What is a GP?

Everyone should have a local doctor (also called a general practitioner). A general practitioner (GP) is trained to look after your health throughout your life. They are trained to deal with all types of health issues.

Many GPs have special interests. You may want to find a GP with a special interest in paediatrics (child health).

Your GP is usually the first health professional to call if your baby is unwell. Babies and young children often need to visit their GP.

When should my baby see a GP?

Regular check-ups

Your baby needs regular check-ups with your GP or a child health nurse to check their growth and development.

The Australian Government suggests that your child has a health check at:

• 18 months
• 2 years
• 3 years
• 4 years

If needed, your GP can refer your baby to other specialists and health professionals.

Illness and other health conditions

Your baby may need to see a GP if they are sick or have an ongoing health condition.

Your GP can also help support you, and help you adjust to becoming a parent.

If you are concerned about your baby’s symptoms, you can use healthdirect's online Symptom Checker.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

If you are worried that your baby is sick, take them to your GP or nearest hospital emergency department.

Vaccinations

Your GP can give your baby their routine childhood immunisations. Vaccination helps to protect them from serious childhood infections. Getting your child immunised also helps protect the health of other people in your family and community.

In Australia, routine childhood immunisations are free of charge through the National Immunisation Program. However, your GP may still charge a fee for your visit. You should check the cost when you make an appointment.

How do I find a GP?

Ask your family and friends to suggest a GP. You can also use the Pregnancy, Birth and Baby service finder to find a GP near you.

Learn more about finding the right health professional for you.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

What should I consider when looking for a GP?

When looking for a GP, you may want to consider:

• where the GP works
• if you can get there easily
• if the GP practice is near public transport
• if parking is available
• the opening hours of the GP practice
• do they speak a language other than English

While medical centres often have longer hours, you won’t always see the same GP. However, continuity of care (seeing the same GP at every appointment) may be important for your baby. This is particularly true if they have a chronic condition.

It’s important to arrive on time for your appointment. Make sure that you allow plenty of time to get there.

When you make your appointment, you may want to ask if a stroller can easily get into the building.

What do I need to visit a GP?

You usually need to book an appointment before you take your baby to see a GP. You can do this by phone and sometimes online.

If you think that your baby needs to see your doctor urgently, tell the receptionist when you make the appointment. Ask for a longer appointment if you want to talk about more than one issue.

You may want to consider a telehealth appointment. This will depend on why your baby needs to see a GP.

You will need to take your child’s Medicare card and infant health record with you. The infant health record has different names depending on where you live in Australia. It’s also called a:

• blue book
• green book
• purple book
• red book

It’s important to call and cancel your appointment if you can’t make it. Be sure to make a new appointment.

What should I expect during an appointment with a GP?

If you visit a GP because your baby is sick, they will ask about your baby’s symptoms. If your baby’s symptoms come and go, you may want to show your GP.

Your GP will also examine your baby. They may ask about your family medical history.

You can ask questions about any treatments or tests your GP suggests.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

What does it cost to visit a GP?

In Australia, Medicare pays, or partially pays, for visits to your GP. If your GP bulk bills, this means they only charge the amount that Medicare covers. And you won't have to pay anything.

Some GPs charge more than the Medicare rebate. In this case, Medicare will cover part of the cost. You will need to pay the rest of the cost. This is called a ‘gap fee’ or ‘out-of-pocket cost’.

If you are not covered by Medicare or another arrangement, you'll need to pay the full cost.

What other services are available?

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics offer bulk-billed healthcare without an appointment. This is for medical problems that are urgent but not life-threatening. Learn more about Medicare Urgent Care Clinics.

Your pharmacist can advise you about many aspects of your child’s physical and mental health. Pharmacists also sell over-the-counter medicines, perform some health checks and give some vaccinations. Find out more about getting the most out of your pharmacist.

If you need to see someone after your GP or pharmacist has closed, you can call after-hours services. Learn more about after-hours health services.

Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS)

Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) are based in Aboriginal Communities. They aim to offer culturally appropriate healthcare to the community.

You may want to take your baby to an ACCHS if you or your baby are Aboriginal.

You can find your nearest ACCHs on the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) map.

Living in rural and remote areas

It can be harder to find a GP if you live in a rural or remote area of Australia. The Royal Flying Doctor Service provides a service to some regions.

In other places, your baby may need to travel to get treatment. This can be complicated and costly.

Hospital emergency departments

Many hospitals in Australia have emergency departments. These are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They give emergency treatment to people who have serious illnesses or injuries.

Take your baby to a hospital emergency department if they are seriously hurt or sick.

Resources and support

Speak to your child health nurse or doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your baby or child.

To check if your GP is registered, you can visit the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) site.

For help with support services in your language, call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450.