As telehealth becomes standard in Australian healthcare, one common question is: "Can my medication be prescribed online?" The answer depends on medication type, medical history, and whether the condition can be safely assessed remotely.

Telehealth Prescribing Framework

All online prescriptions in Australia must comply with TGA regulations and guidelines from AHPRA and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). The consultation must be conducted by an AHPRA-registered medical practitioner who obtains sufficient clinical information, prescribes appropriate medications, documents the consultation per Australian standards, and only prescribes TGA-approved medications.

Categories of Medications Available Online

Australian GPs can prescribe antibiotics for UTIs, respiratory and skin infections; contraceptives including combined pills and progestogen-only pills; asthma and respiratory medications; allergy medications; mental health medications (SSRIs, SNRIs, non-benzodiazepine anti-anxiety medications); cardiovascular medications for stable conditions; diabetes medications; dermatological treatments; gastrointestinal medications; and non-opioid pain medications. Doctors follow Therapeutic Guidelines when prescribing to ensure appropriate stewardship.

Schedule 8 Controlled Drugs Cannot Be Prescribed Online

Australian regulations restrict telehealth prescribing for high-risk medications including opioids (oxycodone, morphine, fentanyl, tramadol), benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, temazepam), stimulants (dexamphetamine, Ritalin, Vyvanse), medications requiring physical examination, and medications with narrow therapeutic windows like Warfarin or Lithium. These restrictions protect patient safety.

PBS and Authority Prescriptions

Most PBS-listed medications can be prescribed via telehealth. The PBS provides subsidised medications reducing costs to either $31.60 for general patients or $7.70 for concession card holders (as of 2026). Your telehealth GP can apply for authority approval for medications requiring Medicare approval. For streamlined authority items, approval is instant; for full authority items, the GP calls Medicare for approval.

Safety and Compliance

Online prescriptions issued by AHPRA-registered doctors are just as safe as local prescriptions when proper clinical protocols are followed. All ConsultNow GPs maintain active AHPRA registration, conduct proper clinical assessments, keep medical records per Australian standards, and prescribe only TGA-approved medications.