A General Practitioner, or GP, is also called a local doctor or family doctor. A GP can help with many health concerns for people of all ages.  

GPs typically act as the first point of contact for patients within the healthcare system and provide ongoing care. They are trained in diagnosis and treatment, prevention and management of both acute and chronic conditions, as well as coordination of health care arrangements. 

Your GP will decide whether you need to see another health professional, and they will refer you to a medical specialist or allied health professional if you need specialised care. 

Some GPs have extra training or special interests. For example, some focus on pregnancy, immunisation or veteran-centric care.

For most non-emergency health problems, a GP is the best place to start. It can help to see the same GP over time so they get to know you and your health history.

1. Ask people you trust 

2. Make a short list of GPs near you. 

   You can ask family, friends, colleagues or another health professional if they know a GP who listens well or understands the kind of care you need. 

3. Search online 

   You can use the healthdirect service finder to look for a GP in your area. You can search by location and filter results by things like bulk billing, opening hours or parking. For example, you might look for a GP close to home or a clinic that is open after work. 

4. Check the details before you book 

   Before you book, check where the clinic is, how easy it is to get to, whether they are taking new patients, and what the fees are.  If you have a DVA Gold Card or White Card, you may want to check if they accept the veteran card.  

   Bulk billing means the doctor bills Medicare directly, so there will be no out-of-pocket costs if you are eligible. Not all clinics bulk bill, so it is a good idea to ask when you book.

   If you think you will need more time, ask for a longer appointment. You can also ask if there will be any out-of-pocket cost.

5. Decide if the GP is right for you 

   Your first appointment can help you decide if the GP is a good fit. If you feel listened to and comfortable asking questions, you may want to keep seeing them. If not, it is okay to try another GP. 

Checklist: questions to ask after your first visit 

• Do I feel comfortable with this GP? 
• Do they listen to what I have to say? 
• Do I feel comfortable asking questions? 
• Does this GP understand my cultural needs? 
• Does this GP allow me to choose treatments that suit my beliefs? 
• Can I make a longer appointment if I need one? 
• Is this GP easy for me to get to? 
• Do the clinic's opening hours suit me? 
• Does the clinic's payment plan suit me? 

What if I need to see a new health professional? 

You may need to see a new health professional if you: 

• move to a new area, including for work or service reasons 
• do not want to keep seeing your current health professional 
• need help with a different health problem 
• want a second opinion 

If you change health professionals, it is important to share your health information with your new health professional. This can help them understand your health history and give you the right care. 

My Health Record is a secure online summary of your key health information. You and your health professionals can use it when needed, including in an emergency. 

• doctors 
• hospitals 
• other health professionals 

Relevant supports 

Veteran-specific supports 

• ADF Family Health Program – What Can You Claim?: Helps eligible families of current serving ADF members understand which GP, specialist, diagnostic and allied health costs they may be able to claim through the ADF Family Health Program.   
• Veteran Card – Department of Veterans' Affairs: Explains Veteran Cards and can help veterans understand what health care and related support they may be eligible for through DVA.   

Costs and concessions 

• Concession and health care cards – Services Australia: Shows the different concession and health care cards available and how they can help with cheaper medicines and some health costs.  
• Bulk billing – Medicare – Services Australia: Explains what bulk billing means, when you may not have to pay for a medical service, and how to look for bulk billing providers.  

Finding a doctor or health professional 

• How to find the right health professional – healthdirect: Offers practical advice on choosing a health professional, what to check before you book, and how to decide if they are right for you.  
• Find a doctor and seek medical help – Services Australia: Explains how to find a doctor, use telehealth, and access affordable care and Medicare services.  

Family and children 

• Kids Health Info: GPs – choosing and visiting a family doctor: Provides parent-friendly advice on choosing a family doctor for children and getting the most from GP visits.