Prescribing limits
When online prescribing may not be the right fit
An online GP may need more information or another type of care before prescribing. Understand common reasons for this and the questions to ask about your next step.
When might an online GP not prescribe?
An online GP may not prescribe when there is too little information, an examination or monitoring is needed, or the request requires another prescriber or care setting. A HerDoc GP can explain the concern and discuss what to do next, even when a prescription is not issued.
What information does the GP need?
The GP needs enough information about your symptoms, medical history, allergies and current medicines to make a prescribing decision. The reason for treatment, previous advice and recent changes can all matter.
Have relevant records or results handy. If key information is missing or the diagnosis is unclear, the next step may be obtaining records or arranging an examination rather than issuing a prescription.
When a phone review is not enough
Some decisions need information or findings that a phone conversation cannot provide. The next step depends on what is missing.
Ask who should review any results or records once they are available, so you know how to continue your care.
- Recent monitoring results are missing: ask which results are needed and whether to obtain existing records or arrange updated checks.
- Symptoms need a physical examination: ask which in-person service to attend and how soon you should be assessed.
- Another doctor or specialist manages the treatment: ask whether their treatment plan or a review with them is needed.
Prescribing requirements vary
The GP must consider the requirements that apply to the request as well as your health. Some requests need another prescriber or care setting. HerDoc’s prescribing policy explains the service’s prescribing boundaries.
A previous prescription does not by itself establish that a new one can be issued. The GP needs to assess the current request and any information or monitoring it requires.
What can I do if a prescription is not issued?
Ask what prevented the decision and what to do next. The consultation may still help with advice, a clearer understanding of your symptoms or a plan to seek further assessment.
If you already take the medicine, ask how to obtain advice about ongoing treatment. A declined request is not an instruction to stop or change it yourself. If you are running low, contact your usual prescriber or pharmacist promptly.
Severe reactions, overdose or poisoning
Call 000 now for severe breathing difficulty, swelling of the face or throat, collapse, unresponsiveness, a seizure, severe confusion or another severe or rapidly worsening reaction. Do not wait for a HerDoc appointment.
If someone may have taken the wrong medicine or too much medicine, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for immediate advice, even if there are no symptoms. If the person is unresponsive, not breathing normally or showing signs of overdose, call 000 for an ambulance.
For non-emergency health advice while HerDoc is unavailable, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak with a registered nurse.
Join the HerDoc waitlist
HerDoc is preparing to launch. Join the waiting list for updates; use existing local services for care you need before launch or within a particular timeframe.
Related pages
FAQs
Will knowing the medicine name be enough?
No. The GP also needs to understand why you need treatment, your symptoms and health history, and other medicines you take. Records, monitoring or an examination may be needed.
What if the GP needs records I do not have?
Ask which records are needed and where to obtain them. You may need to contact your usual clinic or specialist and arrange a further review once the information is available.
How will I know whether I need an in-person appointment?
The GP can explain whether your symptoms or prescription request need a physical examination or other checks. Ask which service to attend, how soon to arrange it and what information to take.
Can the appointment still help without a prescription?
Yes. The GP can explain the concern and discuss advice, further information or another type of care. Ask who to contact next and what needs to happen before treatment can be reviewed.
Does a declined prescription mean I should stop my medicine?
No. It does not by itself tell you to stop or change treatment. Ask the GP or your usual prescriber for individual advice about your ongoing care.