GP or Emergency Department? How to Choose the Right Care

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 — or, more seriously, delaying critical care when every minute counts.

This guide gives you a clear, practical framework for making that decision, covering everything from chest pain to a persistent cough.

When to Call 000 or Go Straight to the Emergency Department

Some symptoms require emergency care immediately. Do not wait for a GP appointment — call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department if you or someone with you experiences any of the following:

• Chest pain or pressure — especially if radiating to the arm, jaw, or back (possible heart attack)
• Stroke symptoms — face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty (use the FAST test: Face, Arms, Speech, Time)
• Severe difficulty breathing — unable to complete sentences, lips turning blue
• Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) — swelling of the throat, difficulty swallowing, collapse
• Major trauma — serious injuries from accidents, falls from height, or vehicle collisions
• Severe or uncontrolled bleeding that does not stop with pressure
• Suspected overdose — medication, drugs, or alcohol
• Seizures in someone with no history of epilepsy, or a prolonged seizure
• Sudden severe headache described as “the worst headache of my life” (possible brain bleed)
• High fever in infants under 3 months — 38°C or above requires immediate assessment

When in doubt, call 000. The ambulance service can also provide advice on whether emergency care is needed.

When to See Your GP

The vast majority of medical concerns — including many that feel urgent — are best managed by a GP rather than an emergency department. See your GP for:

• Cold, flu, and respiratory infections — sore throat, blocked nose, cough, mild fever
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) — burning on urination, frequent urination, lower abdominal pain
• Skin conditions — rashes, eczema flares, infected wounds, insect bites
• Mental health concerns — anxiety, depression, stress, sleep problems
• Chronic disease management — diabetes, hypertension, asthma, heart disease
• Referrals to specialists — a GP referral is required for most specialist consultations under Medicare
• Prescriptions and repeats — renewing or adjusting regular medications
• Medical certificates — for work, school, or insurance
• Preventive care — health checks, vaccinations, cancer screening
• Children’s health checks — developmental assessments, immunisations, school readiness
• Women’s health — cervical screening, contraception, perimenopause
• Men’s health — prostate checks, cardiovascular screening, sexual health
• Musculoskeletal concerns — back pain, joint pain, sports injuries (non-traumatic)

GP vs Emergency Department: At a Glance

The Real Cost Difference: GP vs Emergency

Choosing between a GP and an ED is also a practical financial decision for many Australians.

A bulk billed GP consultation costs you nothing out of pocket. Even if you pay a gap, a standard GP visit typically costs between $20 and $80.

Emergency department visits at public hospitals are free for Medicare card holders — but the hidden cost is time. Category 4 and 5 patients (non-urgent) can wait 4 to 8 hours or more. You may also have limited access to your regular health records, and the ED cannot provide ongoing care, referrals under your usual GP, or prescriptions for long-term conditions.

Using the ED for non-emergency care also places pressure on an already stretched system, reducing capacity for patients with genuine emergencies.

What About After-Hours Care?

If you need GP care outside of normal clinic hours, you have several options:

• Telehealth — Many GP conditions can be managed via a video or phone consultation. Visit mygponline.com.au for telehealth GP consultations available extended hours
• After-hours GP clinics — Some Family Doctor clinics offer extended opening hours, including evenings and weekends. Check your local clinic’s hours
• Home Doctor Service — The National Home Doctor Service (13SICK) provides after-hours home visits
• Healthdirect — Call 1800 022 222 for 24/7 health advice from a registered nurse

When Telehealth Is the Right Choice

Telehealth has transformed access to GP care in Australia, particularly for patients in regional and rural areas, or those who cannot travel easily due to illness, disability, or work commitments.

A telehealth GP consultation is appropriate for:

• Cold, flu, and respiratory symptoms where you have been seen at the practice before
• Mental health concerns — initial consultation or ongoing management
• Prescription renewals for stable, ongoing conditions
• Medical certificates
• Reviewing test results
• Follow-up consultations after in-person appointments

Telehealth is not appropriate for conditions requiring a physical examination, diagnostic imaging, or urgent intervention. Visit mygponline.com.au to book a telehealth consultation with an experienced Australian GP.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go to the ED without a referral?

Yes. Emergency departments do not require a referral. However, if your condition is not a genuine emergency, you will be triaged accordingly and may face a long wait.

What is the triage system used in Australian hospitals?

Australian emergency departments use the Australasian Triage Scale (ATS), which categorises patients from Category 1 (immediate life threat) to Category 5 (non-urgent). Non-urgent patients are seen last, regardless of arrival time.

Can a GP treat me for a sports injury?

Yes, for most sports injuries a GP is the right first port of call. They can assess whether imaging (X-ray, MRI) is needed, refer you to a physiotherapist, and manage pain. Go to the ED only if there is severe trauma, suspected fracture, or neurovascular compromise.

Is a GP or ED better for mental health crises?

For immediate risk to your life or the life of others, call 000 or go to the ED. For non-acute mental health concerns — including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts without immediate risk — your GP is the best starting point. They can assess you, create a Mental Health Treatment Plan, and refer you to a psychologist under Medicare.

Book at Your Nearest Family Doctor Clinic

Family Doctor operates over 128 GP clinics across Australia. If your concern can be managed by a GP, we are here to help — often with same-day appointments available.

Find and book your nearest Family Doctor clinic