If you have moved to a new area, haven’t seen a doctor in a while, or are wanting to change doctors here is a guide and some helpful resources for selecting the right doctor for you.

What type of doctor do you need?

  • General Practitioner:
    • A General Practitioner (GP) is a specialist at whole-person care throughout all stages of life and can manage acute and chronic medical conditions. They coordinate your care by providing referrals to other specialists, and are usually the first medical contact a patient has for any condition.
    • They may have undertaken further study in particular areas such as women’s, men’s and children’s health, travel medicine and mental health.
    • Look/ask for FRACGP attainment to be sure your GP has been assessed by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
  • Specialist:
    • A specialist is a doctor you are referred to who specialises in a certain area of medicine. Your GP will refer you if they believe you will be better managed by a doctor with expertise in your condition.
    • They can be accessed in both the private and public health care systems, and generally wait times are less if you see a specialist privately, although fees usually apply. (link to medical costs section)
    • Your GP will be able to suggest some local specialists for your condition, however you are able to request a referral to one that you prefer.
    • The Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency (AHPRA) lists Approved Programs of Study for specialist doctors and the college your specialist should belong to.

Other things to consider:

  • Fees
    • GP and specialist fees vary. Some bulk bill, while others charge a private fee.
    • (See fees section for further details)
  • Doctor’s special interest
  • Availability
    • bookings/walk-ins, waiting times, weekends, after hours
  • Services within the facility
    • pathology, radiology, pharmacy
  • Personal preference
    • age, gender, languages, culture, interpreter service
  • Proximity to home or work
  • Accessibility
    • wheelchair access, public transport, parking

Ways to gather information

  • Speaking with friends, family and neighbours
  • Asking pharmacists and other health care professionals in the area for recommendations
  • Call the clinic and chat with the staff
  • Search for the Doctor’s profile on the clinic’s website, it will often show available appointment times and how experienced the doctor is.
  • Use the AHPRA Registers of Practitioners to see registration status and qualifications

Questions to ask a new doctor/clinic staff

  • What are your fees? Do you bulk bill for health care card holders?
  • How is parking and accessibility to the clinic?
  • How many patients like me have you treated?
  • How much experience do you have in this area?
  • What hours are you usually available? Can I been seen on the same day if I have an urgent need?
  • What are your areas of expertise?
  • Is there pathology, radiology and a pharmacy nearby?
  • Can the doctor do at home visits?
  • Do you have AGPAL Accreditation or Quality Practice Accreditation?

Preparing for your appointment with a new doctor

  • bring:
    • a list of your concerns
    • a friend or family member especially if you have trouble with memory or want support
    • any medical records you have
      • list of medications or bring your medications in their boxes
      • any recent scans or test results
    • Medicare card, pension card, healthcare card, health insurance details
    • referral letter if you have been given one
    • a book or other entertainment in case of a long wait time
  • wear loose and comfortable clothing if an examination is likely to be recommended
  • Save ask for an interpreter when booking if you need one
  • advise staff if you have any special needs
    • hearing or visual impairments – remember your glasses and hearing aids
  • See the Better Health Channel (a Victoria State Government website) for further information

Things to keep in mind

  • It may be helpful to try a few doctors until you find one you feel completely comfortable with.
  • You do not have to return to the same doctor if you don’t feel like your concerns are being addressed.
  • You can provide permission to have your records shared from your old clinic to a new one.