What Abby can and can't prescribe online safely

Abby Health prescribes a wide range of medications through telehealth — including common treatments for infections, skin conditions, contraception, hormonal therapies, cardiovascular and metabolic health, and mental health care where a plan is established. Abby does not prescribe Schedule 8 controlled medications, most Schedule 4 Appendix D drugs with dependence potential, or first-time prescriptions that require in-person assessment. These boundaries exist for patient safety and are set by our Chief Medical Officer.

The principle behind the list

Safe prescribing is the question of whether a medication is right for this patient, at this dose, at this time. That question is easier to answer when the clinician has seen the patient, has access to their records, and can examine them in person. When those things are not available, the safest answer is to be cautious — and to say "no" when a physical assessment is needed.

Abby's prescribing boundaries are set by our Chief Medical Officer Dr Ramu Nachiappan and Clinical Director Dr Bosco Wu, reviewed against TGA guidance, RACGP clinical standards, and state Drugs and Poisons regulations. They apply across the entire Abby clinical team.

What Abby commonly prescribes through telehealth

Antibiotics, where clinically indicated. For infections that can be safely assessed by history and photos. Abby follows antibiotic stewardship principles — we do not prescribe antibiotics as a default, only when the clinical picture supports it.

Contraception and reproductive health medications. Including oral contraceptives, emergency contraception, and continuation of existing contraception therapies, where appropriate.

Hormonal therapies. Thyroid medications, menopause-related treatment, hormone replacement therapy where clinically appropriate, diabetes-related therapies as part of an ongoing care plan.

Cardiovascular and metabolic medications. Continuation and adjustment of blood pressure medications, cholesterol treatment, and diabetes therapies when part of a stable care plan with appropriate monitoring.

Skin and dermatology. Topical and oral treatments for a range of common skin conditions. Photo-based assessment supports many of these.

Mental health medications. Continuation of existing antidepressant, anti-anxiety, and mood-stabilising therapies, and new initiations where a Mental Health Care Plan and appropriate review cadence are in place.

Respiratory medications. Continuation of asthma and allergy medications, and new initiations where clinical review supports it.

Gastrointestinal medications. Reflux therapies, nausea treatments, and continuation of inflammatory bowel disease therapies when aligned with a specialist's plan.

Sexual health treatments. STI treatment where pathology confirms the condition, and continuation of prevention therapies.

For specifics about what your condition may fall under, book a consultation and your clinician will advise.

What Abby does not prescribe online

Schedule 8 controlled medications. These are drugs of addiction — including opioids for chronic pain, most sleep medications in this category, and stimulants used in ADHD where a controlled drug is involved. These require in-person clinical assessment, often specialist involvement, and state-based prescribing authority. Abby does not prescribe them through telehealth.

Most Schedule 4 Appendix D medications with dependence potential. This includes a range of benzodiazepines and related sedatives. These are not prescribed for first-time patients through Abby. Short-term continuation of an existing treatment plan may be appropriate in limited circumstances and is reviewed case by case.

First-time prescriptions requiring physical examination. Some treatments can only be started safely after a physical examination — for example, medications that require a cardiovascular or neurological examination before initiation. Abby will refer you to an appropriate in-person service rather than prescribe without the assessment.

Weight-loss medications that require in-person criteria assessment. Certain weight-management medications require documented in-person assessment, pathology results, and BMI verification before initiation. Where that hasn't been done, an in-person consultation is the right starting point.

Medications outside a Specialist GP's scope. Some medications are only prescribed by a specialist in a specific field — certain oncology therapies, some biologic immunosuppressants, specialist-only paediatric medications. Your Abby clinician will refer you to the appropriate specialist.

Medications that are not TGA-approved for the use requested. Off-label prescribing is legal in Australia when clinically justified, but it requires a careful assessment that is not suitable for first-time telehealth.

Why we are honest about the boundaries

Some telehealth services advertise "get any prescription online". Abby does not. That difference is intentional. A Specialist GP prescribing something because a patient asked for it, without proper assessment, is not practising safely. A Specialist GP declining a request and explaining why is practising safely.

This is the same standard a long-term family GP would hold. Abby is a continuity practice operating online — the clinical standard is the same as an in-person clinic.

When we say "no", what we do instead

If your Abby clinician decides your request is outside what telehealth can safely handle, they will tell you directly and help you find the right pathway:

A referral to a local practice or in-person clinic;

A referral to a specialist in the relevant field;

A pathology or imaging request to work up the condition properly before a prescribing decision;

Guidance on over-the-counter options that may be appropriate in the meantime;

An in-person medication review with a pharmacist for ongoing complex medication regimens.

You will not be charged extra for a thoughtful "no". The safety of the decision is part of the care.

How boundaries change over time

Prescribing rules evolve. State regulations change, TGA advice is updated, and new evidence reshapes what telehealth can safely do. Abby's Clinical Director reviews the prescribing policy on an ongoing basis. This article is reviewed every six months and updated when scope changes.

Frequently asked questions

Why won't Abby prescribe X when service Y says they will?

Different services make different clinical decisions about what to prescribe online. Abby's policy is set by our Chief Medical Officer with patient safety as the primary criterion. If your treatment falls outside what Abby prescribes online, your clinician will direct you to an appropriate in-person service.

Can I continue an existing prescription at Abby if it's one you wouldn't normally start?

Sometimes, but not always. Continuation depends on the medication, the prescribing context, and whether a safe review is possible online. Book a consultation so your clinician can assess.

Will Abby eventually prescribe more categories online?

Our scope is reviewed regularly. When evidence, clinical practice, or regulation changes in a way that makes additional online prescribing safe, we update the scope. We do not expand scope to match competitors' marketing.

Is Abby less useful than a full-service clinic then?

Abby is an online-first clinic with clear boundaries about what can be done safely through a screen. For everything within those boundaries, we offer the same standard of care as any in-person practice. For anything outside them, we help you get to the right setting. See our guide on when telehealth is right for you.

Find Comfort. Abby Health. Care that understands you.