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General practitioner services

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Description

A general practitioner (GP) is a doctor who is also qualified in general medical practice. GPs are often the first point of contact for someone, of any age, who feels sick or has a health concern. They treat a wide range of medical conditions and health issues. A GP may also undertake further education in specific areas such as women’s or men’s health, sports medicine or paediatrics.

Services provided

Diagnosis and treatment Family practice General practice Medical and health check-ups Information and advice Health and nutrition advice Coordinating healthcare Prescription of medications Ordering of screening and medical tests Early intervention for those at risk Management of acute and chronic conditions Referrals to specialist health professionals Workers’ compensation, motor accident insurance (TAC) and Department of Veterans’ Affairs requirements

Costs

The cost of seeing a GP varies depending on the treatment, and depending on whether they are vocationally registered (VR) or not. VR GPs have access to higher (A1) Medicare rebates than non-VR GPs (who are eligible for A2 Medicare rebates). Contact the clinic before you attend if you are unsure of the cost.

Website

Profile

Sector

Conventional healthcare

Regulation

Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency

Registration

General practitioners must be registered through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), with the Medical Board of Australia. Take your Medicare card along to your first appointment to register and claim a Medicare rebate.

Important

You should feel confident speaking to your GP. Always ask questions if you are unclear about information and always follow up on your treatments and tests. If you would like another opinion regarding a treatment or medical condition, you should always seek a second opinion from another doctor. You can check the registration status of your GP on the (AHPRA) website. Overseas-trained doctors must meet certain standards before they can register to practise in Australia.

Complaints

, Complaints and Information, call 1300 582 113 (AHPRA) in your state, call 1300 419 495