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Pain or discomfort in the abdomen. Can have many causes from mild to serious.
There are several possible causes. Here are the most common ones:
Stomach bug.
You might suspect this if you have:
Overeating or fatty foods.
You might suspect this if you have:
Blocked bowel.
You might suspect this if you have:
Recurring abdominal discomfort.
You might suspect this if you have:
Medical emergency.
You might suspect this if you have:
Important: This information is for general guidance only and should not be used to self-diagnose. A doctor can properly assess your symptoms and provide appropriate advice.
Call 000 or go to Emergency immediately
Abdominal pain is one of the broadest symptom categories in medicine — the abdomen contains dozens of organs, and the location, character, and timing of pain all provide diagnostic clues. Epigastric pain (upper centre) after meals suggests gastritis or reflux. Right lower quadrant pain with fever raises concern for appendicitis. Left lower quadrant pain with bowel changes may indicate diverticulitis. Crampy, diffuse pain with diarrhoea points to gastro or IBS. The key emergency features are: sudden severe pain (especially if rigid abdomen), pain with fainting, vomiting blood, or pain in pregnancy. For mild-moderate abdominal discomfort without alarm features, telehealth can help determine the likely cause and appropriate next steps.
Medical certificate guidance: Abdominal pain that prevents sitting comfortably, concentrating, or commuting is a valid reason for a certificate. Gastro-related abdominal pain typically warrants 1-3 days off. More complex causes may require longer.
All clinical decisions are made by AHPRA-registered doctors following our clinical governance framework. We never automate clinical decisions.
Yes. Stomach pain from gastro or other causes can prevent you from working.
Seek urgent care for severe sudden pain, rigid abdomen, vomiting blood, or high fever.
If your symptoms are keeping you from work or study, you can request a medical certificate through InstantMed. A doctor will review your symptoms and issue a certificate if clinically appropriate — typically for 1 to 3 days depending on severity. You don't need to be dramatically unwell; feeling genuinely too rough to function is reason enough.
Yes. Australian-registered doctors can assess your symptoms and issue valid medical certificates via telehealth. You fill in a detailed health questionnaire, a doctor reviews it, and if appropriate, your certificate is delivered digitally. No waiting room required.
You complete a structured health questionnaire covering your symptoms, duration, severity, and relevant medical history. The reviewing doctor uses this information — the same clinical reasoning they'd apply in a face-to-face consult — to determine whether a certificate, advice, or referral is appropriate.
A medical certificate covers the period stated on the document. If your symptoms worsen or don't improve as expected, you should see a GP in person or visit your nearest emergency department if it's urgent. Your certificate doesn't replace ongoing care — it's a point-in-time clinical assessment.
In some cases, yes. If a doctor reviewing your request determines that a common, non-restricted treatment is appropriate, they may issue a prescription as part of a consultation. Not all symptoms require or qualify for a prescription — the doctor will advise you on next steps.
Medical certificates are typically issued in under 30 minutes, available 24/7. Other requests are reviewed within 1–2 hours during operating hours (8am–10pm AEST, 7 days). You'll receive an email notification once your request has been reviewed.
If your symptoms suggest something that requires a physical examination, diagnostic tests, or specialist referral, the doctor will let you know and recommend appropriate next steps. Your safety is the priority — telehealth is a great option for many things, but it's not a replacement for hands-on assessment when that's what's needed.
No Medicare card is required for medical certificates. If you're requesting a prescription or consultation, a valid Medicare card is needed. Our service is private and does not attract a Medicare rebate, though any prescriptions issued can still attract PBS subsidies at the pharmacy.
Our Australian-registered doctors can assess your symptoms and provide advice, treatment, or medical certificates if needed.
Get assessedThis information is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health. Content on this page has been reviewed by AHPRA-registered Australian doctors but does not replace a personalised medical consultation.