Choosing a Medical Centre
Taking care of your health and that of your family is vital making it important to find the right Medical Centre or Doctor. If you don’t already have a doctor, then you should choose one for you or your family that you can trust, that you can talk to and that you can build a relationship with over time so that they can be in charge of your total medical care, records and know your full medical history. A good doctor will treat you with respect, listen to your concerns, answer any questions you may have and explain things in a way you can understand. Doctors or GP’s (General Practitioners) will help you stay healthy by having regular checkups, recommending preventive services like screening tests and shots, Refer you to a specialist when you need more help with a specific health issue.
Today most Doctors work or practice in a Medical Centre or Medical Clinic which have multiple GP’s. They tend to offer a wide range of GP services, and some may also have pathology, radiology, pharmacy services and have extended opening hours. There may also be other allied or alternative health practitioners on premise. Even though Medical Centres may have more than on Doctor available you should still be able to see the same doctor every time by making an appointment.
Things to consider when choosing a Medical Centre or Clinic:
Location:
It may be more convenient to choose a Medical Centre that is close to where you live or work. You should also make sure that there are parking options available, close to Public Transport and if they have wheelchair access.
Premises and Staff:
Is it clean and tidy? Is it spacious? Does it have a comfortable waiting area? Are the doctor’s rooms clean and private? Are the staff friendly and professional?
Availability:
What hours is the Medical Practice open? Do they have evening, weekend, or on-call services available? Do they offer Home visits?
Services:
Check to see what services are provided by the medical clinic and if they offer the specialisation you or your family may need. Do they have complementary services such as pathology, radiology, and pharmacy? Do they have Allied Health services such as Dental, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Osteopathy?
Billing:
Do they offer bulk billing? Bulk billing means you don’t have to pay for your medical service from a health professional as it falls under the Medicare Benefit Scheme. GP and specialist fees may vary as they can set their own fees for their service, which means there may be a gap between the amount you pay and what Medicare reimburses. Do they charge more for after hour or weekend appointments?
Insurance:
Some health insurance providers have partnered with doctors and other medical specialists and in some cases also hospitals so that you can avoid paying large gap payments by choosing a doctor or health provider who participates in their scheme. You may need to call them or check online with your Health Insurance Provider or check with the Medical Centre.
Qualifications and Accreditations:
Ask about the GP’s experience, qualifications and accreditations.
Personal Preference:
Do you prefer a doctor that can speak your home Language? Do you prefer seeing a male or female doctor? Do you prefer seeing a GP that is younger or older?
Medical References:
The Australian Government Department of Health
Develop and deliver policies and programs and advise the Australian Government on health, aged care and sport. We work with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure better health for all Australians.
The Australian Government Department of Health
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is Australia’s largest professional general practice organisation and represents urban and rural general practitioners.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL)
AGPAL is a leading not-for-profit organisation, established in 1997 by industry members, as a provider for general practice accreditation and quality improvement services within Australia.
Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited
General Practice Australia
QPA exists to improve the healthcare of people, their families and communities. Accreditation builds confidence in the quality of general practice.