[Newcomers must read] Popular knowledge about medical treatment in Australia GP

As a developed country, Australia has an advanced medical system that provides high-quality health care services to residents and tourists. Before seeking medical treatment in Australia, it is very important to understand the Australian medical system and related information. This article will introduce you to Australia's medical care system and the medical process.

First of all, hospital outpatient clinics in Australia require appointments and referrals. If you don't have a letter of introduction or an appointment, you can't go directly to the hospital for treatment. If you need medical treatment urgently, you need to go to the emergency department to queue up. Therefore, after getting sick in Australia, do not go directly to the hospital outpatient clinic, but make an appointment by phone or online first. If you are not sure where to go for treatment, you can consult the local community medical center or pharmacy, and they will provide you with relevant advice and help.

Secondly, Australia's medical system adopts a universal health insurance system, namely the Medicare system. This means that almost all Australian residents can enjoy free or low-cost medical services, including medical examinations, treatments and surgeries. However, some special medical services may require you to pay extra fees. If you are an international student or tourist, you can purchase medical insurance so that you can enjoy corresponding medical services when you seek medical treatment in Australia.

Australia's healthcare system

Australia's healthcare system is mainly composed of the public healthcare system (Medicare) and private health insurance. Medicare is a public healthcare program provided by the Australian government that provides basic medical services to Australian residents, including free or low-cost medical services and drug subsidies. People holding Australian permanent resident visas or partially legal visas are eligible for Medicare benefits. However, Medicare does not cover all medical expenses, so some people choose to purchase private health insurance for more comprehensive protection.

Australia's healthcare system

The first level is primary health. Primary health is the front line of Australia's health system, including medical services provided outside hospitals that do not require referrals, such as general practitioners GP, allied health professionals, dentists, medicines, and community and public health services. These services are provided to everyone by professional medical personnel in allied health institutions, community medical centers or through communication technology.

The second floor is the specialist clinic and specialist doctors.

The third layer is public and private hospitals (Public/Private Hospital).

What is a GP (General Practitioner)?

A GP is a doctor who has completed training in general medicine. In some countries, this is also called family medicine. They have a wide range of medical knowledge and skills to help with a variety of health problems you may have throughout your life. GPs know you, your family and the local community, so they can provide the best treatment for you.

After completing a basic medical degree and internship, general practitioners receive additional medical training in general practice, enabling them to provide medical services to patients of all ages, genders, cultural backgrounds and health conditions.

GPs see patients in clinics, some hospitals, nursing homes or as part of home visits. They also provide a service online or over the phone.

Generally, your GP is the first person you’ll visit if you have a health problem. They will decide if you need to see another health professional. If you need specialist treatment, they will refer you to a specialist or allied health practitioner.

Medicare will not cover you for specialist consultations unless you have a referral from a GP within the last 12 months, or a referral from another specialist within the last 3 months.

What can my GP do for me?

GPs provide you with medical care that best meets your individual needs. They not only treat illness, they also focus on your well-being.

A GP can treat:

• Minor injuries and minor illnesses (if you are seriously ill or injured, call 000 for an ambulance or go to the nearest hospital for emergency treatment).
• Chronic conditions requiring long-term care
• Pregnancy care
• Children's health care

You can also get these preventive healthcare services from your GP:

• Health Tips
• Get a prescription for medication
• Health checks, such as cervical screening or blood pressure checks
• Vaccination
• Helping you when you feel stressed or anxious

If required, your GP can also provide you with a medical certificate, certified medical documentation or injury report.

How do I find a general practitioner?

Building a long-term relationship with a GP you trust is good for your health. It is important to find a GP you feel comfortable with and who is willing to communicate openly and honestly.

Ask neighbours, friends, family or other local health professionals for referrals. If you want a GP who speaks your language or understands your culture, members of your community may be able to recommend a suitable GP for you.

You can make an appointment with your GP for a health check and use this as an opportunity to see if you like the doctor. It is best to build a good relationship with your GP before you become sick or injured. If you do not want to continue seeing a particular GP, you can choose not to continue seeing that GP. If necessary, you can visit more than one GP and clinic to find the right one for you. Once you find the right GP, it is best to stick with that GP so they can learn more about your health needs.

By healthdirectService Finder, you can find a list of GPs in your area.

What should I do if this GP does not speak my language?

GPs are available if you are not comfortable speaking English and have a Medicare cardFree interpretation serviceTo help you understand each other.

You can ask your GP to arrange for an interpreter who speaks your language to interpret over the phone or in person. Over the phone, you can get an interpreter in a matter of minutes, you don’t need to book in advance and this service is available 24 hours a day.

How much does a GP consultation cost?

In Australia, if you have a Medicare card, Medicare will pay for all or part of your GP consultation fees. A standard GP consultation costs £$39.10. However, some GPs charge more than this. The excess is paid by the patient and is called a "gap fee". For example, if the GP charges £$50 for a consultation, you will need to pay a gap fee of £$10.90.

If your GP offers full reimbursement, you won't have to pay anything. In this case, your GP will only charge what Medicare pays.

During the COVID-19 outbreak, some GPs are offering consultations over the phone or via video link. This is called telehealth. These consultations may be fully reimbursed, but GPs may also charge more for them. Most GPs only offer telehealth consultations to returning patients (those they have seen in the past 12 months).

Can I see my GP in the evenings or at weekends?

Some clinics offer out-of-hours services. Ask your GP how to get help if you become sick or injured outside of clinic opening hours.

If you need to see a GP now, call 1800 022 222healthdirect after hours GP helplineThe registered nurse who answers the phone will assess your situation and may arrange for a GP to call you back. Depending on the urgency of your health problem, your GP will contact you within 15 minutes to an hour.

Medical treatment process and precautions in Australia

1. Under what circumstances should I go to see a doctor?

When deciding on the course of medical treatment, the first thing to look at is the severity of the patient’s condition and their sensitivity to the time of diagnosis and treatment.

2. How to seek medical treatment in an emergency

If it is a sudden serious illness that is life-threatening or requires urgent surgical treatment, such as loss of consciousness or serious injury in an accident; or the patient belongs to a high-risk group, such as infants under 3 months old, pregnant women and elderly people with underlying diseases, they should be sent to the ED (Emergency Department) of a public or private hospital as soon as possible.

In Australia, most public hospitals have emergency departments that provide 24-hour medical services. A few private hospitals also have emergency departments, but private insurance usually does not cover the cost of emergency treatment in private hospitals.

Therefore, when seeking emergency treatment, it is recommended to give priority to public hospitals.

Outside the emergency department is the waiting room. The first step in seeing an emergency doctor is triage. The nurse at the counter will ask you to provide your personal information and Medicare card. After a short wait, a nurse will call your name and take you to the triage room for a preliminary diagnosis and confirmation of priority.

3. How to seek medical treatment if the condition is not urgent

If it is just common symptoms such as colds and fevers, tolerable pain, initial diagnosis of chronic diseases, common examinations, sick leave certificates, vaccinations, etc., then consider whether it is working time:

If it is during normal working hours during the day, you can make an appointment with a GP. If it is after get off work or on weekends and public holidays, you should contact the GP for a home visit or make an appointment for a telephone visit.

Each state provides after-hours home consultation service hotlines:

New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland: 13SICK (13 7425)

South Australia and Tasmania: 1800 CALLTHEDR (1800 225 584)

Western Australia: 1300 Dr To Me (1300 37 86 63)

Another practical method is to call the after hours GP helpline (1800 022 222)

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