Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about our online pharmacist service, what we can help with, and how it works.
About our online pharmacist service
What can an online pharmacist help me with?
An online pharmacist can assess minor ailments, recommend over the counter products with clear dosing, review your medicines, check for interactions, and advise when you should see a GP. Our Victoria based telehealth service covers colds, flu and coughs, allergies and hay fever, mild stomach upset, minor pain, minor skin, eye and ear concerns, and medication and supplement questions.
How does an online pharmacist consultation in Australia work?
You book a time on our website, then receive a secure video link by email. At your appointment you speak with a registered pharmacist who assesses your concern, and afterwards you receive a written care plan by email. It is all done from home, with no waiting room.
Is an online pharmacist consultation legitimate and safe?
Yes. Your consult is with an AHPRA registered pharmacist working within their professional scope of practice. Advice is based on the information you share and current clinical guidelines. If your concern needs a physical examination or urgent care, the pharmacist will tell you clearly and direct you to the right provider.
Does an online pharmacist replace my GP?
No. We complement your GP but do not replace your GP, specialist, or emergency care. We do not diagnose conditions or prescribe prescription medicines. For chronic, complex, or high risk conditions you should continue to see your doctor.
Bookings, fees and what you receive
How much does an online pharmacist consult cost?
A Minor Ailment Consult and OTC Care Plan is $20, Medication Support is $35 for a single session, and Medication Coaching is $30 per month. Pricing is shown upfront with no hidden fees. Pharmacist telehealth is not currently covered by Medicare.
What happens after I book?
You receive an email confirmation with your appointment time, you prepare your details, you speak with your pharmacist at the scheduled time, and you receive your written plan by email afterwards. If your concern turns out to need a GP or urgent care, your pharmacist will guide you to the right next step.
What is an OTC care plan?
An OTC care plan is a written document you receive by email after your consult. It lists the specific over the counter products recommended for you with exact dosing, self care advice, red flags to watch for, when to see a GP, and your expected recovery timeline.
Is my health information kept private?
Yes. Your personal and health information is handled under the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles, stored on secure platforms, and accessed only by the pharmacist providing your care. You can request access or corrections at any time.
Absence from work certificates
Can I get an absence certificate from an online pharmacist in Victoria?
Where it is clinically appropriate after your consult, a pharmacist can issue an absence from work certificate for minor short term illness, typically one to two days. It is a pharmacist issued certificate, not a GP medical certificate, and it cannot be backdated.
Will my employer accept a pharmacist absence certificate?
Many employers accept pharmacist issued evidence as reasonable evidence of illness, but this is not guaranteed. Acceptance depends on your employer, your award or agreement, and your circumstances. We recommend confirming with your employer or HR before you book.
When should I see a GP instead of a pharmacist?
See a GP, or seek urgent care, for chest pain, breathing difficulty, severe allergic reactions, severe pain, pregnancy complications, symptoms in infants, or any symptom that is worsening or persistent. A pharmacist is suited to minor, self limiting concerns and medication questions. If your situation needs a doctor, your pharmacist will tell you and guide you to the right care pathway.
Medication support and coaching
Can an online pharmacist review my medications?
Yes. In a Medication Support session a pharmacist reviews your current medicines and supplements, screens for drug interactions, explains how your medicines work in plain language, helps manage side effects, and gives you a written medication action plan. It is useful when you start a new medicine or feel unsure about what you are taking.
How do I prepare for a medication review?
Have a list of your current medicines and supplements with doses, note any side effects or concerns, and have your allergies handy. The more detail you share, the more useful your pharmacist's advice and written action plan will be.
What questions should I ask before starting a new medicine?
Useful questions include how and when to take it, what it is for, common side effects and what to do about them, whether it interacts with your other medicines or supplements, and how long you should take it. A pharmacist can walk you through all of these in a Medication Support session.
How do I choose over the counter medicines safely?
Choosing safely means matching the product to your symptoms, checking it is suitable alongside your other medicines and conditions, and using the correct dose. A pharmacist can recommend specific products for your situation rather than leaving you to guess in the aisle.