Seeing a doctor, specialist or health professional
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Doctors and other health professionals are often our first point of contact with the healthcare system. Identifying the different professional roles in healthcare, learning the language of healthcare and finding new ways to approach consultations are some of the key features of these pages. You will find information for yourself as well as information to help you help someone else you are caring for.
Information in your language
Information in your language about the Australian health
- Doctors (GP) – how to make a complaint
If you feel uneasy about the conduct of your doctor, it may be a warning sign that something is wrong.
- Informed consent for medical treatment
You have a legal right to know all the facts about your health problem and any treatment.
- Making and managing health and medical appointments
To get the most out of your medical appointments, it’s important to prepare well, book early and write down any questions you may have.
- Preparing for a health or medical appointment
Get the most out of your consultation by preparing for your health or medical appointment.
- Second opinions
You have the right to ask a doctor for a second opinion if you are unsure about your doctor's suggested medical treatment or a diagnosis.
- Talking with your doctor about sensitive issues
Building a strong, trusting relationship with your doctor can make it easier to talk with them about sensitive issues.
- VicKey: Your hospital care portal
VicKey is a secure patient portal that hospitals use to talk to patients about upcoming surgery and specialist care. Find out how to register and access your details.
- After-hours healthcare options
For unexpected after-hours medical issues, there are telephone helplines, pharmacies, after-hours medical clinics or doctors who can visit you at home.
- Calling an ambulance
In a medical emergency, call triple zero (000) for assistance.
- Community Pharmacist Program
The Community Pharmacist Program allows people in Victoria to get oral contraception (the pill) and treatment for urinary tract infections (UTI) at a local pharmacy without needing to see a doctor.
- Emergency department - what to expect
You are treated as soon as possible in an emergency department, but someone who arrived after you may be seen earlier if necessary.
- Rural Urgent Care Centres
Rural urgent care centres are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are staffed by registered nurses, who provide initial assessment and treatment for any health concern.
- Urgent Care Clinics
Urgent Care Clinics provide care for people with conditions that require urgent attention but not an emergency response. Find your nearest clinic
- Virtual Emergency Care
The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department is a free virtual care service operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone in Victoria.
- Who to call in a crisis
Immediate telephone assistance is available for all kinds of emergencies.
- Community Pharmacist Program
The Community Pharmacist Program allows people in Victoria to get oral contraception (the pill) and treatment for urinary tract infections (UTI) at a local pharmacy without needing to see a doctor.
- Patient-centred care explained
Patient-centred care, also known as ‘person-centred care’, is about treating the person receiving the care in the way they want to be treated.
- Paying for healthcare
Ask your doctor and healthcare providers what you will be charged for each new service, what is covered by Medicare and what is included in your healthcare plan.
- Primary healthcare explained
Primary healthcare is the first contact a person has with the health care system when they have a health problem. This is usually your general practitioner (GP) or pharmacist.
- Types of doctors and health professionals
Doctors and other health professionals all have a different role to play in your healthcare.
- Urgent Care Clinics
Urgent Care Clinics provide care for people with conditions that require urgent attention but not an emergency response. Find your nearest clinic
- Virtual Emergency Care
The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department is a free virtual care service operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone in Victoria.
- Working with your healthcare team
If you see a number of healthcare professionals, it is important to tell them about any other healthcare services you are using.
- Aboriginal women's health clinic
The Aboriginal women's health clinic is a free, dedicated health service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in Victoria. It provides culturally safe holistic care.
- Children’s Health and Wellbeing Locals
Children’s Health and Wellbeing Locals provide health and wellbeing support for children aged zero to 11 and their families and carers.
- Community Pharmacist Program
The Community Pharmacist Program allows people in Victoria to get oral contraception (the pill) and treatment for urinary tract infections (UTI) at a local pharmacy without needing to see a doctor.
- Doctors (GP) – how to make a complaint
If you feel uneasy about the conduct of your doctor, it may be a warning sign that something is wrong.
- Mobile women's health clinic
The mobile women's health clinic services rural and regional Victoria. It has services for women's health, sexual and reproductive health, and health education and support.
- Nurse-on-Call - 1300 60 60 24
Nurse-on-Call is a free, confidential telephone helpline that provides immediate, expert health advice from a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Pregnancy and birthing services for different language or cultural needs
If you are pregnant and have specific cultural or language needs, the first step is to notify your local maternity hospital about your requirements.
- Urgent Care Clinics
Urgent Care Clinics provide care for people with conditions that require urgent attention but not an emergency response. Find your nearest clinic
- VicKey: Your hospital care portal
VicKey is a secure patient portal that hospitals use to talk to patients about upcoming surgery and specialist care. Find out how to register and access your details.
- Virtual Emergency Care
The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department is a free virtual care service operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone in Victoria.
- Virtual women's health clinic
The virtual women's health clinic offers free, confidential telehealth support for women's health issues. Women, girls, and gender diverse people can access free appointments without referrals.
- Women's health clinics
Women's health clinics are for all women, girls and gender diverse people living in Victoria. Referrals will be required for most services.
- Informed consent for medical treatment
You have a legal right to know all the facts about your health problem and any treatment.
- Preparing for surgery
Preparing for surgery is important. Maximising your recovery will depend on how you prepare for surgery.
- Second opinions
You have the right to ask a doctor for a second opinion if you are unsure about your doctor's suggested medical treatment or a diagnosis.
- Seeing a complementary health practitioner
It is important that you tell your doctor about any complementary medicine products and therapies you are using.
- Seeing a dentist or dental health practitioner
There are a range of dental services available to assist you with any dental health problems you or your family may have.
- Seeing a doctor or general practitioner (GP)
Your local doctor or general practitioner (GP) is your first point of call for non-emergency and preventative medical care during clinic hours.
- Seeing a specialist
Medical specialists are doctors who have completed advanced education and training in a specific area of medicine.
- Seeing an allied health professional
Allied health professionals are university-trained health practitioners who work as part of your healthcare team.
- Understanding Medicare
Medicare is Australia’s national public health insurance, providing free or subsidised healthcare to all Australians and most permanent residents.
- Urgent Care Clinics
Urgent Care Clinics provide care for people with conditions that require urgent attention but not an emergency response. Find your nearest clinic
- Dietitians
Dietitians offer advice on food choices to help people improve their health and general wellbeing.
- Speech pathologists
Speech pathologists help people who have problems with communication and swallowing.
- Victorian Eyecare Service
The Victorian Eyecare Service provides low-cost eye care to eligible people.
Reviewed on: 23-02-2022