Seeing your GP

Your doctor, also known as a General Practitioner (GP), is usually the first person you go to if you have a health issue.

If someone’s life is in immediate danger call 000 or visit a hospital emergency department.

You don’t need to wait to see a GP if you’re in danger or crisis, there are emergency supports to help. Call 000, get mental health support or find options for urgent medical help.

Your GP can help with:

  • diagnosing and treating disease, pain and other conditions
  • mental health advice
  • family planning advice
  • writing referrals for tests or scans
  • referring you to specialists
  • wound care
  • prescribing medication
  • vaccinations.

You can find more information about what your GP can do for you on the healthdirect website.

Finding a GP

You should find a GP that you feel comfortable discussing your health with. This will help you get the best health care. You can find tips about finding the right health professional on the healthdirect website. 

You can use the Service Finder on the healthdirect website to find a GP near you.

Booking a GP appointment

To visit most GPs, you need to make an appointment. If you arrive without an appointment, the GP may not be able to see you, or you may have to wait a long time to be seen. 

You can make appointments in advance for some things including:

  • to get a refill of your prescription medicine
  • to follow up on test or screening results
  • for a regular health check.

There are tips for making and managing medical appointments on the Victorian Government Better Health Channel website.

Phone or video appointments

You may be able to make a phone or video appointment if you can’t go to the GP in person. This is known as a telehealth appointment.

Find out more about telehealth appointments on the Australian Digital Health Agency website.

Getting the most out of your appointment

You’ll get more out of your health care if you’re well informed. Ask about any treatments, medicines or tests your GP or other health professional recommends.

Get help to prepare and know what to ask your doctor on the healthdirect website.

Help for the cost of seeing a GP

Medicare may cover some or all of the costs of seeing your GP. Learn more about help paying for your GP.

 

Page last updated: 2 January 2024