CHOOSING A GP It is important to choose the GP that is right for you For more information on GPs available in the Townsville and Thuringowa area: • Choose a GP that you feel comfortable talking to about all aspects of your health - perhaps someone who can also see your partner and children or who has a special interest in a particular health aspect • Consult the Yellow Pages under Medical Practitioners • Visit www.tmml.com.au • Ask people you know to suggest someone suitable • You may prefer a larger practice with several doctors or a small practice with only one or two doctors The surgery should be in a convenient location, easy to get to from your home, school or work • • If you see the same GP regularly you will become more comfortable together. Your GP will get to know your medical history and it will be easier for you both to make the right decisions about your health. If you are not happy with the standard of care your GP or their staff provide, discuss this with your doctor or the practice manager. MAINTAIN & IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH Your doctor, your health, your future You may or may not want a doctor who bulk bills Remember - the choice is yours! WHY SEE A GP? TOWNSVILLE-MACKAY www.tmml.com.au PO Box 7780 Garbutt BC QLD 4814 t 07 4421 7700 or 1300 881 892 f 07 4421 7799 ABN 87 063 397 231 You can change your GP and ask to have a copy of your health records forwarded to your new doctor. (Your written consent is required and charges may apply.) Confidentiality Your visit with your GP is absolutely confidential, unless you or someone else is considered in grave danger. Even to share information about your condition with a specialist your doctor must get your permission. Better Health with Your GP Your GP is a fully qualified primary health care specialist who has completed at least twelve to fourteen years of study and training. Medicare Locals gratefully acknowledge the financial and other support from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing TOWNSVILLE-MACKAY WHY SEE A GP? WHAT CAN A GP DO FOR YOU? Your General Practitioner (GP) is your partner in health to help you get information, advice and health care services. GPs are trained to identify and manage a broad range of health issues, with support from their practice staff. GP services may include: • Health Checks - preventative health checks including blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and prostate screening, breast checks, Pap smears, skin checks, etc to identify potential health issues and possible actions • Diagnosis and Long Term Management to identify and manage a wide range of illnesses and provide referrals to specialists of other health professionals if necessary • Counselling - for mental and physical health issues, relationships, parenting, information and support • Health Planning - coordinated health care for complex conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease • Education - to assist you to understand and manage health issues • Ante and Post-Natal Care - for personal health care during and after your pregnancy and childbirth WHY SEE A GP? TOWNSVILLE-MACKAY MEDICARE LOCAL MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR GP VISIT • Minor Procedures - for example removing skin lesions, stitching a cut or wound, taking blood or giving an injection. Procedure availability will vary between GPs Work with your doctor and you will be helping them to help you. • Other Procedures - many regional doctors are trained to perform complex medical procedures for example obstetrics, surgical operations, orthopaedic procedures, anaesthetics and investigations such as endoscopies and ultrasounds. Procedure availability will vary between GPs Before your appointment If you have a few things to discuss: • Write a list of your health concerns and questions • Ask for a longer consultation time • Medical Reports - for life insurance, work cover, sickness benefits, disability pensions, legal cases, etc During your appointment • Medical Examinations - for employment such as flying, commercial driving or for recreational activities such as diving • • • Some GPs have training in special services such as sports medicine, palliative care, women’s and/or men’s health and mental health. Some provide services to patients covered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Some practices may offer the services of other health care professionals such a dietitian or psychologist. • Show your GP your list Discuss your concerns fully with your doctor Ask questions, especially if you don’t understand something your GP says Take notes if you like, to help you remember what your doctor says Let your GP know • • • Immunisation - to protect your and your family against preventable diseases • If you are taking any medication, including over the counter medicines If you are having any other treatment, such as physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, acupuncture, naturopathy, etc If a previous doctor or other health carer may have some of your health records Paying for your appointment To endeavour to provide you the best quality health care and sufficient consultation time, some doctors will charge for services. You are required to pay immediately after your appointment and can then take or send your receipt to Medicare to claim a rebate, or your general practice may do this for you online. If the practice bulk bills, you must provide your Medicare Card and sign for the services the doctor provided so the practice can bill the government