What your GP can do for you?

OSHCglobal - Your GP will give you the care best suited to your personal needs. They treat the person, not just the disease.

See your GP for:

•           minor injuries and illnesses (if you have a serious injury or illness, call an ambulance on triple zero (000) or go to your nearest hospital emergency department)

•           health advice

•           prescriptions for medicines

•           ongoing care if you have a chronic condition

•           health screening, such as cervical screening, or blood pressure checks

•           vaccinations

•           care during pregnancy

•           care for children

•           care if you’re feeling overwhelmed or depressed

•           a medical certificate, certified document or report about an injury

How to find a GP

The best thing for your health is to develop a long-term relationship with a GP you trust. It is important to find someone you feel comfortable with and who you can talk to openly and honestly.

Ask for recommendations from neighbours, friends and family, or from other health professionals in your area. If you are looking for a GP who speaks a certain language or who understands your culture, talk to people in your community to see who they recommend.

You can make an appointment to visit the GP for a check up to see if you like them. It is better to develop a relationship with a GP before you get sick or injured. You don’t have to stay with a GP if you don’t want to. If needed, you can visit several GPs and practices until you find the right one.

You can find a list of GPs in your area by using healthdirect’s Service Finder.

Things to consider when choosing a GP

When choosing a GP, here are some things to consider:

•           Are they recommended by other people in your community?

•           Can you talk honestly to them?

•           Do they listen to you?

•           Do you prefer a male or female doctor? Someone older or younger? It’s important you find a GP you feel comfortable with.

•           Does the practice have opening hours that suit you?

•           Is it easy to travel to the practice?

•           Does the practice bulk bill or will you have to pay a fee? If so, how much?

•           Do they treat children?

•           Do they do home visits or offer after-hours services?

•           How easy is it to get an appointment?

•           Does the GP speak your language?

•           Is the practice accredited — does it meet quality standards?

Cost of GP consultations

In Australia, visits to your GP are paid or partially paid for by Medicare if you have a Medicare number. The Medicare rebate is $38.75 for a standard visit to a GP. However, some GPs charge more than this. In this case, you will need to pay the difference, which is called a ‘gap fee’. For example, if your GP charges $50 for the visit, you will need to pay the remaining $11.25 yourself.

If the GP bulk bills, this means you won't have to pay anything yourself. The GP will just take the payment made by Medicare.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some GPs have begun offering consultations by phone or video link. This is called telehealth. These consultations may be bulk billed or your GP may charge a higher fee. Most GPs will only offer a telehealth consultation if they are your regular doctor (you have seen them in the last 12 months).

GP after-hours services

Some general practices offer after-hours services. Check with your GP on how to get care if you are sick or injured when the practice is closed.

If you need to find a GP or pharmacy now, call healthdirect’s after hours GP helpline on 1800 022 222. A registered nurse will assess you and may offer you a call back from a GP. The GP will contact you within 15 minutes or 1 hour depending on the urgency of your health issue.

If you are looking at OSHC, you can check out the prices and purchase insurance please contact OSHCglobal Team for further information and assistance.
Email: info@oshcglobal.com

OSHCstudents (Source:healthdirect.gov.au)