The rise of electronic medical certificates has medical professionals worried about the future of general health care.

Getting a medical certificate is now as easy as a click of a button, with some websites offering e-certificates for as little as $20.

An online consultation takes place before a pharmacist or doctor issues the signed e-certificate.

Dr Tony Bartone, vice-president of the Australian Medical Association, said the convenience was not worth sacrificing your health.

"In this modern age, where time is precious and we're looking for convenience, this is not in your health's best interest," he told ABC Radio Brisbane's Craig Zonca.

"It's opening yourself up to fragmentation of care and not always getting the right advice or the right care at the right time."

GP appointments allow conversation and for the doctor to judge the overall health of a patient. ( ABC: Narda Gilmore )

He said doctors needed the chance to fully examine a patient in person.

"It's putting your health second and speed first.

"The medical examination is important and the information that is built up over time.

"A GP can see how you're sitting in a chair and find something more amiss and other stresses going on at home or in the workplace.

"Sometimes as a GP it's the only time we get to see patients, especially men, when they come in needing a certificate."

Getting to know your doctor can have benefits

In Australia, smartphone apps are also offering the medical certificate service.

One such app, called The Sickie, originated in Melbourne.

Consultations take place via a video call.

"It's not our position to outlaw them, we just want to put the information out there about how it could put your long-term health care at risk," Dr Bartone said.

The medical history of a patient is something a doctor will look at during an in-person consultation. ( Flickr: Alex Proimos )

"These mediums like the apps open up a lesser degree of observation being available and put less authenticity on each certificate.

"Examinations can give us an opportunity to offer preventive care on things that might not be presented until much later on."

He said patients needed to also remember the importance of their medical history being checked and updated, which happens during an in-person GP visit.

"My advice is develop a relationship with your doctor and use it to your benefit," Dr Bartone said.

"It's important to realise that a medical certificate is an important and legal document and it needs to be given that respect and gravitas.

"It validates the person's decision to take the time off to rest."