Introduction 

  • This page is to help you make the most of your GP appointment. It includes tips on how to prepare, what to ask and how to remember the information given to you.
  • It is for anyone who would like to make the most of their time with their GP.

Other ways to access medical advice and support include:

  • Visiting a pharmacy for advice and treatment for minor conditions
  • Asking to see a practice nurse at a GP clinic
  • Visiting a state or national “health condition specific” service (such as- family planning clinics or sexual health services, cancer support services)
  • Visiting a specialist (usually requires a referral from your GP)
  • You can also learn about health conditions and symptoms, medications and medical investigations by accessing trusted sources. These could be from your GP Clinic’s website, state or national health databases and helplines as well as health websites of “Not for Profit” organisations.

For example:

GP stands for General Practitioner

  • GP’s are qualified as generalists to provide health advice, diagnoses, treatments and management of a variety of health conditions across a person’s lifespan as distinct from specialists who have developed expertise in diagnosing and treating specific body systems.
  • In most circumstances, you will require a referral from a GP to access a specialist and specialists will usually refer you back to your GP for ongoing support and monitoring after treating a specific condition.
  • GP’s co-ordinate health-care which becomes more important when you have several health conditions that are managed by several different specialists.
  • Many GP’s have special interests (such as children, women’s health, indigenous health, asthma) or can speak a language other than English) which you may find displayed on their clinic website. Receptionists can also advise you of their interests.
  • It is certainly possible to establish a long-term relationship with your GP, so investing some time into researching your available options then choosing a GP you feel comfortable with as well as trust, may be one of the best health decisions you can make.

Examples of reasons to see a GP

For-

  • general or specific health advice
  • health screening (women’s/men’s health tests, childhood growth checks, pregnancy checks, blood pressure, x-rays, scans, blood tests)
  • Medication prescriptions
  • Medical certificates and reports for work or travel or insurance
  • Immunisations and vaccinations
  • Emotional support including mental health concerns
  • Management of long-term health conditions
  • Minor illnesses and injuries
  • Wound care

Before your visit

Many GPs limit appointments to 15 minutes. This will impact the number of issues you will be able to discuss. Being prepared can help you make the most of your appointment.

Think about your main concern

  • Think about your main reason for booking the appointment before your visit. There is no reason to be embarrassed. GP’s see lots of people with lots of conditions. Any information you share is confidential.
  • If it is your first visit or if a physical examination needs to be done, a face-to-face appointment is most appropriate. However, consider whether a phone or video-link (known as telehealth) consultation may as easily address your concern.  Note that  to get a Medicare rebate, you will need to have had a face-face consult with your GP or another in the same clinic , within a 12 month period. There are also a number of online consulting GP companies as well. Do your research to ensure you are accessing an accredited clinic and be aware of fees which can vary substantially. Telehealth | Australian Digital Health Agency
  • The GP’s receptionist can assist with guiding you in making this decision.

Consider a double or longer appointment if-

  • It is your very first visit
  • You are wanting a complete check-up
  • You are requiring health assessments for work, insurance or driving
  • You are requiring travel advice including travel vaccinations
  • You have a number of issues to discuss at the appointment
  • You require counselling for any reason
  • You are wanting a family appointment

Ask about costs at the time of booking 

  • GP visits are either partly or fully covered by Australia’s Medicare system which reimburses GP services at a pre-determined set rate (known as the schedule fee). You need a Medicare number for this to happen.
  • Your GP is able to charge you the same as this set rate (known as bulkbilling) or more than this set rate (known as the gap fee). Many GP’s will bulkbill pensioners and those on low-income support payments and/or healthcare cards, which means that the GP will bill Medicare directly for the consultation, rather than you.
  • However, there is no guarantee that this will occur and you may incur fees you are not expecting. It is advisable to ask the receptionist about the expected fees, when making your appointment.
  • If you have a Medicare number, you will automatically be registered for the Medicare Safety Net. Once you reach a pre-determined threshold in a calender year, you will get more or all your money back from your GP visit as well as from other Medicare Rebate services till the end of that year. You will reach your threshold quicker if you include any willing family members who have a Medicare number as well. How to register for Medicare Safety Nets – Medicare Safety Nets – Services Australia
  • Be aware that your private health insurance does not assist with costs to see your GP, but may assist with some services that your GP recommends, such as physiotherapy, dietetics or hospitalisation.
  • If you do not have a Medicare number because you are visiting from overseas but live in a country that has Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia, you are able to receive rebates from Medicare at a GP clinic or state public hospital for essential services only. When Reciprocal health care agreements apply and you visit Australia – Reciprocal Health Care Agreements – Services Australia Otherwise, you will need to pay the full costs. Depending on your level of cover, your travel insurance or own private health insurance may also assist you.

Note your symptoms

You can make a written note or record one on your mobile phone.

Try to include:

  • What they are- for example pain, changes to energy levels or general mood
  • When they began
  • Which part of your body is affected
  • Measures that relieve them
  • Activities which agitate them
  • A description of any pain- Is it constant or intermittent, dull or sharp, throbbing or stabbing
  • Any patterns noticed- when they occur and how long they last
  • How they impact your life or family
  • Issues relating to those close to you that may be impacting you.

Top tip: Keep track of your symptoms over 24 hours to see if you can spot a pattern. A pattern could be like -your symptoms getting worse late at night or immediately after eating.

Note any medications

  • Take a prepared list of any medicines you are currently taking including any vitamin supplements and herbal remedies, with their doses and frequencies. Inform the GP of any past bad reactions or allergies you have had to medicines and/or other substances such as in food or on your skin including treatments for other conditions and allergies to tapes and lotions.

Note relevant Family History

  • Your family’s medical history can impact your risk of getting some diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, cancers, anxiety, depression and many others. It is important to let the GP know if you know of any genetic predisposition to disease as this can assist in diagnosis and management of your symptoms.

Take these items with you

  • Any medical history summaries from a former GP and/or reports and results from any recent medical tests such as x-rays, ultrasounds, scans and blood tests that the GP may not be aware of.
  • Your Medicare card and other cards you possess such as private health insurance, Veterans’ Affairs, Services Australia pension or healthcare care cards

Prepare some questions

You may find it helpful to make a short list of questions before your visit. See section 4 for some suggestions.

During your visit

Pre-Arrange support

  • Should you have language difficulties or other communication barriers such as a hearing or speech impairment or you just need emotional or physical support, consider taking a trusted person with you to your appointment. They may also be able to help you remember or understand what has been said.
  • If you have a language barrier and have no support person to go with you, then ask the receptionist at the time of booking your appointment, to arrange for a free interpreter for your specific language via the national translating and interpreting service to be available onsite or via phone or telehealth linkup. Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National)
  • If you are deaf, then ask the receptionist at the time of booking your appointment, to arrange for an interpreter from the National Auslan Interpreter Service. NICSS | Book an Interpreter | Professional & Government Services You may need to pay for this service.
  • Take a pen and paper to jot down notes or ask your support person to assist with this.

Discuss your main concern first.

  • Do not feel you have to justify being there or leave your main concern to the end.
  • Use the suggested questions in section 4 as a guide

Be honest

  • It is important that you are honest with your GP about your health concerns and lifestyle practices.
  • You can assist your GP in managing your health issues, by being honest about your regular habits including cigarette smoking or recreational drug use as well as dietary, alcohol and exercise practices.

When there is a need for an intimate examination

  • Your GP may need to perform an intimate examination/procedure and should explain to you the reasons for, the body area involved and what to expect during the examination /procedure. You have the right to ask for a chaperone to be present. This may be your support person or a clinic nurse who is of the same gender as yourself. If this cannot be arranged at the time, you have the right to decline the procedure until such a time that someone suitable is available.
  • Also, your GP has the right to request a chaperone, medical student or staff member to be present at and assist with an intimate examination/procedure. In these situations, your GP will require your permission. Should you not be comfortable with the request, you have the right to decline the procedure and discuss your options and alternatives.
  • Your GP should treat you respectfully and provide you with- an opportunity to use the toilet ahead of the procedure, a private area to undress/dress, adequate covering during to maintain dignity and, assurance of adequate infection control measures such as handwashing, gloves, masks, gowns.

Raise concerns early

  • If you are unhappy with your GP visit or you have concerns about any aspect of your examination, consider discussing your concerns with your GP or the practice manager first.
  • You can make a complaint and ask to see another GP in that clinic at your next visit or change clinics.
  • Should you feel unable to raise this with the GP or clinic, you can raise a concern with your state health ombudsman and/or the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency – Home (ahpra.gov.au)

Ask questions

  • There are some suggested questions for your GP appointment in the next section. They are grouped into four main areas: symptoms, tests, treatments and general questions.
  • Before leaving your appointment, ask for further explanation about anything you do not understand and alternatives to any treatment you are uncomfortable with.
  • Ask if there is any available printed information or reliable websites pertaining to your condition, for you to research after your appointment.

Get a contact

  • Ask your GP about who to contact and where to go for medical care after the clinic closes for the day. Some GP’s provide after-hours services themselves whilst others take a turn on call with other participating clinics. Others do not offer afterhours care and you may advise you to see your local hospital’s emergency department.
  • You may think of questions to ask after your appointment. Find out who you can contact to get these answered.
  • You can also find out the names of any support groups providing reliable information.

Key questions to ask

Below are some questions which can help you make the most of your GP appointment.

These questions are just a guide. If you feel there is something else you want to know, ask.

Top tip: You have limited time during your GP appointment. For more detailed answers choose a maximum of five questions.

Questions about treatments Questions about tests
What is the likely treatment? Do I need any tests?
How long will I need the treatment for? When will they be done?
Are there any side effects? What will they involve?
Will it interfere with other medication? Where will I have them done?
How will it fit in with my life? Will I need more tests after that?
Are there other options? How will I get the results?
What happens if I do nothing? What should I do if I do not get my results?
When will they be reviewed? Can they be bulkbilled? If not- then how

much will they cost?
What if I cannot cope?
What are the expected costs?
General questions Questions about symptoms
What support is available for me? What do my symptoms mean?
Should I make changes to my lifestyle? How long will they last?
Where can I get more information? What should I do if they get worse?
Do you have any written information?
What happens next?

After your visit 

Don’t be afraid to ask more questions

  • You might not remember every detail of your GP appointment. This is normal. If there is anything you are unsure of, talk to the clinic nurse or ask the receptionist to get GP to make contact with you.

Be proactive

  • Many GP’s can have waiting lists for appointments and even longstanding patients can wait several weeks, so where able to, make your next appointment with your GP before your leave, so that any follow up or treatment evaluation is done in a timely manner.

Arrange to get your medications

  • If your GP has scripted you for any medications, you will need to get them from a pharmacy or chemist. Your GP may hand you a script or may fax it to a pharmacy of your choice who is participating in this service.  If it’s the first time you will be taking a medication, the pharmacist may explain more about them such as when and how to take it or possible side effects to watch out for.  They are well qualified to answer any questions you may have regarding them and will liaise with your GP if they have any questions about the actual prescription.
  • Remember to take your Medicare card with you. Also, present any pension or health care concession cards, so you can get concessions for medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). If you have Private health Insurance, you may be able to get some reimbursement for some medications, depending on your cover. You will need to obtain a receipt from the pharmacy to present with your claim.
  • You may be asked by the pharmacist if you are happy to have a “generic” brand, which is often cheaper than the brand your GP has prescribed. The main active ingredient in the medication will be the same, but the inactive ingredients including the dyes, fillers and preservatives used, will be different. Unless your GP has informed you to “only take the Brand medication”, it’s your decision. Be aware that sometimes, people can have intolerances to some inactive components.
  • Should you have any unexpected and distressing side effects from the medications, contact your GP to discuss alternatives. Another option is to speak to a nurse or pharmacist on the National Medicine Line Medicines Line (1300 MEDICINE) – NPS MedicineWise

Arrange for requested tests

  • You may need to make a number of appointments for x-rays, scans, blood tests and other procedures that will assist your GP in diagnosing and treating your medical condition.
  • There may be a number of instructions associated with preparing for them such as fasting before blood tests or dressing appropriately for x-rays and scans.
  • There may be a preferred order to undertake them.
  • There may be associated costs or they may be bulkbilled.
  • There may be waiting lists.
  • Your GP may have referred you to a specialist directly from the clinic and you may need to contact them for an appointment or they may contact you. Ask the various services to send a copy of your test results to your specialist at the same time they are sent to your GP.
  • You may require a support person to help co-ordinate the various appointments

Continue to record your symptoms

  • After your visit, keep track of your symptoms so that you can see the expected improvements or become aware early of any worsening of your health condition. You can then adjust your next appointment accordingly
  • Your GP should give you an idea of how long a treatment will take to work. If your symptoms last longer than you think is normal or you are concerned, contact your GP clinic for advice.

Seek further support

  • You can ask other healthcare professionals about a wide range of health problems and treatments. For example, pharmacists, physiotherapists and hospital specialists.
  • There are also dedicated support groups and ‘Not for Profit” organisations for almost every medical condition.

Top tip: Look for organisations which are recommended by your state health department or your GP surgery.

Eight top tips

  1. Seek advice before your visit

Your GP clinic may be able to help you over the phone. Your local pharmacist can also offer advice. You also can phone your state specific health helplines.

  1. Decide if you need to see a specific GP

Do you want to see someone as quickly as possible or would you prefer a GP who knows your history personally?

  1. Be prepared

Record your symptoms. Take a list  with you of medications and results of any tests. Make a note of your questions. Decide what the most important thing affecting your health is right now.

  1. Take support if you feel you need it

This could be a family member, friend or carer.

  1. Ask questions

Unclear about any information you have been given? Ask again.

  1. Find out who to contact

Ask for contact information in case you have any more questions or if your condition worsens after hours.

  1. Raise small concerns early

If you are unhappy with your treatment raise your concerns as soon as possible.

  1. Have a plan

Have a ‘treatment plan’ in place before you leave the practice including making your next appointment and ensure you arrange to collect any medications and attend for any required tests and/or specialist appointments.

More information

The Australian Patients Association has only included organisations on this list that we believe are professional and reputable. Please note we are not responsible for the content published on these external sites. 

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