What to Bring to Your First GP Appointment

Whether you’ve moved to a new area, changed jobs, or simply decided it’s time to see a doctor, your first appointment at a new general practice sets the foundation for your future care. A little preparation makes the appointment more productive and helps your new GP understand your health history from day one.

The Essential Checklist

Medicare card

Your Medicare card is the most important item to bring. It allows the clinic to bill Medicare directly (if bulk billing applies) or to process your rebate immediately after your visit. If you don’t have your physical card, you can access it in the Express Plus Medicare app on your phone.

Photo ID

Driver’s licence, passport, or student ID. Most clinics will verify your identity on your first visit as part of setting up your patient record.

Concession or health care card (if applicable)

If you’re a pensioner, concession card holder, DVA card holder, or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holder, bring the card. Many clinics offer reduced fees or bulk billing for concession patients — check your clinic’s fees page to confirm current policy.

List of current medications

Write down (or photograph):

• Every prescription medication you take, including dose and frequency
• Over-the-counter medications you take regularly (e.g., paracetamol, antihistamines)
• Vitamins and supplements
• Any herbal or traditional remedies you use

If it’s easier, bring the actual medication boxes. Your GP needs this to avoid dangerous drug interactions and to understand what’s already working for you.

Known allergies

Bring a written list of any drug allergies, food allergies, or reactions to vaccines. Be specific — note what the reaction was (rash, anaphylaxis, nausea) and when it happened.

Relevant medical history

Request your records from your previous GP or use My Health Record, which consolidates immunisation records, recent pathology results, hospital discharge summaries, and medication history in one place. Your new GP can access this directly with your permission.

Immunisation records

For children especially, bring the blue book or download the immunisation history statement from Medicare. This helps your GP identify any overdue or missing vaccinations.

Emergency contact details

Name, phone number, and relationship of someone the clinic can contact in an emergency.

Prepare a List of Questions

Your first appointment is your chance to introduce your health history and any current concerns. Writing your questions down beforehand prevents forgetting something important. Typical questions to consider:

• Are there any health checks I’m overdue for based on my age and history?
• Should I change or review any of my current medications?
• What preventive screening do you recommend for someone with my family history?
• Do you have a preferred way to communicate results (portal, email, SMS, phone)?
• What do I do if I need urgent care outside opening hours?
• Do you offer telehealth appointments for follow-ups?

Book a Longer Appointment

Standard GP appointments are around 15 minutes. For a first visit, that’s rarely enough time for the GP to take a full history, review your medications, understand your health goals, and examine anything that’s concerning you.

Ask for a long appointment when you book. Most clinics offer 30-minute slots with a slightly higher fee but the consultation is much more thorough. If you have multiple concerns, this small investment pays off — and Medicare rebates scale with consultation length, so the out-of-pocket difference is usually modest.

What to Expect During the Consultation

Your new GP will typically:

• Confirm your personal and Medicare details
• Take a detailed medical history (childhood illnesses, surgeries, chronic conditions, family history)
• Review your current medications and allergies
• Perform basic checks (blood pressure, weight, maybe height and waist measurement)
• Discuss lifestyle factors (diet, exercise, alcohol, smoking, sleep)
• Address any specific concerns you’ve raised
• Recommend next steps — whether that’s a follow-up appointment, pathology tests, preventive screening, or a referral

After Your Appointment

Before you leave:

• Pay at reception (if private billing) or confirm Medicare bulk billing
• Collect any referrals, prescriptions, or pathology requests
• Book any follow-up appointment needed
• Ask how results will be communicated and when
• Check the clinic’s cancellation and rescheduling policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring anything if I’ve booked online?

Yes. Online booking only reserves your appointment time — you still need your Medicare card, photo ID, and anything from the checklist above.

What if I’ve never seen a GP before?

Bring photo ID, your Medicare card, and anything you know about your family medical history. Your GP will build your record from scratch and guide you through the visit.

Can I see a different GP at the same clinic next time?

Yes. Your records stay at the clinic and any GP in the practice can access them. However, continuity of care (seeing the same GP each time) is generally better for managing ongoing health issues.

What should I bring for a child’s first GP visit?

The blue book, their Medicare card (or yours if they’re enrolled under you), a written list of any medications, and details of past illnesses or surgeries. If breastfed, bring a note of any maternal medications.

Book Your First Appointment

Find your nearest Family Doctor clinic and book a long appointment online. Every Family Doctor clinic is fully GP-owned and GP-operated, so the doctor you see is invested in your long-term care.