Medical certificate requests submitted through MedicalCert are sent directly to independent GMC-registered doctors for review. The reviewing doctor applies clinical judgement when assessing whether medical documentation can be issued based on the information provided during the consultation. The doctor reviews relevant medical history and contextual information provided by the patient in order to determine whether issuing documentation would be clinically appropriate. Where a request cannot be supported clinically, the GP will not issue documentation.

Online consultations allow doctors to review health information remotely. However, there are situations where remote assessment may not be suitable. Examples may include cases where:

• additional medical investigation or physical examination is required
• insufficient information is available for the GP to assess medical risk
• a condition may require in-person medical care

In such circumstances, the GP may advise patients to consult their own GP or an appropriate healthcare professional in person.

Patient safety is central to how doctors on the MedicalCert platform operate. Medical documentation is not automatically issued and remains subject to the reviewing doctor’s independent clinical assessment. The GP considers whether issuing documentation would be appropriate in light of the information provided and the purpose of the requested certificate. The GP will decline a request where issuing documentation would not be medically appropriate.

Medical decisions relating to certification are made by the independent GMC-registered doctor based on the information submitted during the consultation. This may include relevant medical history, symptoms, and contextual information relating to the certificate request. The GP applies clinical judgement on a case-by-case basis. The purpose of the review is to determine whether the available information supports the issuing of medical documentation. The acceptance of any medical certificate by third parties (such as airlines, insurers, employers, or event organisers) is determined by those organisations.

Further information about MedicalCert’s processes and standards can be found in the following pages:

• Editorial Policy
• Clinical Review Process
• Code of Practice
• Our Doctors