what is a general practitioner (and what can i expect)?

How much will a GP appointment cost?

Many GPs provide free (‘bulk billed’) appointments to young people and people with Health Care Cards. This is usually the case with headspace GPs. Sometimes your GP might charge a ‘gap’ fee, which is an extra cost you may have to pay. If you're worried about this, check the costs when you book your appointment.

To be bulk billed, you'll need to have a Medicare card or know your Medicare number (if you don't know this, ask reception when you book your appointment, and they can help).

If you are listed on a joint Medicare card, you can use that card. This appointment may be listed on the Medicare record for that card – which means your parent(s)/guardian may be able to see that you've had an appointment. Although the appointment will be visible for the card owner, what you speak about is still kept private.

If you’re Australian and over 15 years of age you can have your own Medicare card. Having your own card means that you can keep your visits to the doctor confidential. For more information or to apply for your own card see Services Australia. 

How do I book a doctor’s appointment?

• Many GPs have online bookings. A quick online search for a GP on healthdirect will help you find one. You could also phone or drop into a medical centre to see a GP.
  
  
• You will need to provide your contact information, but you don’t need to explain what the problem is if you don’t want to.
  
  
• If you have more than two things to discuss, or want a mental health care plan, book a longer appointment.
  
  
• If you feel uncomfortable going by yourself, bring someone you trust – your doctor won’t mind at all.
  
  

You might find that some GPs don’t have appointment times for new patients. Let them know if it’s an urgent problem and they may be able to provide other options.