Medical history

A medical history is information about your past and current health that helps a clinician assess a new concern. It can include diagnoses, operations, medicines, allergies, previous reactions and relevant family history. In telehealth, an accurate history is especially important because not every examination is possible remotely. Medical Board telehealth guidelines

Bring what is relevant, even if another clinic holds it

Do not assume a new clinician can automatically see records from your usual doctor, hospital or pharmacy. Tell them where earlier care occurred and provide relevant documents through the approved channel if available. Explain whether a diagnosis was confirmed or only suggested.

A short timeline can help: when the problem began, what assessment occurred and what changed afterwards. If you cannot remember a detail, say so. An honest uncertainty is more useful than a precise-looking answer that is wrong.

Include what you actually use

List prescribed treatment, non-prescription products and supplements. Explain how you take them in practice and whether anything was recently stopped or changed. Mention allergies and describe the reaction if you can; the word allergy alone may not provide enough context.

Tell the doctor about pregnancy, breastfeeding or plans for pregnancy where relevant. Include other health conditions even if they seem unrelated to the immediate request. The clinician can decide which details affect the assessment. Medical Board telehealth guidelines

Correct errors through the proper channel

If a record contains an error, ask the clinic how to request correction or add clarification. Do not alter a clinical document yourself. You can also ask how to access your health information under the applicable process. Office of the Australian Information Commissioner: Access your health information

Doccio's online consultations use the information you provide to support a clinical decision. A doctor may still need records, tests or examination. Keeping your history organised can make the conversation clearer, but it does not guarantee that a requested prescription or certificate will be appropriate for the current situation.