General practice is where almost every health journey in Australia begins. Your GP is a specialist doctor trained to care for the whole person across your lifetime. This guide explains what a GP does, how a consultation works, what referrals and bulk billing mean, and how your GP connects you to the rest of the health system.
01door
general practice is where most journeys begin15min
a typical standard consultation24/7line
healthdirect nurse advice on 1800 022 2221card
your Medicare card opens most of the systemYour GP is the doctor who sees the whole of you, not just one problem.
Tricorian LifeA GP is a specialist in general practice, a medical doctor who has completed extra training after medical school. General practice is built to be your first port of call for almost any health concern, and the place your health story is held together.
General practitioners are specialist doctors. Many hold Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), which means years of supervised training in caring for people of all ages with the full range of health problems.
Your usual clinic keeps your notes, results and history together over years, so care is continuous. A summary can also live in My Health RecordMy Health RecordAn optional national digital summary of your key health information that you and your treating clinicians can access., which you control.
A referralReferralA letter from your GP to a specialist or service, explaining why you are being sent and what help is needed. Most specialists require one. is a letter your GP writes to a specialist or service. It explains your story so the specialist starts with the full picture. Most specialist visits and some scans need one to attract a Medicare rebate.
Bulk billingBulk billingWhen the clinic bills Medicare directly for your visit, so there is no gap for you to pay at the counter. means the clinic bills MedicareMedicareAustralia's public health scheme. It covers or subsidises most GP visits, public hospital care and many tests. directly and you pay nothing. Otherwise you pay the fee and claim a rebate back. Clinics vary, so ask when you book.
When your clinic is closed you can call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for free nurse advice, use an after-hours GP service, visit a pharmacy, or in an emergency call triple zero (000).
Your GP does not work alone. They coordinate with specialists, hospitals, pharmacists, pathologists and allied health teams, and they receive every report back so nothing falls through the cracks.
A general practice visit follows a familiar rhythm. Knowing the rhythm takes the mystery out of it, and helps you prepare.
Call, book online, or use telehealthTelehealthA consultation by phone or video. Useful for repeat scripts, results and follow-ups when a physical visit is not needed. for suitable issues. Tell reception if you need a longer appointment or an interpreter.
Your GP asks about your concern, examines you, and checks your history. Bring your medicine list and any past results.
If needed, your GP orders pathology or radiology tests, or refers you to a specialist.
Results come back to your GP, who explains what they mean and adjusts the plan. Most practices will contact you about important results.
Between problems, your GP manages prevention: screening, vaccinations, care plans and regular reviews.
A modern practice is a small team. Each role exists to keep your care safe, timely and joined up.
Diagnoses, prescribes, refers, and holds your long-term picture. Your GP is usually your first and most frequent clinician.
Takes observations, gives many vaccinations, dresses wounds and runs health assessmentsHealth assessmentA structured check of your overall health, common for older Australians, people with chronic conditions, and at key life stages.. Many visits involve a nurse before the doctor.
Book appointments, manage referrals and results, and coordinate the practice. They are often the best first people to ask about fees and paperwork.
Many practices house psychologists, physiotherapists and dietitians, so one roof covers several parts of your care.
General practice runs structured programs that many people never know they qualify for. Ask about these if they sound like you.
If you live with an ongoing condition, your GP can write a care planChronic disease management planA structured plan prepared by your GP that coordinates your care team and can unlock Medicare rebates for allied health visits. that coordinates your team and unlocks Medicare rebates for visits to physiotherapists, dietitians and other allied health professionals.
A mental health care planMental health care planAn assessment with your GP that opens access to Medicare-rebated psychology sessions, up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year. from your GP opens Medicare-rebated psychology sessions. It is the standard first step toward talking therapy in Australia.
Your GP keeps track of the prevention that fits you: cervical screening, bowel screening, blood pressure, skin checks, and the vaccination schedule for your age and health.
No. Anyone in Australia can book directly with a GP, and many clinics welcome new patients. Referrals are needed to see most specialists, and for some scans to attract a Medicare rebate.
Bulk billing means the clinic bills Medicare directly and there is nothing for you to pay. Private billing means you pay the fee, then claim a rebate back from Medicare, leaving a gap. Fees vary between clinics, so ask when booking.
Around 15 minutes. If you have several concerns, a complex issue, or paperwork like a care plan, ask reception to book a longer appointment when you call.
Your Medicare card, a list of your medicines (or the boxes), any recent test results or letters, and a short list of questions. Arriving with these helps your GP help you faster.
Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for free advice from a registered nurse, any time. For urgent problems there are after-hours GP services and hospital emergency departments. In an emergency, call triple zero (000).
Your clinic keeps confidential records. My Health Record is an optional national summary you control; you choose what goes in and who can see it. Health information is protected by Australian privacy law.
If you need guidance on finding the right care pathway, understanding a referral, or knowing what to ask your GP next, reach out and our team will help. We respond within 24 hours.
Talk to our team or email [email protected]