Loading location page
Geelong is growing fast, and doctor availability hasn't kept up. InstantMed lets you submit medical-certificate requests and repeat-prescription review requests without the drive to Melbourne.
270K+
Victoria's second-largest city
2–5 days
Longer in growth corridors
~68%
Declining in newer suburbs
2.1%
One of Victoria's fastest-growing regions
Geelong has transformed from a regional centre into a major satellite city of Melbourne. Rapid population growth in suburbs like Armstrong Creek, Lara, and Ocean Grove has outpaced healthcare infrastructure, creating GP shortages and long appointment waits that frustrate residents and employers alike.
The city's evolution from its manufacturing heritage (Ford, Alcoa) to a knowledge and service economy has brought new residents who commute to Melbourne - often falling sick on days when a 90-minute round trip to a familiar GP simply isn't practical. InstantMed gives eligible Geelong residents access to the same medical-certificate and repeat-prescription review pathways available in inner Melbourne.
Barwon Health's University Hospital Geelong is the major public hospital, but a medical-certificate request or repeat-prescription review for a regular medicine already taken does not belong in emergency or urgent care. InstantMed provides a focused online pathway for those requests.
Geelong's population includes a significant commuter base travelling to Melbourne daily, Deakin University's Waurn Ponds campus students, and hospitality workers along the Surf Coast. Each group faces distinct healthcare access challenges - commuters need flexible hours, students need affordable options, and hospitality workers need weekend availability.
For Surf Coast tourism workers in Torquay, Anglesea, and Lorne, peak season coincides with the busiest time for local clinics. Telehealth means getting a medical certificate without losing an entire shift to a doctor's waiting room.
Geelong has extensive pharmacy coverage including Chemist Warehouse in Waurn Ponds, Westfield Geelong, and Market Square. Any of them can dispense an eScript: show the QR code and collect your medication. Regional pharmacies in Ocean Grove, Torquay, and Bannockburn also accept eScripts without issue.
Victoria follows national AHPRA telehealth standards. The Victorian Government has invested significantly in telehealth infrastructure, particularly since 2020. The Health Complaints Commissioner Victoria handles telehealth complaints alongside traditional healthcare complaints.
Victorian prescribing follows TGA national framework. All eScripts are accepted at Victorian pharmacies. Schedule 8 medications require Victorian Department of Health and Human Services authority and cannot be prescribed via telehealth.
Complete the secure form with your symptoms, relevant history and requested dates. You will receive an outcome or a request for more information. Prescriptions require an individual doctor decision.
Answer the service-specific questions
Your request follows the pathway required for that service
We'll let you know the outcome and any next steps.
Also serving: Sydney · Melbourne · Brisbane · Perth · Adelaide · Gold Coast · Canberra · Newcastle · View all locations