How to choose a GP

For most health concerns in Australia, a general practitioner (GP) is the first stop. GPs look after everyday illnesses and injuries, manage long-term conditions, provide preventive care such as vaccinations and health checks, and refer you to specialists and other services when you need them. Having a GP you trust, at a practice that suits you, makes all of this easier.

This guide explains what to consider when choosing a GP. It's general information, not medical advice. If you have an urgent health problem, see our urgent care section, and in an emergency call Triple Zero (000).

Why a regular GP matters

Seeing the same GP, or at least the same practice, over time has real advantages. Your GP gets to know your medical history, your family history, your medicines and your circumstances. That makes it easier to spot changes, avoid repeating tests and coordinate care with specialists and other health professionals.

The Australian Government's MyMedicare program is built around this idea. It's a free, voluntary way to register with a regular general practice and nominate a preferred GP. According to the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, registering supports continuity of care and gives access to some longer Medicare-funded telehealth consultations. Our guide to MyMedicare explains how it works.

What to think about

Everyone's priorities are different. Here are the factors people most often weigh up.

Location and hours

A practice close to home, work or school is easier to get to when you're unwell. Check opening hours, including early mornings, evenings and weekends if you need them, and whether the practice offers same-day appointments for urgent problems.

Costs and billing

Practices set their own fees and decide whether to bulk bill. Some bulk bill everyone, some bulk bill certain patients or services, and some charge a fee with a Medicare rebate. Ask before you book. See bulk billing explained and asking about fees.

Services

Some practices offer extra services on site, such as nurses, pathology collection, allied health professionals or skin checks. If you have a particular health need, such as pregnancy care, mental health support or a chronic condition, you might look for a GP with a special interest or experience in that area.

Communication and approach

The most important factor for many people is simply feeling comfortable. A good GP listens, explains things clearly, involves you in decisions and respects your preferences. The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights says you have a right to be a partner in decisions about your care and to receive clear information. If you don't feel heard, it's fine to try someone else.

Language and culture

Many practices list the languages their doctors speak. If you'd prefer a GP of a particular gender or cultural background, ask. If you need an interpreter, ask the practice how it arranges one.

Accessibility

Check physical access, such as ramps, lifts and parking, and whether the practice can accommodate other needs, such as longer appointments or a quiet waiting area.

Telehealth

Many practices offer phone or video appointments for suitable problems. If this matters to you, ask what's available. See telehealth appointments.

Where to look

• Ask people you trust, such as family, friends and neighbours, about their GP and practice.
• Search online for practices near you. Practice websites usually list doctors, services, hours and fees.
• Use online booking platforms to see available appointments, while remembering that not every practice uses them.
• Ask other health professionals, such as a pharmacist, for local suggestions.

Check the doctor's registration

All doctors practising in Australia must be registered. Ahpra (the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) publishes a free online Register of Practitioners. You can search by name or registration number to see a practitioner's registration status, and whether there are any conditions on their registration. If a practitioner isn't on the register, they aren't registered to practise in Australia.

Your first appointment

When you see a new GP, it helps to:

• book a longer appointment if you have several things to discuss or a complex history;
• bring your Medicare card, a list of your medicines and any recent test results or letters;
• tell the GP about your medical history, family history, allergies and any other health professionals you see;
• ask how the practice handles test results, repeat prescriptions and after-hours care.

Our guide to preparing for your appointment has a full checklist, and our visit planner builds a printable list for you.

Moving your records

If you change practices, you can ask your new practice to request your records from your old one. You may be asked to sign a consent form. Some practices charge a fee for transferring records; ask about this.

Changing GPs

There's no obligation to stay with a GP who doesn't suit you. You can see a different GP at the same practice or move to another practice. If you've registered with MyMedicare, you can update your registration if you change practices.

Types of practices

Practices come in many forms. Some are small, with one or two GPs; others are large medical centres with many GPs, nurses and allied health professionals on site. There are also Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, which provide culturally safe, comprehensive primary health care, and community health centres run by state and territory health services. Some practices focus on particular groups, such as women's health, men's health, sexual health, refugees or young people. Each has advantages, so think about what matters most to you.

Understanding the register

When you search Ahpra's Register of Practitioners, you'll see a practitioner's profession, registration type (for example, general or specialist registration), any specialty, and the principal place of practice. If there are conditions, undertakings or reprimands, these may appear on the register. Ahpra's tips for using the register explain what the different entries mean. Medical practitioners are regulated by the Medical Board of Australia, which works with Ahpra. The register is free to use.

If you need an interpreter

If English isn't your first language, you can ask for an interpreter. The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National), run by the Australian Government, provides interpreting, and many GPs and specialists can use it for free for eligible consultations. Tell the practice when you book so it can arrange an interpreter by phone or, sometimes, in person. Using a professional interpreter, rather than a family member, helps make sure medical information is passed on accurately and privately. If you're deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, ask about the National Relay Service or Auslan interpreting.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services provide comprehensive, culturally safe primary health care in many communities, and some mainstream practices have Aboriginal health workers or practitioners on their team. When you register with a practice, you can choose to tell it that you identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. This can help you access services designed for you, such as specific health checks. Telling the practice is your choice.

Key points

• A regular GP and practice support continuity of care.
• Consider location, hours, costs, services, communication and accessibility.
• Check a doctor's registration on Ahpra's free online register.
• Ask about bulk billing and fees before you book.
• You can change GPs at any time and ask for your records to be transferred.