How do I get a medical clearance letter?

How do I get a medical clearance letter?

A medical clearance letter is an official document from a registered clinician confirming that you are fit to return to work, resume physical activity, or travel. Abby Health clinicians can assess you and issue a clearance letter if your condition supports it. Book a telehealth appointment, and if the clinician determines clearance is appropriate, the letter is sent to you by email after the consult.

What is a clearance letter, and how is it different from a medical certificate?

A medical certificate generally states that you are unfit for work or study for a defined period. A clearance letter does the opposite — it confirms that you are fit to return to a particular activity. They are both clinical documents signed by an AHPRA-registered clinician, but they are answering different questions.

You might need a clearance letter to return to a physical role after illness or injury, to resume sport after a concussion or surgery, to travel after a hospital stay, or to satisfy an employer's return-to-work policy. Our clinicians are AHPRA-registered, and you can verify any clinician on the public AHPRA register.

What does the clinician need to assess?

The clinician needs to clinically confirm that you are fit for the activity in question. Standards for these decisions sit under the RACGP. They will:

• Review your recent illness or injury
• Ask about current symptoms and recovery
• Look at any specialist letters, hospital discharge notes, or relevant test results
• Check the requirements of the role or activity

Can I get a clearance letter for travel?

Yes, if your condition supports it. Travel clearances are common after recent surgery, hospitalisation, or pregnancy, and airlines or insurers often request a written letter from a clinician. For travel-related vaccination questions, see the Department of Health for current advice.

What if a clearance letter isn't appropriate?

A clearance letter is not always available — it can only be issued if the clinical picture supports it. If your clinician finds you are not yet fit for the activity, they will explain why and discuss the next steps, which may include a follow-up appointment, additional rest, or referral to a specialist.

How Abby can help

If you need a medical clearance letter to get back to work, sport, or travel, our clinicians can assess you over telehealth and issue one if it is clinically supported. Abby appointments are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. Book at abbyhealth.app/services/medical-certificates. If your symptoms are severe or worsening, call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department.