Can my child see an online doctor?

Suitability comes before convenience

The Royal Children's Hospital explains that telehealth can be appropriate for some visits, with the treating team deciding whether a video appointment meets the child's needs. Some consultations still need to happen in person, particularly when the assessment requires information that cannot be obtained remotely. The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne: Telehealth video consultation

Tell the booking service the child's age and the reason for seeking care. Avoid selecting an adult appointment just because it is available sooner. If the clinic cannot assess the child, ask which service would be more appropriate and how urgently to arrange it.

The clinician needs to assess the child

A parent's account is valuable, but the doctor may also need to see or speak with the child. Plan for the child to be present unless the service has expressly arranged a different type of discussion. Explain in advance if participation will be difficult. The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne: Telehealth video consultation

For a video visit, have the device positioned so the clinician can communicate with both of you. Keep the environment as calm and private as practical. Do not assume a photograph or description alone is enough for every concern; the clinician decides whether further assessment is needed.

Prepare a clear timeline

Write down when the concern started, what has changed and how the child is functioning compared with usual. Have relevant records, current medicines and allergy information available. If another health professional has already assessed the problem, explain their advice and any follow-up that was recommended.

Be clear about what you want help with: a new symptom, a follow-up question, a document or a review of an existing plan. These needs may require different appointment arrangements. Preparation helps the doctor understand the situation without replacing their clinical assessment. Medical Board telehealth guidelines

Consent and privacy need attention

Tell the service who is making the booking, their relationship to the child and who will attend. The clinic needs to consider appropriate consent and confidentiality arrangements. Do not use another person's details to bypass an age restriction or assume that every accompanying adult can authorise the same decisions. Medical Board telehealth guidelines

Older children and teenagers may need opportunities to discuss some concerns privately. Ask the clinician how this will be handled. The Royal Children's Hospital notes that a telehealth visit can include arrangements for a young person to speak without a parent for part of the appointment. The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne: Telehealth video consultation

What if my child needs examination or tests?

The doctor may recommend local in-person care, testing or another service. Ask where to go, how soon to attend and what information to take. A remote appointment should produce a practical next step when it cannot answer the clinical question fully. Medical Board telehealth guidelines

If the child becomes seriously unwell, do not wait for an online appointment. Call 000 for a life-threatening emergency. For non-emergency uncertainty about the appropriate service in Australia, healthdirect provides nurse advice on 1800 022 222. Healthdirect’s after-hours healthcare guide

Can a parent request a certificate?

Explain whether the document is for the child's school absence or your need to provide care. These are different questions. Bring any required school form and the employer's evidence request where relevant. The doctor must have a proper basis for what they certify. Avant: Medical certificates — your responsibilities

A carer's certificate does not automatically establish every employment entitlement. Read who carer's leave covers and check workplace requirements. Do not assume a service that provides adult certificates also offers every kind of child assessment.

Before using Doccio online care, confirm current age and service eligibility directly. If accepted, follow the telehealth preparation guide and have both the child's needs and the purpose of the appointment clearly described.