With telemedicine on the rise, it’s becoming increasingly common for individuals in the Philippines to seek out online consultations with physicians and even obtain health-related documents online. Employers and educational institutions are particularly concerned with whether an online medical certificate is as valid as one that is obtained in person. It’s a legitimate question — and one that merits an honest answer.
Let us look at the validity of certificates issued online and what companies should beware of.
The Rise of Telemedicine and Digital Certification
Telemedicine is now a reliable option for working professionals, students, and those who cannot physically go to clinics. NowServing PH and other sites enable one to consult licensed physicians via video calls or messaging services. The consultations are as ethical and professional as actual physical visits, typically leading to the delivery of a digital medical certificate.
The online revolution is not simply about convenience, it’s about accessibility. For those in rural communities or with mobility issues, web-based consultations are a lifeline — and the paperwork they’re sent is very tangible.
What Constitutes a Valid Certificate?
For a certificate to be regarded as valid by schools or employers, it needs to carry certain requisite features:
- Patient’s full name
- Date of consultation
- A concise note or evaluation of the physician
- The amount of rest days or medical recommendations
- Signature, license number, and name of the attending physician
For an online medical certificate in the Philippines, such pieces of paper are usually sent via secure PDFs and may be tagged with a digital signature. There are even some that are watermarked or traceable back to the issuing platform for extra security.
How Employers and Schools Can Check for Authenticity
To confirm the validity of a certificate, HR departments or administrators may:
- Verify if the doctor is PRC-licensed
- Ensure the issuing platform has collaborations with certified clinics or hospitals
- Check for a QR code or serial number (some platforms have these for validation)
Most contemporary telehealth services have a electronic record of all consultations, which can be accessed for verification as well if required.
Believing the New Normal
The move to digital health solutions is not a shortcut — it’s an update of conventional practices. Provided that the certificate is signed by a qualified doctor and has all the particulars in place, it is as useful as its paper equivalent.
Schools and employers can trust to accept online medical documentation, particularly from a reputable, established platform such as NowServing PH.
