Frequently Asked Questions
The most commonly asked questions about our telehealth platform.
Prescriptions
Can I get Schedule 8 Controlled Drug (narcotic) medications through Doctors on Demand?
No. Schedule 8 Controlled Drug medications and drugs of addiction will not regularly be prescribed via our service. It may not be appropriate to prescribe any such medication in this manner due to the potential for addiction and misuse. Our doctors believe this medication should be carefully monitored by your regular healthcare provider. Please do not proceed to book a video consultation if you are seeking such medication, as your appointment fee will not be refunded.
These FAQs may also help
Where will my prescription be filled?
For general appointments, you can choose between an e-script or a paper prescription. If you select a paper prescription, you are welcome to choose any pharmacy that suits you. For all home delivery QuickScript orders, prescriptions are dispensed with TerryWhite Chemmart Hawthorn for convenience and efficiency.
TerryWhite Chemmart Hawthorn
736 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122
03 9818 1313
How does the online prescription process work?
It’s a simple 4-step process:
- Choose a service: You’ll need a standard appointment for a new prescription, or you can use our QuickScript service for eligible repeat prescriptions.
- Sign up or login: Enter or confirm your personal details so we know who you are, and the doctor knows your current medical history.
- Speak with your doctor about a prescription: Discuss your prescription with a doctor via video for a new prescription, or phone for a repeat prescription.
- Access your medications: If prescribed, you’ll get an eScript by email or SMS. With QuickScript, medications can be delivered to your door.
Need an online prescription? Get started here.
What should I do if my medications order hasn’t arrived?
Please contact us at info@doctorsondemand.com.au and we will follow up directly for you.
Who is eligible for the QuickScript service?
The QuickScript service is an effective and economical way for you to speak with a doctor about repeat prescriptions for medications you take commonly. You are not eligible for this service if your request is for a new medication that you haven’t taken before or a medication that is not available through our QuickScript service – instead, you’ll need to book a standard consult.
Importantly, our QuickScript service is eScript only. We need a healthcare identifier to enable creation of an e-Scripts. Please provide your healthcare identifiers before you can access this service. This will be:
- a Medicare card number, if you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident; or
- an Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI number) if you’re an overseas visitor, international student or temporary resident.
Not sure or need to check? Visit Services Australia.
Otherwise, request a repeat prescription online now.
Do you deliver medications to PO Boxes or Parcel Lockers?
A signature is required on delivery of your medications, so we cannot deliver to a PO Box or Parcel Locker at this stage.
How much will home delivery of my medications cost?
Postage of your medications to your home is available via our QuickScript and Quit Smoking services. It costs $12.95.
Can I put a rush on my medications order?
We don’t offer a same day delivery option at this stage, however our next day delivery service means you should still receive your medications quickly. Orders received before 2.30pm will be delivered to metro areas (including interstate) by the next day. If you’re in a regional area, it will normally take 1-2 days, and 2-3 days for rural areas.
Will I receive shipping updates on my medications order, so I can keep track of it?
Yes. Updates will be sent via email as soon as your package is scanned for shipping, and you will received regular updates as it progresses.
How long does it take to receive my medication after obtaining an online prescription?
If prescribed, you can opt to get an eScript as an SMS to your phone or email for pickup at your preferred pharmacy, or get your medications delivered to your door.
Delivery orders received before 2.30pm will be delivered to metro areas (including interstate) by the next day. If you’re in a regional area, it will normally take 1-2 days, and 2-3 days for rural areas.
Please note: The delivery timeframes listed are estimates only, not guarantees and do not include delays from our couriers.
What is an IHI?
An IHI (Individual Healthcare Identifier) is a number that identifies you for health care purposes in Australia. If you have a Medicare card, are registered for Medicare, or have a DVA card, you will already have an IHI.
If you’re a visitor to Australia and you don’t have an IHI, you can apply for one with Services Australia here.
Benefits of an IHI
Having an IHI improves the security and efficiency of managing personal health information, allows for better communication between healthcare providers, and enables access to eScripts.
What types of prescriptions can be managed via telehealth?
Telehealth is a good option for managing many types of medical prescriptions. Our patients see us for a variety of online prescriptions, from contraception through to erectile dysfunction, and for conditions ranging from high blood pressure to asthma & allergies. Approval of a medication request, and any repeat prescriptions, are at the doctor’s discretion. Some medications should be prescribed by one prescriber who has overall management of your condition. Schedule 4 drugs which have the potential to cause harm or be misused such as benzodiazepines, duromine, zolpidem, zopiclone, quetiapine and high strength codeine are not routinely prescribed and should be sourced from your regular GP. No schedule 8 controlled drug medication or drugs of addiction will be prescribed via our telehealth services.
Need an online prescription? Get started here.
What happens in a QuickScript appointment?
It’s a simple 4-step process:
- Request a call-back: Choose the ‘repeat prescription’ option in the menu to get started with your script request.
- Sign up or login: Enter or confirm your personal details so we know who you are, and the doctor knows your current medical history.
- Speak with your doctor about a prescription: To ensure we reach you keep your phone close by & ensure that it is switched off silent mode, and be prepared to answer a call from an unrecognised number. If you missed the call, keep an eye out for a message with instructions on how to reconnect with your doctor.
- Access your medications: If prescribed, you can opt to get an eScript for pickup at your preferred pharmacy, or get your medications delivered to your door.
Need a repeat prescription? Get started here.
Should I consult with my regular GP before my online prescription appointment?
Regular visits to your GP are recommended to manage chronic conditions. We recommend a physical examination with your face-to-face GP once every 12 months. It is important that your blood pressure is checked regularly, and we recommend that you provide a printout or report showing a recent blood pressure reading to ensure that your online doctor can safely prescribe.
Can I use my insurance for online prescriptions?
You may be able to claim your consult cost or medication on your private health insurance cover. Please make inquiries directly with your insurer. Please contact us if you require a detailed invoice for your insurance claim.
What information do I need to provide for an online prescription?
When you sign up or login on our platform, you’ll need to enter or confirm your personal details so we know who you are, and the doctor knows your current medical history prior to your consult. You may also have to answer some specific questions related to the medication you’ve requested.
We need a healthcare identifier to enable creation of e-Scripts, so please provide either:
- a Medicare card number, if you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident; or
- an Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI number) if you’re an overseas visitor, international student or temporary resident.
Health professionals use your IHI to make sure they are accessing the right record when uploading information so it’s a good idea to get one now, as you’ll likely need it again in the future. Not sure or need to check? Visit Services Australia.
You chose our online doctor service for convenience & efficiency, and we want you to get your medications as soon as possible; make sure you’re set up for eScripts prior to your consult!
Need an online prescription? Get started here.
What conditions can be treated with online prescriptions?
Our patients see us for a variety of online prescriptions, from contraception through to erectile dysfunction, and for conditions ranging from high blood pressure to asthma & allergies. You can speak to a doctor and request an online prescription, or eScript, for any of the following:
- Acne
- Asthma
- COVID-19
- Diabetes
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Gout
- Hay fever & allergies
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Hair loss
- Migraines
- Osteoporosis
- Pain and more
Need an online prescription? Get started here.
Is it safe to get prescriptions online?
Requesting a new or repeat prescription online is a safe and convenient way to access many types of medical prescriptions. See our separate FAQ: “What types of prescriptions can be managed via telehealth?” for more information.
If your prescription request is approved, your doctor will issue you with an eScript which is transmitted from the doctor’s prescribing system to the prescription exchange service in an encrypted format (a private and secure way of sending information). The electronic prescription will not be able to be altered between the time of generation and dispensing, and your script can only be ‘unlocked’ by your pharmacist. The digital format can also help to reduce medication mistakes caused by poorly handwritten scripts.
If you ever need to buy your medicine online, always stick to trusted suppliers.
Need an online prescription? Get started here.
Are online prescriptions legal?
Speaking to a telehealth doctor to obtain an online prescription is legal in Australia. The Australian Government changed legislation in 2019 to make electronic prescribing of PBS medicines legal nationwide. States and territories have also made changes to their legal frameworks to allow for electronic prescriptions. Electronic prescriptions, also known as eScripts, are now a highly common and convenient option that removes the need for a physical paper prescription. The same regulations for prescribing and supplying medicines exist for both paper and electronic prescriptions. Clinicians are required to adhere to the National Health Act 1953 and relevant State or Territory regulations when prescribing and supplying medicines using an electronic prescription.
Need an online prescription? Get started here.
My pharmacy is requesting my hard copy prescription
If the Doctor has provided you with an eScript, paper prescriptions are not created and cannot be issued to a patient or pharmacy. If your pharmacy has any concerns, they are welcome to contact us.
I need a script for pain medication (Tramadol, Benzodiazepines, Duromine, Zolpidem, Zopiclone, Quetiapine, Codeine etc.)
Medications of that nature are not prescribed through our virtual care service and should be sourced from your regular GP for your own safety and wellbeing. We apologise that we are unable to assist you in this circumstance.
Can I get Schedule 8 Controlled Drug (narcotic) medications through Doctors on Demand?
No. Schedule 8 Controlled Drug medications and drugs of addiction will not regularly be prescribed via our service. It may not be appropriate to prescribe any such medication in this manner due to the potential for addiction and misuse. Our doctors believe this medication should be carefully monitored by your regular healthcare provider. Please do not proceed to book a video consultation if you are seeking such medication, as your appointment fee will not be refunded.
How much does a QuickScript repeat prescription appointment cost?
Our QuickScript service costs $29.90 to speak with a doctor about your prescription. QuickScript is for eligible repeat prescriptions only. A Medicare card or IHI number is required to access this service. Please note, there may be additional out-of-pocket costs for things associated with your appointment, like medications and delivery fees where applicable.
What medications can I order?
All medications requested through our QuickScript or Smoking Cessation service can be ordered through our home delivery partner. Approval of a medication request, and any repeat prescriptions, are at the doctor’s discretion. See our separate FAQ ‘What types of prescriptions can be managed via telehealth?’ for more information
Does someone need to be home to receive my QuickScript order, and does it require a signature?
All medication orders must be signed for when delivered. We recommend providing a work address for delivery if no one is home during business hours. If nobody is available to receive the order and there is no safe area to leave it, a card will be left which provides details of how to arrange collection or delivery at a more convenient time.
Can my prescription medication order be sent to a different address to my billing address?
Yes. An alternative delivery address can be provided when you order your medication through our QuickScript repeat medication service. Please ensure that your delivery address is complete and accurate. If you have any special requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us.
What do I need to get an eScript?
To request an eScript please add a healthcare identifier to your account; this will be:
- a Medicare card number, if you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident; or
- an Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI number) if you’re an overseas visitor, international student or temporary resident.
If prescribed, you will receive a digital ‘token’ sent by SMS or email which you can present to your preferred pharmacy for immediate collection of your medication.
Can I return a medication I have received?
Unfortunately, our partner pharmacies cannot provide refunds on prescription medicines as legislation prohibits their return once they have been dispensed. This is due to State health regulations stipulating general medicines and prescriptions, including any preparation that is taken orally cannot be returned or refunded. Once the product has left the pharmacy, the storage conditions of the product cannot be guaranteed, and it is possible the product could be tampered with.
Do I receive any repeats on my prescription?
Repeats are always at the discretion of the reviewing doctor. It is possible to request repeats during your appointment—however, Doctors on Demand has no influence over the approval of your prescription request, or the number of repeats issued. The consulting doctor will decide, and is given the discretion to act according to their professional judgement considering each patient’s best interests and the limitations of an online consultation. If you would like to discuss your request for repeats, you can always book online at any time.
If you receive an electronic prescription with repeats, a new SMS or email will be sent to you when you get your medicine from the pharmacy.
What is the difference between Private and PBS price options for QuickScripts?
Private
Selecting the Private price allows you to choose to have multiple quantities of your prescription supplied up to a maximum of three (3) times. No repeats will be issued, and you will not receive Prescription Record Form stickers to count towards your Safety Net entitlement. Prescriptions not subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) will only be available at the Private price. Receipts are issued by the dispensing pharmacy to enable you to claim a rebate through your Private Health Fund (if applicable).
PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme)
By selecting this price option, you will receive a PBS prescription with repeats at the doctor’s discretion. These prices are only available to customers with a current Medicare card for medication subsidised under the PBS. Prescription Record Form stickers will be supplied to enable you to count towards your Safety Net entitlement.