Following a telehealth appointment, the doctor may issue a prescription. It is common for doctors to include a number of “repeats” on a prescription, allowing the patient to return to the pharmacy for further supply of the medication. The number of “repeats” included by the doctor depends on several factors, such as the type of medication, the nature of the patient’s condition, the medical history of the patient, and whether the patient needs to have any tests, examination or monitoring before their next prescription.

If you are having a telehealth appointment and a prescription is being discussed, the doctor will usually advise you how many repeats they are intending to include. If you are unsure, just ask the doctor.

In Australia, most prescriptions stay valid for 12 months from the original date of issue. After that, any repeats that have not been used up will expire- i.e. the prescription is no longer active or useable. You need to have a consultation with a doctor to arrange any further prescriptions.