Registering with a GP in Australia: Medicare, bulk billing and first visits

Why register with a regular GP

In Australia, a GP (General Practitioner) is your first point of contact for almost all healthcare needs — from minor illnesses to referrals for specialists, mental health plans, chronic disease management and vaccinations. Unlike some countries where patients attend whichever clinic is nearest, having a regular GP you see consistently produces better health outcomes: your doctor knows your history, current medications and past results.

Many government health programs — including Mental Health Care Plans, diabetes management plans and cervical screening — require an established GP relationship to access. Registering early, before you are unwell, means you have continuity of care when you need it most.

What to bring to your first appointment

Essential documents:

Medicare card — even if it is brand new, bring it to every appointment. If your card has not yet arrived, bring your Medicare enrolment letter or the number shown in your myGov account.
Photo ID — a driver’s licence or passport.
List of current medications — including dosage, or the physical packaging.
Previous medical records — any discharge summaries, specialist letters or vaccination records from overseas. Ask the practice if they can receive electronic documents in advance.
Referral letters (if applicable) — for appointments where a referral already exists.

If English is not your preferred language, let the practice know when booking. They may have GPs who speak your language, or can arrange a TIS National phone interpreter (free for GP consultations at participating services).

How bulk billing works

Bulk billing means the GP charges the government’s Medicare schedule fee directly to Medicare — you pay nothing out of pocket.

Not every GP bulk bills, and availability varies significantly by location: suburban and outer-metropolitan areas often have more bulk-billing options than inner-city practices. To find a bulk-billing GP near you:

Go to healthdirect.gov.au → “Find a health service” → select GP → filter by “Bulk billing”.
Filter by postcode, language spoken and whether the practice is accepting new patients.

If a GP does not bulk bill, you pay a gap fee — the difference between what the GP charges and the Medicare rebate. For a standard consultation this gap is typically $30–$70, though it varies by practice and consultation length.

Making the appointment

Once you have chosen a practice:

Call the practice to confirm they are accepting new patients and ask whether they bulk bill.
Book online — many practices use HotDoc (hotdoc.com.au) or HealthEngine; some also book via MyMedicare.
Request a standard consultation (under 20 minutes) for a routine first visit. Book a long consultation if you have multiple concerns or want to discuss a management plan.

Telehealth (phone or video) appointments are Medicare-eligible and available at many practices — useful if you are unwell or cannot travel easily.

What happens at the appointment

Your first visit typically covers:

Introduction to the practice’s processes and how to contact them after hours.
Review of your current health, medications and medical history.
Update of your vaccination status — the GP may recommend catching up on any vaccines not already received.
Discussion of any immediate health concerns.
Registration in MyMedicare (if the practice participates) — this formally links you to that practice and can give you access to longer telehealth consultations.

Bring any overseas vaccination records so the GP can note what you have already received and advise on anything recommended under Australia’s National Immunisation Program.

After-hours and urgent care

If you need urgent advice when the practice is closed:

Healthdirect 1800 022 222 — free 24/7 nurse advice line.
After-hours GP clinics — some practices operate extended hours; search healthdirect.gov.au.
Urgent care centres — for non-life-threatening issues that cannot wait for a GP.
Emergency department (000) — for life-threatening emergencies only.

Your regular GP is the right first call for almost everything that is not an emergency; building that relationship early makes navigating the system much simpler.