All Medicare-eligible consultations are bulk billed for patients with a valid Medicare card. Some items, including privately purchased vaccines and consumables, attract a fee.
A medical certificate is a doctor's professional opinion, not a receipt. That shapes what can be written, when it can be dated, and why a GP will not backdate one.
A certificate states that in the doctor's opinion you were unfit for work or study over particular dates. Your employer is not entitled to your diagnosis, and a certificate does not have to include one. Carer's leave certificates work the same way for someone you are caring for.
Attend on the day, not the day afterIf you are too unwell to work, that is the day to be seen. Waiting until you are better makes the certificate harder to write honestly.
A doctor can only certify what they can reasonably form an opinion about. If you were unwell before you attended, that can sometimes be recorded as reported history, clearly marked as such — but a certificate cannot simply be written for dates before you were seen.
Does my employer get to see my diagnosis?
No. A certificate can say you were unfit for work without naming the condition.
Can I get one for a family member?
A carer's certificate covers time off to care for someone. The person being cared for generally needs to have been seen.
Can certify
Unfit for work
Read more →
Can certifyUnfit for work
For dates the doctor can reasonably form an opinion about.
Can certify
Unfit for study
Read more →
Can certifyUnfit for study
Universities and TAFE generally accept the same form of certificate.
Can certify
Carer's leave
Read more →
Can certifyCarer's leave
Time needed to care for a family or household member.
Can certify
Fit to return
Read more →
Can certifyFit to return
Including modified or reduced duties where that helps.
What we cannot do
Backdate at will
Read more →
What we cannot doBackdate at will
A certificate reflects an assessment, not a request.
What we cannot do
Certify what was not assessed
Read more →
What we cannot doCertify what was not assessed
Which is why work capacity and fitness questions need a proper appointment.
Come on the day you are unwell.A certificate reflects what the doctor observed.
A short appointmenton the day.
Same-day slots are held each morning. Say when booking that you need a certificate so time is set aside.
The consultation is, with a valid Medicare card. Some employer, insurance and licensing forms are privately billed because they are not Medicare services — reception will tell you before you commit.
Can I get one by telehealth?
Sometimes, if we have seen you recently. It depends on what needs to be assessed.
What about WorkCover?
Work injuries use a SIRA certificate of capacity, which is a longer appointment. Say it is a work injury when you book.
1Book same daySlots are released from 8am. Say you need a certificate.From 8am
2Come inBring your Medicare card and any form your employer requires.Same day
3AssessmentThe doctor forms an opinion about your capacity for work or study.10 minutes
4Certificate issuedCovering the dates the doctor can reasonably certify.Same day
Medical certificates
Work & study
Carer's leave
Fitness to return to work
Bulk billed with a standard consult
Same-day appointments
Telehealth for some
Confidential
Medical certificates
Work & study
Carer's leave
Fitness to return to work
Bulk billed with a standard consult
Same-day appointments
Telehealth for some
Confidential
Medical certificates
Work & study
Carer's leave
Fitness to return to work
Bulk billed with a standard consult
Same-day appointments
Telehealth for some
Confidential
Medical certificatesquestions, answered.
Can I get a certificate for yesterday?
Only in limited circumstances, and it must be clearly marked as based on your report rather than examination.
Does it have to say what is wrong with me?
No. It can simply state you were unfit for work.
Is it bulk billed?
The consultation is, with a Medicare card. Employer and insurance forms may be privately billed.
Can I get one over the phone?
Sometimes, for existing patients, depending on what needs assessing.
What about a work injury?
That needs a SIRA certificate of capacity and a longer appointment.
Can I get a carer's certificate?
Yes. The person you are caring for generally needs to have been seen.
How long can a certificate cover?
As long as is clinically reasonable. Longer periods usually need review before extension.
Can you certify me fit to return to work?
Yes, including on modified duties if a staged return makes sense.
General information onlyThis page is general health information for anyone who finds it useful. It is not advice about your own situation and it does not replace a consultation with a doctor who knows you. If you are worried about a symptom, book an appointment or call (02) 6530 7404. In an emergency, call 000.
Standard GP consultations are bulk billed for everyone with a valid Medicare card.