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What is a general practitioner (GP)?

Your GP (general practitioner or family doctor) is usually the first person you go to if you have a health issue. They can coordinate your health care and look after you through your whole life.

GPs are specialist doctors who have completed training in general practice. In some countries this is known as family medicine.

GPs complete 10 - 15 years of medical education before they can work independently as GPs. This includes a medical degree, internship and specialist training in the hospital and community.

GPs have a holistic approach with broad knowledge and skills.

GPs work within the community to ensure your health and wellbeing. They can manage all physical and mental health issues you may have throughout your life. GPs will consider your social, cultural and environmental backgrounds to give you care that is suitable for you. Therefore, GPs can treat anyone regardless of age, sexuality, cultural background or state of health.

Your GP will decide whether you need to see another health professional. They can refer you to a medical specialist or an allied health professional if you need specialised care.

Australians see GPs more than any other health professional. They are the most accessible part of our healthcare system. You can see a GP:

• at their practice
• in some hospitals
• in residential care facilities
• during a home visit
• on the internet or telephone

You cannot get a Medicare rebate if you see a specialist unless you have a referral from your GP within the previous 12 months or from another specialist within the previous 3 months.

If you need to see several health professionals, your GP can coordinate your care.

What can my GP do for me?

Your GP can diagnose, treat and help prevent physical and mental disorders and injuries.

They do not just treat the disease, they treat you as a person.

You can see your GP to treat you for:

• illnesses
• minor injuries
• ongoing care if you have a chronic condition
• care during pregnancy
• health care for children

You can also see your GP for preventative health and wellbeing services, such as:

• health advice
• prescriptions for medicines
• health screening, such as cervical screening or blood pressure checks
• vaccinations
• care if you're feeling overwhelmed or anxious

If you need, your GP can also give you a medical certificate, a certified medical document or report an injury.

Read more about how to get the most out of your doctor's appointment.

How can I find a GP?

You can find a GP by asking for recommendations from neighbours, friends and family. You can also ask other health professionals in your area.

If you are looking for a GP who speaks your language or who understands your culture, talk to people in your community to see who they recommend.

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

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.

You can make an appointment to visit a 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 do not have to stay with a GP if you don’t want to. You can visit several GPs and practices until you find the right one for you. Once you find the right GP for you, it’s a good idea to stay with them so they can get to know your health needs.

Things to consider when choosing a GP

When choosing a GP, ask yourself these questions:

• Can I talk honestly to them? Do they listen to me? Do I feel comfortable with them?
• Do I prefer a male or female doctor? Someone older or younger?
• Does the practice have opening hours that suit me? Is it easy to travel to the practice?
• Does the practice bulk bill or will I have to pay a fee? If so, how much?
• Do they do home visits or offer after-hours services? How easy is it to get an appointment?
• Is the GP recommended by other people in my community? Do they speak my language?
• Is the practice accredited? Does it meet quality standards?

What if a GP doesn’t speak my language?

If you are not comfortable speaking English and you have a Medicare card, your GP can use the Free Interpreting Service to help you understand each other better.

You can ask your GP to arrange for an interpreter who speaks your language to translate over the phone or in person. Interpreters are also available by phone within minutes, without booking in advance, 24 hours a day.

How much does it cost to see a GP?

In Australia, visits to your GP are paid or partially paid for by Medicare if you have a Medicare number. If your GP bulk bills, this means they only charge the amount that Medicare covers. You won't have to pay anything. Your GP will take the payment directly from Medicare.

Some GPs charge more than the Medicare rebate. In this case, Medicare will cover part of the cost and you will need to pay the remaining amount. This is called a ‘gap fee’.

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

Can I see a GP at night or on the weekend?

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

You may also be able to see a GP at your nearest Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. These clinics are open early and late every day. They provide urgent healthcare for people who don’t require an emergency department. You can use the Healthdirect Service Finder to find a clinic near you, or locate your nearest clinic on this map.

You can also call healthdirect (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) to speak to a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They will talk to you about your symptoms and may offer you a call back or a video call from a GP.

Learn more about after-hours health services.

Resources and support

• Learn more about what a GP does at South Australia Health webpage ‘Everyone needs a GP’.
• The Black Dog Institute has a resource giving advice on finding a mental health friendly doctor.
• To check if a health practitioner is registered, visit the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and “Look up a practitioner”.

Information about Medicare Urgent Care Clinics is available in a range of languages.