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All you need to know about General Practitioners

  • All You Need to Know About General Practitioners (GPs)

    Your guide to taking charge of your health

    1. What is a GP?    

    A General Practitioner (GP), also called a family or local doctor, provides ongoing, coordinated health care from childhood to adulthood. They know about a wide range of health issues and may have special expertise in certain conditions or disabilities.

    It’s important to have a GP that suits you and with whom you feel comfortable.

    2. How Can Your GP Help You?

    Your GP can:

    • Help with health issues and concerns.
    • Communicate with your specialists.
    • Refer you to other healthcare professionals.
    • Provide access to extra support programs:

    a) Chronic Condition Management (CCM) Plan

    • If you have a long-term health condition, your GP can create a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP).
    • This allows access to up to five allied health services per year with Medicare rebates.
    • If providers do not fully bulk bill, you may pay the gap.

    b) Better Access Mental Health Services

    • Up to 10 individual or group mental health sessions per year via:
    • Speak to your GP if you need more sessions.

    3. Why Have Your Own GP?

    • Your GP knows your medical history.
    • They can coordinate care during and after your transition to adult health services.
    • They can refer you to specialists and connect you to community supports.
    • A regular GP helps you make informed decisions about your treatment.

    4. How to Choose the Right GP

    Ask yourself:

    • Do I feel comfortable with them?
    • Can I share personal information?
    • Can I ask questions and be heard?
    • Do they understand my health needs or disability?

    Other things to consider:

    • Location & transport
    • Clinic opening hours
    • Home visit availability
    • Language spoken
    • Male or female GP preference
    • Extra qualifications or expertise

    5. How to Find a GP

    • Ask friends, family, school contacts
    • Ask your pharmacist or other healthcare professionals
    • Ask your specialist doctor or paediatrician
    • Use the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN): www.agpn.com.au
    • Check professional associations like AMA or RACGP

    6. Costs

    • Some GPs bulk bill (no out-of-pocket cost).
    • Some GPs charge a gap fee; check before your appointment.
    • You can change your GP if you’re not comfortable.

    7. Make the Most of Your Appointment

    • Prepare a list of questions and concerns.
    • Bring all medications and dosages.
    • Be honest with your GP.
    • Ask questions if you don’t understand anything.

    8. Hospitalisation

    • Give the hospital your GP’s contact details.
    • Ask for a discharge summary to give to your GP.
    • Make a follow-up appointment after hospital visits.

    9. Visit Your GP Regularly

    • At least once a year for a health check-up (like servicing your car!).
    • Early detection of problems helps keep you healthy and in control.

    10. Keep a Health File

    Include:

    • Contact details of all health professionals
    • Current list of medications
    • Recent test results
    • Summary of medical history, care plans, allergies, blood type

    Tip: When moving to a new GP, transfer your records for continuity of care.