a same day appointment with Qoctor- if the doctor issues a referral letter, you can download it from your account immediately following your appointment. If you need it faster (for example, if you are already at your specialist waiting room), just use the live chat on the homepage of the website, and the customer service team will try to get your telehealth appointment prioritised. To request a repeat referral letter from Qoctor, start here.
Please note, all treatment and advice is issued subject to your consultation and doctor’s assessment.
To request a specialist referral letter, go to the Qoctor specialist referrals page, and select the type of letter you need. A telehealth assessment to discuss a repeat referral letter with a Qoctor doctor costs $25.99. You will need to answer a few online questions relating to your health. The doctor will go through this information, and will discuss it with you. Subject to assessment, they may complete the referral letter. It will usually take less than 2-3 hours to get an appointment with Qoctor from 8AM to 12AM AEST on weekdays and 8AM to 10PM on weekends. If you need a letter faster (for example, if you are already at your specialist waiting room), use the live chat on the homepage of the website, and the customer service team will try to prioritise an appointment for you. Get started here.
Why do patients need a referral letter to see a specialist?
A referral letter:
- provides eligibility for certain Medicare rebates, so the visit will usually cost you less out of pocket.
- provides key information about your health to the specialist
- allows the specialist to correspond to your GP, which makes sure your important health information is stored in one place.
Getting a repeat specialist referral letters – most specialists in Australia require their patients to provide a new referral letter from a GP every 12 months, when their previous one expires. This makes the patient eligible for certain Medicare rebates. If you do not have an up-to-date referral letter when you see your specialist, the specialist appointment may cost you more.
New referral letter – A new referral letter allows you to see a new specialist for the first time. By bringing a referral letter to your specialist appointment, it allows eligibility for certain Medicare rebates and the consultation may cost you less. You will need to answer a few online questions relating to your health. The doctor will go through this information, will speak to you about your health, and can issue the referral letter if appropriate. It will usually take less than 2-3 hours or so to get an appointment with Qoctor from 8AM to 12AM AEST on weekdays and 8AM to 10PM on weekends. If you need a letter faster (for example, if you are already at your specialist waiting room), use the live chat on the homepage of the website, and the customer service team will try to prioritise an appointment for you. Get started here.
Please note Qoctor provides assessment for new specialist referrals for a specific limited range of issues which include:
- referral to a dermatologist for assessment/management of acne
- referral to a sleep physician for assessment/management of sleep apnoea
- referral to a urologist for a vasectomy
- referral to a gynaecologist for insertion of an IUD
- referral to an eye specialist for laser eye surgery
“Change of specialist” referral letter – For a “change of specialist” letter, you must already have in your possession a valid referral letter that is less than one year old. This is a service you may find useful if you decide to see a different specialist than the one first suggested by your GP. This situation can arise if a specialist’s waiting list turns out to be too long, and you want to try someone with a shorter wait time. You must take BOTH referral letters to your appointment- the original one and the change of specialist letter provided by Qoctor. The cost of a telehealth appointment to discuss this is $25.99. You will need to answer a few online questions relating to your health. The doctor will go through this information and will speak to you about your health- then they can complete the referral letter if appropriate (subject to assessment). Get started here.
The online consultation fee to discuss a specialist referral letter with Qoctor is $25.99. As Qoctor is a private telehealth service, there is no Medicare rebate for this online doctor fee. However, the referral letter may allow you to claim a Medicare rebate when you see the specialist.
What is a repeat specialist referral letter?
A repeat specialist referral is a letter from a GP to a specialist you have seen in the past. It includes the medical reason for seeing the specialist, and other health information. Referral letters expire after a period of time (usually a year). In Australia, Medicare card-holders can claim a rebate when they see a specialist doctor, once they have a specialist referral letter written by a GP. In the past, if you needed a referral letter, you had to see a GP in person to request one. But seeing an online doctor via telehealth is now an easy alternative.
Once you have completed the online assessment for your specialist referral, and made payment, the doctor will review your request. This process often takes a matter of minutes, but it can take an hour or two at busy times (or till the next morning if you make the request outside business hours- i.e. later than 9pm). If they have all the information they need, the doctor will then issue the referral letter- you will be notified via email that you can now download it.
If you are already waiting at your specialist’s office, and need your letter in a hurry- just let our customer service team know via live chat (located on our home page)- they’ll prioritise your letter, and have it sent through to your email, so you can download it from your account as soon as possible.
In Australia, Medicare card-holders can generally claim a Medicare rebate when they see a specialist doctor, once they have a valid specialist referral letter. A valid specialist referral is less than 12 months old, and states the name of the specialist you wish to attend, as well as relevant health information.
The telehealth consultation fee to discuss a specialist referral letter online with Qoctor is $25.99. As Qoctor is a private telehealth service, there is no Medicare rebate for this online doctor fee.
“Change of specialist” referral letter – For a “change of specialist” letter, you must already have in your possession a valid referral letter that is less than one year old. This is a service you may find useful if you decide to see a different specialist than the one first suggested by your GP. This situation can arise if a specialist’s waiting list turns out to be too long, and you want to try someone with a shorter wait time. You must take BOTH referral letters to your appointment- the original one and the change of specialist letter provided by Qoctor. The cost of a telehealth appointment to discuss this is $24.99. You will need to answer a few online questions relating to your health. The doctor will go through this information and will speak to you about your health- then they can complete the referral letter if appropriate (subject to assessment). Get started here.
“Change of specialist” referral letter – For a “change of specialist” letter, you must already have in your possession a valid referral letter that is less than one year old. This is a service you may find useful if you decide to see a different specialist than the one first suggested by your GP. This situation can arise if a specialist’s waiting list turns out to be too long, and you want to try someone with a shorter wait time. You must take BOTH referral letters to your appointment- the original one and the change of specialist letter provided by Qoctor. The cost of a telehealth appointment to discuss this is $24.99. You will need to answer a few online questions relating to your health. The doctor will go through this information and will speak to you about your health- then they can complete the referral letter if appropriate (subject to assessment). Get started here.
“Change of specialist” referral letter – For a “change of specialist” letter, you must already have a valid referral letter from a GP that is less than one year old. Our service may be helpful if you have decided to attend a different specialist than the one first suggested by your GP (for example, if a specialist’s waiting list turns out to be too long).
We recommend that you take BOTH referral letters to your appointment- the original one and the “change of specialist letter” provided by Qoctor. The cost of a telehealth appointment to discuss this is $25.99. You will need to answer a few online questions relating to your health. The doctor will go through this information and will speak to you about your health- then they can complete the referral letter if appropriate (subject to assessment). You can get started here.
In Australia, Medicare card-holders can generally claim a Medicare rebate when they see a specialist doctor, once they have a valid specialist referral letter written by a GP. A valid specialist referral is less than 12 months old, and states the name of the specialist you wish to attend, as well as relevant health information.
The consultation fee to get a specialist referral letter online from Qoctor is $22.99. As Qoctor is a private telehealth service, there is no Medicare rebate for this online doctor fee. However, as noted above, the specialist referral letter will allow you to claim a Medicare rebate when you proceed to see the specialist.
- If the details you provide on your referral questionnaire or patient profile are incorrect and you later wish to change them, please get in touch via info@qoctor.com.au or use the live chat on our home page www.qoctor.com.au
- In some cases, the issue may be rectified without having to book another telehealth consultation.
- However, sometimes, if there is a significant difference in the information required on the letter, you may be asked to book another appointment with a Qoctor doctor.
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