Most Australian GP clinics close between 5pm and 6pm on weekdays, but many run evening sessions. Across the Family Doctor network, 11 of 105 clinics currently stay open until 7pm or later on at least one weekday, the latest closing at 8pm. Beyond clinic hours, after-hours home-visit services, Medicare Urgent Care Clinics and telehealth cover the gap. In an emergency, call 000.
Yes — Australian GPs can issue medical certificates through telehealth video or phone consultations. The doctor must consult with you first and be clinically satisfied a certificate is appropriate; they cannot simply sell you one. A certificate issued online by an AHPRA-registered doctor carries the same standing as one written in person, and is generally accepted as evidence for sick leave under the Fair Work Act.
No — you do not need a referral to see a GP in Australia. Anyone can book directly with any general practice, including one you have never visited before, online, by phone or in person. Referrals work in the other direction: your GP writes a referral when you need to see a specialist. Medicare supports GP visits for eligible patients without any referral requirement.
Yes — many Australian GP clinics open on Sundays, usually with shorter hours than weekdays. Across the Family Doctor network, 14 of 105 clinics currently open on Sundays — ten in Victoria, plus clinics in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia. If no clinic near you is open, after-hours home-visit services, Medicare Urgent Care Clinics and telehealth can fill the gap. In an emergency, always call 000.
Annual flu vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent serious illness. This guide covers who should be vaccinated, when, which vaccine, and what to expect.
Fevers in kids are common and usually not dangerous — but some need urgent medical attention. This guide helps parents decide when to wait, when to see a GP, and when to go to emergency.
Australia’s National Immunisation Program schedule covers infants, children, and adolescents. This guide explains when vaccines are given, what they protect against, and how to catch up if you’ve missed one.
What Is Bulk Billing? Bulk billing is a Medicare payment arrangement where your GP charges the Medicare rebate directly to the government — meaning you pay nothing out of pocket for your consultation. There is no gap payment, no upfront cost, and no bill to pay after your appointment. Looking for a clinic? Browse Family…
Medicare-Funded Health Checks for Children: What Every Parent Should Know Australia’s Medicare system funds a series of health checks for young children, designed to identify developmental concerns early and give every child the best possible start. These checks are available at Family Doctor clinics, meaning there is no out-of-pocket cost for eligible families where bulk…
Should You Go to the GP or the Emergency Department? One of the most common dilemmas Australians face is deciding whether a health concern warrants a trip to the emergency department (ED) or whether a GP appointment is the right choice. Making the wrong call can mean waiting hours unnecessarily in a busy ED —…
End of content
End of content
