A woman talking to a doctor online on her laptop.

Difference between a medical certificate and a prescription

Written by Click for Health

19 December 2024

When it comes to managing your health, you may need documentation such as medical certificates and prescriptions. While they serve different purposes, both are essential tools for work, education, or medical treatment.

What is a medical certificate?

A medical certificate is an official document provided by a doctor to verify a person’s health condition. It is often used as evidence of illness, injury, or caregiving responsibilities. Common scenarios where a medical certificate is required include:

  • Taking personal or sick leave from work

  • Requesting carer’s leave to support a dependent

  • Applying for special consideration at school or university

Medical certificates detail the period of absence and confirm that the individual is unfit to attend work, school, or other obligations. At Click for Health, obtaining a medical certificate is simple. You can request a single-day or multi-day certificate through a quick online consultation with an Australian-registered doctor, and receive it securely via email the same day.

What is a prescription?

A prescription is a medical document that authorises the dispensing of medication. Issued by a qualified doctor, a prescription includes specific details such as the name of the medication, dosage, and instructions for use. Prescriptions are required for both new and repeat medications and play a crucial role in managing health conditions, whether temporary or ongoing.

With Click for Health, you can book an online consultation and receive your prescription instantly via email or have it mailed to your address anywhere in Australia. This fast, secure service eliminates the need for in-person visits, making it easier to access the treatment you need.

Key differences between a medical certificate and a prescription

While both documents are issued by doctors, they serve distinct purposes:

A medical certificate verifies a health condition for non-medical purposes, such as work or education.

A prescription is used to authorise and access medication for treatment.

How Click for Health can help

At Click for Health, we make accessing both online medical certificates and prescriptions easy. Our Australian-based doctors provide fast, secure online consultations, allowing you to receive the documentation you need from the comfort of home.

Whether you’re managing your health or fulfilling workplace requirements, we’re here to simplify the process. Book your online consultation today and experience the convenience of trusted, professional care at your fingertips.